THE APEX TIMES
Dermot O’Leary’s ‘Toto the Ninja Cat’ Books Adapted for Animated Series by Studiocanal and Superprod
A book series created by UK TV presenter Dermot O’Leary is being turned into a 52-episode animated action-comedy series, with Studiocanal and Superprod producing and Emmy-winning writers Nick Ostler and Mark Huckerby leading the head-writing team.
Studiocanal and Superprod have begun adapting Dermot O’Leary’s book series “Toto the Ninja Cat” into an animated series, the companies announced as a new project in development. Deadline reported the deal as an exclusive, noting that the partnership will translate the children’s books into an episodic format built around action-comedy storytelling.
The animated series is being developed as a 52-episode order, according to the report. The project, framed as an action-comedy show, will be produced with “head writers” credited to Nick Ostler and Mark Huckerby, described by Deadline as Emmy-winning.
Deadline also said O’Leary, who is known in the United Kingdom for hosting “The X Factor,” will see his book series adapted for screen. The report positions the creator’s role within the adaptation pipeline as the work moves from print to animation with new writing leadership attached to the series.
A first look image associated with the project was published alongside the announcement. The Deadline article includes an image credited to the outlet, tied to the early concept visuals for the series adaptation.
Studiocanal and Superprod did not, in the Deadline report, provide a release date or distribution plan for the animated series. The article likewise did not specify where the show would stream or air, or whether the companies expect a particular production start date beyond the fact that development is underway.
The project’s scale, including the reported 52-episode structure, suggests a long-form production effort rather than a limited run. In animation development terms, multi-episode orders typically require additional staffing, scripts, storyboards, voice direction, and schedules that can affect timelines for publishing partners and any downstream merchandising linked to the book IP.
For readers of O’Leary’s “Toto the Ninja Cat” books, the adaptation represents a new route for the material to reach younger audiences through broadcast or streaming platforms. For the producers, the deal also extends Studiocanal and Superprod’s slate with an original character-driven property grounded in existing book branding rather than an entirely new franchise.
Why It Matters
- The move from books to animation may broaden audience access to the “Toto the Ninja Cat” characters and expand the property’s reach beyond print.
- A 52-episode order indicates significant production investment, with downstream impacts on animation staffing, scheduling, and development timelines.
- The appointment of Emmy-winning head writers highlights the project’s emphasis on serialized writing for a long-form children’s action-comedy format.
- The absence of a reported release date or broadcaster/streamer in the initial announcement leaves consumers and rights holders waiting for more details on distribution and timing.
Key Facts
- Studiocanal and Superprod are producing an animated adaptation of Dermot O’Leary’s “Toto the Ninja Cat” book series.
- The series is planned as a 52-episode animated action-comedy.
- Nick Ostler and Mark Huckerby are named as Emmy-winning head writers for the project.
- The announcement was reported by Deadline as an exclusive published on June 18, 2026.
- A first look image related to the adaptation accompanied the report.
- Deadline connects the creator, Dermot O’Leary, to his role as a former “The X Factor” host.