The Gold Coast’s viral animal duo are getting their own animated series, with Peggy and Molly at the centre of a new Australian children’s production.
The real-life friendship between English Staffy Peggy and Australian magpie Molly is the inspiration for Peggy & Molly – The Animated Series, a new series being developed by Bigtoon Animations.
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The series is set in the fictional suburb of Merbark Bay, based on locations on the Gold Coast where Peggy, Molly and Peggy’s daughter Ruby live, and will expand on the story audiences have followed across social media.
Alongside the three central characters, the series introduces a colourful cast including Charlie the cavoodle, Echo the gecko and Lord Nelson the rooster, who has appointed himself mayor.
A very Australian voice cast
The series has also assembled a large line-up of Australian comedy and entertainment names to provide the voices.
Jane Hall, Jimeoin, Lawrence Mooney, Ben Price, Bev Killick, Jim Jefferies, Sam Taunton, Peter Helliar, Alice Fraser, Nikki Osborne, The Umbilical Brothers, Mahalia Browne, Mike Goldstein, Morry Morgan and Cosentino are among the cast.
Queensland-based Channel 9 A Current Affair reporter Brigitte O’Brien will also feature as the series narrator.
Creator and Bigtoon Animation Head of Studio Ken Cantrill said the comedians had been encouraged to bring their own interpretation to the characters.
“Having comedians as voice actors brings strong timing, unique character voices, improvisation and genuine audience connection.”
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The series is being developed for children aged seven to 11, with 52 11-minute episodes planned.
From viral videos to animated adventures
Peggy and Molly’s story began when Gold Coast couple Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen discovered an abandoned magpie chick while walking Peggy.
After taking the bird home and nursing it back to health, Molly formed a strong bond with Peggy and eventually began treating the Staffy as her mother.
Videos of the unlikely pair playing, sharing meals and spending time together went viral, helping the duo build more than 2.5 million followers across social media.
Peggy’s daughter Ruby later joined the family, with the three becoming the focus of the online community that has now inspired the animated series.
Wells said the new series remains centred on the themes that connected audiences with the original story.
“At its heart, this story is about love, kindness, acceptance, and embracing our differences.”
The first teaser trailer was unveiled at a Gold Coast launch event attended by more than 400 fans and guests, with the full broadcast details for Peggy & Molly – The Animated Series still to be announced.
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Watch the teaser trailer in the player below.
Broadcast details for Peggy & Molly – The Animated Series will be announced soon.
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