Mattel, Inc. announced today that its all-new animated children’s series Deepa & Anoop will debut on Netflix on August 16. Created by acclaimed Bollywood animator Munjal Shroff (Shortcut Safari), accomplished writer Lisa Goldman (Dragon Tales) and award-winning producer Heather Kenyon (Doki Adventures), Deepa & Anoop is Mattel Television’s first animated series based on original intellectual property.
The colorful, music-driven series follows the adventures of seven-year-old Deepa and her best friend Anoop, a half-ton, color-changing baby elephant. The dynamic duo, self-appointed “concierges of fun,” makes everything bigger, grander and more wonderful for guests at Mango Manor, the bed and breakfast run by Deepa’s multigenerational family.
Enjoying a Bollywood number in every episode, Deepa creates music, merriment and mischief while working with the rambunctious Anoop to solve the simplest of problems with the most imaginative of solutions.
With a strong focus on the authenticity of Deepa’s Indian heritage, Deepa & Anoop includes 18 original song and dance performances, several of which are presented in the Bollywood tradition. The main cast is voiced by actors of Indian descent, including Pavan Bharaj as Deepa, Veena Sood (The Twilight Zone) as Naani-ji and Ana Sani (The Magic School Bus) as Mama.
“While Mattel is well-known for developing entertainment content based on our fan-favorite brands, we’re excited to partner with Netflix to bring audiences a heartwarming, all-new series based on original IP,” said Fred Soulie, Senior Vice President & General Manager at Mattel Television. “Later this summer, fans will be delighted as Deepa and her best friend Anoop take on exciting challenges and lead colorful musical numbers that illustrate the importance of friendship. Deepa & Anoop is sure to make an impact on audiences globally.”
In addition to this original series, Mattel continues to expand its roster of beloved brands well beyond the toy aisle and into the television and film space. More than 30 of Mattel’s beloved brands — including Barbie, Masters of the Universe, Thomas & Friends, Polly Pocket, Monster High, Fireman Sam, Bob the Builder and Hot Wheels, to name a few — have come to life in various animated series, movies, specials and digital short-form. Deepa & Anoop, however, marks Mattel’s first-ever animated series based entirely on an original story and original characters.
“We have been lucky to work alongside best-in-class advisors and consultants during every stage of Deepa & Anoop’s development,” said Christopher Keenan, Senior Vice President of Creative at Mattel Television. “Our hope is that young audiences around the world will find this heartwarming series as authentic as they do relatable. We could not be more proud or excited that Deepa & Anoop is Mattel’s first original series based on all-new IP.”
The debut season of Deepa & Anoop includes 11 30-minute episodes and two 22-minute specials. The series is executive produced by Mattel Television’s Soulie and Keenan.
