"BIG HERO 6" ANIMATED TV SERIES, BASED ON WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS' ACADEMY AWARD-WINNING FEATURE FILM, BEGINS PRODUCTION FOR 2017 PREMIERE ON DISNEY XD

Emmy Award-Winning Producers Mark McCorkle and Bob Schooley to Executive-Produce

"Big Hero 6," an animated television series for kids, tweens and families based on Walt Disney Animation Studios' Academy Award-winning feature film inspired by the Marvel comics of the same name, has begun production for a 2017 premiere on Disney XD platforms around the world. Emmy Award-winning producers Mark McCorkle and Bob Schooley, creators and executive producers of the global hit Disney Channel series "Kim Possible," are the executive producers. The series was announced today by Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide.

Marsh said, "Our colleagues at Walt Disney Animation Studios have created a brilliant new world, inspired by Marvel, with vivid, unique characters. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to further develop these characters into a world class animated series -- full of fun, action and the kind of endearing storytelling that only Mark, Bob -- and Baymax -- can deliver."

Reuniting with McCorkle and Schooley on the creative team is their "Kim Possible" colleague, Emmy Award-winning Nick Filippi, who serves as executive producer and supervising director.

Produced by Disney Television Animation, the series picks up immediately following the events in the feature film, and continues the adventures and friendship of 14-year-old tech genius Hiro and his compassionate, cutting-edge robot Baymax. Alongside Hiro and Baymax on their journey are control freak Wasabi, scientist Honey Lemon, fanboy Fred and no-nonsense Go Go, who together form the legendary superhero team, Big Hero 6. As the new prodigy at San Fransokyo Institute of Technology, Hiro now faces daunting academic challenges and the social trials of being the little man on campus. Off campus, the stakes are raised for the high-tech heroes as they must protect their city from an array of scientifically enhanced villains.

About Big Hero 6

From the studio that created "Frozen," "Tangled" and "Wreck-It Ralph," the Academy Award-winning "Big Hero 6" is the 54th animated feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios. The action-packed comedy centers on the special bond that develops between an inflatable robot and a young prodigy as they and their close friends seek to solve a mystery that threatens the city of San Fransokyo. Directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams and produced by Roy Conli, "Big Hero 6" was released in October 2014 and became the biggest animated film of the year with over $657 million worldwide. In addition to being named Best Animated Picture by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, it was nominated for Golden Globe, Critics Choice and BAFTA awards, and was the recipient of five Visual Effects Society Awards, the most ever for an animated feature, as well as a Cinema Audio Society Award and a Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie.

About Disney XD

Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for kids age 6-11, hyper-targeting boys and transporting them into worlds full of humor, unexpected fun and inspiring action-filled adventures. Disney XD-branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 77 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates. In total, there are 31 Disney XD channels available in 25 languages around the world.