Disney Channel Preparing to Launch Lionel Messi-Inspired Animated Series

It appears that animation is imitating Lionel Messi’s life…

An animated series inspired by the 37-year-old Argentine professional futbol superstar’s life will soon premiere on the Disney Channel after Disney Branded Television acquired Messi and the Giants from Sony Music Vision and Sony Pictures Television – Kids.

Lionel MessiThe sci-fi animated show follows a 12-year-old boy named Leo, who is transported from his home in Argentina into an alternate universe.

The series will demonstrate how the character faces adversity, builds a team, and discovers how to become a hero.

“I always dreamed of being involved in a project that would share the values of sports, the very same values that have been so important to my career, with younger generations,” Messi expressed in a press release. “Nothing truly is impossible with teamwork, perseverance, discipline, and hard work. I look forward to sharing this series with kids around the world, and I hope I will inspire them and motivate them to achieve their own dreams. Ever since I was a kid, I always loved animated series, and I look forward to watching this series with my own kids.”

Each episode of Messi and the Giants is 22-minutes long and will premiere on Disney Channel, followed by Disney Channel On Demand and globally on DIsney+, and will be available in English, Spanish and other languages.

“Football — or soccer as we call it in the United States — is the world’s most beloved sport, uniting and captivating millions of fans of all ages,” noted Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television. “We are proud to work with Lionel Messi and Sony Pictures Television to bring Messi and the Giants to our passionate, global kids’ audience. We know that its themes of family, friendship, and teamwork will resonate with not only football enthusiasts but everyone everywhere who loves a great story.”

“It’s been a privilege to team with Leo and our colleagues at Sony Music on this first-time collaboration,” Joe D’Ambrosia, EVP and general manager, Sony Pictures Television – Kids added. “We’re thrilled that Disney is giving a global platform to this fun take on a classic tale and look forward to launching a global consumer products and branded partnerships program alongside the show’s debut.”

“There is an incredible team all working together on this project, with Leo’s magic as the inspiration behind it all,” said Afo Verde, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Latin Iberia. “We are thrilled that Disney has now joined our roster to help bring this imaginative series to audiences and inspire fans all around the world.”

To date, Messi is the only athlete in the world to win eight Ballon d’Or Awards and six Golden Boots. In July, he joined the MLS team Inter Miami.

Guy Toubes will serve as executive producer, and Atlantis Animation, and director Dan Creteur will serve as the show’s animation studio.

The series was developed by Toubes and Creteur under the creative direction of Sony Music Vision and SPT – Kids, in partnership with Messi.

Sony Music Vision Producing Biopic About the Late Rocio Durcal

Art will soon be imitating the life of the late Rocío Durcal

Nearly two decades after her passing, the legacy of the Spanish singer and actress, nicknamed the “Queen of Rancheras,” is heading to the big screen in a biopic.

Rocio Durcal,Produced by Sony Music Vision, in partnership with Sony Music Mexico and Dean Altit of Altit Media Group, the biopic will chart how Dúrcal began her career in her native Spain before going on to become a hit in Mexico and one of Spain’s most celebrated singers across the Atlantic.

Known for Spanish-language hits including “La Gata Bajo la Lluvia,” “Déjame Vivir” and “Amor Eterno,” Durcal received a special Latin Grammy for Musical Excellence in 2005, as well as three Grammy nominations and three Latin Grammy nominations.

She also appeared in 20 films, recorded more than 20 albums, garnered more than 11 billion audio and video streams worldwide and sold more than 40 million albums.

Rocio Durcal,Roberto López, president of Sony Music Mexico, said: “We are proud to pay a very deserving tribute to Rocío Dúrcal’s career by celebrating her legacy and ensuring that her cultural impact remains intact in the industry and society. Additionally, this movie is the best way to introduce the new division of Sony Music Vision in México to the world.”

López added that “in partnership with Altit Media Group, our goal is to produce a fiction film that reaches both Dúrcal’s existing fans and helps her music find new audiences around the world.”

“It is an unimaginable honor to see the story of our mother, a woman who left an indelible mark on the world of music and cinema, come to life on the big screen,” affirmed Shaila Dúrcal and Carmen Morales, the artist’s two daughters.

They continued: “Nearly two decades after her passing, this film is a tribute to her legacy, and we hope it encourages new generations to discover and appreciate the immense talent and passion with which she lived her life.”

No details have been revealed as yet about start date or casting.