One of the best parts of afternoons in the 80s and 90s was the Disney Television Animation shows. “TaleSpin,” “Chip and Dale’s Rescue Rangers,” and “DuckTales” were incredibly important components to the imagination of every kid I knew.
But there was something extra special about “DuckTales.” Sure, I loved “TaleSpin” and it’s Casablanca sort of sensibilities, even as a kid, but “DuckTales” was the best of them. With adventure, excitement, mysteries, and histories, it was like the duck-billed take on “Indiana Jones” I always wanted.
Well, I’m excited to say that Disney is reviving the show for play on Disney XD (the home of “Star Wars: Rebels”) for 2017. Why it’s so far off, I don’t know, but it’s going to be a great time regardless.
From their press announcement on the D23 website:
Whether you grew up on the Disney Afternoon, or you’re just a fan of iconic Disney animation, we think you’ll be excited to learn that an all-new DuckTales, an animated comedy series based on the Emmy® Award-winning series treasured by a generation of viewers, has been ordered for launch in 2017 on Disney XD channels around the world. Set to be produced by Disney Television Animation (DTVA), the new series will again star Disney’s enduringly popular characters: Scrooge McDuck, his grandnephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, and Donald Duck. The announcement was made today by Marc Buhaj, Senior Vice President, Programming, and General Manager, Disney XD.
Buhaj said, “DuckTales has a special place in Disney’s TV animation history, it drew its inspiration from Disney Legend Carl Barks’ comic books and through its storytelling and artistic showmanship, set an enduring standard for animated entertainment that connects with both kids and adults. Our new series will bring that same energy and adventurous spirit to a new generation.”
The new series’ adventures will once again take viewers along as Scrooge McDuck, his curious and mischief-making grandnephews—Huey, Dewey, and Louie—and the optimistic-yet-temperamental Donald Duck embark on high-flying adventures worldwide. Other beloved characters slated to be in the new stories are: Duckworth, Gyro Gearloose, Launchpad McQuack, Flintheart Glomgold, Magica DeSpell & Poe, Ma Beagle and the Beagle Boys (Burger Beagle, Bouncer Beagle), Mrs. Beakley, and Webbigail Vanderquack.
If you want to watch the original show, it’s available on the WATCH Disney Channel App and website. And I would highly recommend the remastered version of the NES game, available widely to download on your console and PC.
They’re both definitely worth your time.