Magic Light Pictures and BBC Children’s and Education have unveiled the cast for Zog,  the new 52×11’ CG animated comedy-adventure series for pre-school audiences.

The series follows the adventures of big-hearted dragon Zog alongside Doctor Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout the Great, as they soar across the land treating all their fantastical friends. It’s based on the award-winning films ‘Zog’ and ‘Zog and the Flying Doctors’ and books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

The series builds on the success of the International Emmy-winning special Zog (2018) and its sequel Zog and the Flying Doctors (2020). The films have amassed over 30 million views on BBC iPlayer and sold to more than 100 territories globally.

Leading the cast as the adventurous trio Zog, Pearl and Gadabout are Samson Kayo (Bloods, Famalam, Voltron), Patsy Ferran (Miss Austen, Mickey 17, and the upcoming Charlie Kaufman film Later the War), and Will Merrick (Skins, F1).

The series is due to launch this spring, having been commissioned by BBC Children’s and Education for CBeebies and BBC iPlayer, alongside German public broadcaster ZDF, with the support of Creative Scotland. BBC Studios Kids & Family will manage global distribution, and licensing outside the UK and Europe, while Magic Light Pictures continues to represent Zog alongside its wider Gruffalo & Friends programme in the UK and Europe.

The series is directed by Sarah Scrimgeour (Tabby McTat, Superworm), produced by Vici King (Pip and Posy) and executive produced by Martin Pope and Michael Rose, co-founders of Magic Light Pictures. The head writer is Matt Baker (Pip and Posy, The Rubbish World of Dave Spud).

“Zog has already captured the hearts of millions through the books and animated films. This delightful new adventure marks the first full series on the BBC from the outstanding minds of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, building on the amazing specials that air each year and are so loved by children and families,” said Kate Morton, Senior Head of Children’s Commissioning 0-6, BBC Children’s and Education. “By expanding Zog’s universe with fresh characters, new locations and original storylines, Magic Light has created a warm, funny and adventurous series that feels both familiar and completely new. We’re so pleased to bring this next chapter of Zog to life for CBeebies and iPlayer audiences.”

Martin Pope and Michael Rose, co-founders of Magic Light Pictures, said: “Taking Julia and Axel’s extraordinary characters on these new adventures is a great privilege and we hope they will delight children and families all over the world. We’re thrilled to be working with such an amazing voice cast whose talents bring Zog, Pearl and Gadabout to life on screen, and make us all just want to ‘be more Zog’.