In the works for Disney+, Disney Television Animation is developing an animated anthology series titled “The Witchverse,” with Deadline reporting today that the project is “based on Baobab’s Emmy-winning VR experience and animated short film Baba Yaga.”
Deadline further details, “The Witchverse is described as a global celebration of the international cultural phenomena of witches, their magic and their universal connection to nature. Each witch-i-sode will comically explore and upend common misconceptions surrounding global witch mythology and lore from a mélange of cultures and perspectives around the world.
“The Baba Yaga VR experience and animated short is a contemporary portrayal of Baba Yaga, one of the most popular characters in Eastern European/Slavic folklore, an enigmatic witch who uses her powers to stop villagers whose settlement encroaches upon her enchanted forest. The immersive experience features 2D pop-up animation, as well as hand-drawn and stop-motion styles and explores themes of empowerment and environmentalism. Baba Yaga will serve as a starting point for episode one of the new series.”
“We’re inspired by Baobab’s bold creative vision that redefines, deepens and expands storytelling about witches in a way that is transformative and entertaining and filled with humor and heart,” Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television, said in a statement.