Disney Channel Greenlights Centenary Event For Disney Television Animation With The Greenlight Of Cookies And Milk, Disney TVA’s 100th Series Showrunned By Laurence Fishburne,Helen Sugland & Brian Egeston.
Disney Channel has given series greenlight to “Cookies & Milk” an adaptation of the book of Shawn Amos, the series showrunned by Laurence Fishburne,Helen Sugland (Marvel’s Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur) and Brian Egeston (“The Game,” the upcoming film “On A Wing and A Prayer”) becomes Disney TVA’s 100th Series In Production since the launch of The Wuzzles, the series slated to debut on Disney Channel on 2024 as part of Disney TVA’s 40th Anniversary of funding.
“Cookies & Milk” follows the summer adventures of harmonica-playing middle schooler Ellis Johnson as he begrudgingly helps his wildly optimistic and quite possibly magical father open the world’s first cookie shop in 1970s Hollywood, California.
Partially based on Shawn Amos's own experiences growing up the son of Wally “Famous” Amos in a mostly white area, and packed with humor, heart, and fun illustrations, this debut novel sings with the joy of self-discovery, unconditional love, and belonging.
“Cookies & Milk,” is executive produced by Laurence Fishburne and Helen Sugland of Cinema Gypsy Productions (ABC’s “black-ish” and Disney Channel’s upcoming “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur”), Jesse Murphy and James Sears Bryant of Jesse James Films, and Shawn Amos. Brian Egeston (“The Game,” the upcoming film “On A Wing and A Prayer”) is set as co-executive producer and story editor.
In making the announcement, Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, said, “It’s an absolute coup to bring Shawn Amos’ heartfelt, humorous book to Disney television screens and, with the guiding vision, credibility and track record of our Cinema Gypsy and Jesse James Films creative team, we’re looking forward to telling this authentic and relatable story about belonging, self-acceptance and forgiveness.”
Laurence Fishburne and Helen Sugland of Cinema Gypsy said, “We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Shawn Amos, Ayo Davis and the talented team at Disney Branded Television. Shawn’s semi-autobiographical novel, ‘Cookies & Milk,’ is partially based on his own experiences growing up as the son of Wally ‘Famous’ Amos. This humorous and heartwarming exploration of summer fun and friendship, seen through the eyes of a young Black boy being raised by his divorced father, is full of joy, self-discovery and a whole lot of unconditional love.”
In a joint statement, Jesse Murphy and James Sears Bryant said, “We are so excited to have found the right home for this show with Disney Television Animation, Laurence and Helen. Shawn has created such a beautiful reimagining of his childhood in a narrative that we hope will universally connect with audiences on and off the page.”
Shawn Amos said, “What a dream to see this Black kid from Hollywood become a Disney character. I wrote ‘Cookies & Milk’ for my son to help him understand his family, his culture and himself. I hope kids of all colors will see something of their own selves in Ellis. I’m so grateful to Helen, Jesse and Laurence for championing my story. I know it’s in good hands with them and the deeply creative folks at Disney.”
This series greenlight marks the second animated project at Disney for Cinema Gypsy, which has a first-look deal with ABC Signature and is in production on “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” for Disney Channel.
Additionally Laurence Fishburne and Helen Sugland have inked an overall development deal at Disney Television Animation and 20th Television Animation for the creation of new shows,films and specials for preschoolers,kids,teenagers and adults.
Laurence Fishburne and Helen Sugland join these 30 animators in inkind a overall development deal at Disney Television Animation.
