Anime streaming service, Crunchyroll, has signed a deal with Idris and Sabrina Elba, in conjunction with Idris Elba’s Green Door Pictures and Sabrina Elba’s Pink Towel Pictures, to develop “Dantai” (working title), a dark fantasy animated series for Crunchyroll’s global anime audience of more than 100 million registered users.
Idris and Sabrina Elba will serve as executive producers. Crunchyroll surpassed the four million subscriber milestone in January, just six months after breaking the three million subscriber mark.
“This development deal with Sabrina and Idris Elba is another example of how we’re working with best-in-class partners to bring in new audiences and tell fresh and compelling stories through a medium that transcends genres and generations,” said Joanne Waage, General Manager, Crunchyroll.
Currently in development, the Afro-futuristic science fiction series will be set in a city where the rise of biotechnology has created an ever-widening gap between the haves and have-nots. Two rising stars from either side of this divide are pitted against each other in a story that will ultimately explore equality and kinship within a corrupt society.
“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Idris and Sabrina to develop this anime-inspired sci-fi epic,” said Sarah Victor, Head of Development, Crunchyroll. “It is a privilege to work with such talented, creative partners and we look forward to bringing this exciting project to life.”
The Elbas said; “We’re really excited to be announcing this deal on our first anime. We’re both fans of the genre and see a huge opportunity to create something unique for a powerhouse like Crunchyroll. The story of ‘Dantai’ is our first collaboration as producers together and is one that is close to our hearts.”
Jon Creamer
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