The Clans Are Finally Headed to the Small Screen
It is the news that millions of fans have been waiting for. After years of speculation and fan-made projects, the beloved Warrior Cats book series is officially making its way to Disney+ and Disney Channel. Disney announced this week that they have secured a deal with the Coolabi Group to bring the feline fantasy world to life as an animated series, with a projected release window of 2028.
This is a major milestone for a franchise that has dominated the children’s fantasy genre for over two decades. Since the first book debuted in 2003, the series has grown into a massive publishing phenomenon with over 90 million books sold worldwide. This new collaboration marks the first authorized animation of the property, and it is going straight to the heart of the lore by adapting the original six-book arc: Warrior Cats: The Prophecies Begin.
A Creative Powerhouse at the Helm
Disney is clearly not taking this project lightly, as they have assembled a team of industry veterans to ensure the wild world of ThunderClan, ShadowClan, WindClan, and RiverClan looks its best. The showrunner for the series is A.C. Bradley, who fans will recognize for her incredible work on Ms. Marvel and Marvel’s What If? on Disney+.
Directing the series is Rodrigo Blaas, an Emmy-winning talent with a resume that includes Pixar staples like Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Ratatouille. Blaas is working in collaboration with El Guiri Studios and the animation studio Original Force to develop the CG look for the series. This blend of expertise suggests that the show will balance the intense action and emotional depth that the book series is famous for.
Why This Matters for Disney+ Fans
The addition of Warrior Cats represents a strategic move for Disney Kids & Family as they look to capture the attention of the young adult and fantasy-loving audience. The franchise already has a staggering digital footprint, including nearly 3 billion views on TikTok and over 735 million plays on its official Roblox game, Warrior Cats: Ultimate Edition. By bringing this built-in fanbase to Disney+, the streaming service is positioning itself to host the next big “must-watch” animated epic.
For parents and long-time readers, the series offers a deep, character-driven story about survival, honor, and loyalty. Following the journey of Rusty, a domestic house cat who leaves his comfortable life to join the wild ThunderClan, provides a perfect entry point for newcomers to the series while honoring the source material that has been a New York Times bestseller for 20 years.
What to Expect Next
While 2028 seems like a long way off, the production is already well underway. Disney has noted that this series will be a central part of their future animated lineup. Here is what we know about the upcoming production so far:
- Target Platform: Disney+ and Disney Channel.
- Storyline: A faithful adaptation of the first six books (The Prophecies Begin).
- Global Reach: The series will also air on Tencent Video platforms across China and Southeast Asia.
- Merchandise: Official Warrior Cats toys have already begun appearing at U.S. retail locations in 2026, building momentum for the show’s eventual debut.
This series has the potential to be a defining franchise for Disney’s animated catalog. We will be keeping a close eye on further announcements, including voice cast reveals and teaser trailers, as the production progresses.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.