Pippi Longstocking is conquering screens once again: The film studio StudioCanal is developing an animated television series about what is arguably the most famous heroine in children's literature. As reported by "Variety" among others, the studio is bringing on board its "Paddington" partner Heyday Films, the animation house Submarine, and the Astrid Lindgren Company. The plan is for 52 episodes of eleven minutes each, realized as 3D CGI animation. Production is set to begin in October.
The screenplay will be handled by award-winning writer Sara Daddy, whose works include "The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland", "Olga Da Polga", and "Tulipop Tales". The focus, as in the original, is on Pippi, who shows up in a small town with mismatched stockings, carrot-red hair, freckles, a monkey on her shoulder, a suitcase bulging with gold coins, and a horse that can carry her. For Tommy and Annika and the rest of the town, nothing is ever the same again.
The series is being produced by Heyday Films - the company behind the "Paddington" feature films and the award-winning series "The Adventures of Paddington". Simon Quinn and Karen Davidsen, who also worked on the Paddington series, are on board as additional producers. According to "Variety", the "Paddington" films are considered the most successful independent family franchise of all time, grossing more than 800 million dollars worldwide. Alongside the series, the partners are reportedly working on a Pippi Longstocking feature film.
80 Years Old and Not a Bit Quiet
Pippi Longstocking first appeared as a book in 1945. The stories originated from bedtime tales that Astrid Lindgren entertained her daughter with. In 2025, the character celebrated her 80th birthday. Lindgren's books have been translated into 80 languages, sold more than 90 million copies worldwide, and continue to sell around 1.5 million copies per year to this day.
Screenwriter Sara Daddy expressed her honor. "To be entrusted with the keys to Villa Villekulla by the Lindgren family and the wonderful teams at Heyday and StudioCanal is such a privilege", she stated. As the daughter of a sailor who sailed around the world with her, she has always felt connected to Pippi. Her goal is for the character to "remain a joyful, empowering role model for the children of today".
