Gustavo the Ghost Comes to Life: New Animated Series by Mercury Filmworks

Mercury Filmworks is developing a 2D animated comedy series based on Flavia Z. Drago’s “The World of Gustavo,” featuring characters like Gustavo the Ghost, Leila the Witch, and Vlad the Vampire in a whimsical setting. The series aims to retain the charm of the books while addressing themes of friendship and bravery across 52 episodes, led by showrunner Robert C. Ramirez.

Mercury Filmworks, renowned for enchanting children’s shows like Netflix’s “Hilda” and Disney’s “The Lion Guard,” is embarking on a thrilling new journey as they bring Flavia Z. Drago’s enchanting book series, “The World of Gustavo,” to life as a 2D animated comedy series. At the heart of this adaptation lies “Gustavo, the Shy Ghost,” a tale that captured the hearts of readers and achieved New York Times bestseller status shortly after its launch in 2020 through Trustbridge Global Media’s Walker Books/Candlewick Press. Set in the whimsical, otherworldly enclave of Calavera Cove, the series follows the endearing Gustavo the Ghost and his lively companions—Leila the Witch and Vlad the Vampire. Each character brims with their unique supernatural abilities that mirror their personalities. Spanning 52 delightful 11-minute episodes, the show promises to weave a tapestry of laughter and adventure as they tackle everyday challenges with their extraordinary skills. Leading the charge as showrunner is Robert C. Ramirez, a name familiar to fans for his previous contributions to animated classics including “Mickey’s Tale of Two Witches” and “Clifford’s Really Big Movie,” among others. Ramirez’s keen storytelling eye and directorial expertise in shows such as “The Powerpuff Girls” and “Chip ‘n Dale’s Nutty Tales,” positions him perfectly to helm this magical journey. Mercury Filmworks and Trustbridge Entertainment are set to unveil “Gustavo” at MIPCOM/MIPJunior in Cannes, generating quite the buzz. “We’re excited to work with Trustbridge to adapt Flavia’s zany, offbeat world of Gustavo into this new preschool series that we like to describe as the ‘paranormal Peanuts gang meets My Little Ghoulish Pony,’” said Chantal Ling, vice president at Mercury Filmworks. This vibrant fusion aims to preserve the charm of the original books while encapsulating themes of bravery, loneliness, and the importance of friendship, all peppered with just the right amount of spookiness. Bob Higgins, president of Trustbridge Entertainment, echoed this excitement, stating, “We can’t wait to introduce Gustavo to fans who already know and love Flavia’s books as well as those who will be meeting Gustavo and his friends for the first time.” Drago herself expressed her pride in seeing her creations transformed onscreen, sharing, “The amazing teams at Trustbridge and Mercury have truly outdone themselves, capturing the heart of the books and characters… I can’t wait for more people to feel the same excitement that I do! With a creative blend of humor, heart, and hints of the uncanny, the world of Gustavo beckons young viewers into a realm where spookiness meets laughter, promising to be a delightful series for all ages.

In a landscape bursting with children’s content, adapting beloved children’s literature into animated series presents a unique opportunity to engage young audiences while retaining the spirit of the source material. Mercury Filmworks, with a track record of successful adaptations, steps into this creative arena bringing the charming and supernatural tones of Flavia Z. Drago’s books. The story of Gustavo the Ghost, which combines humor with themes of friendship and personal growth, stands poised to resonate with kids and parents alike.

The adaptation of “The World of Gustavo” into a series is a promising endeavor that aims to enchant both existing fans of the books and new viewers. With a stellar team at the helm and a narrative rooted in friendship and courage, the show is set to deliver a perfect blend of spooky fun and relatable life lessons, ensuring it captures hearts across generations.

Original Source: variety.com