The 3DCG animated series introduces 6 new Heroes, including wheel-chair user Ice Cub; show premieres on Disney Junior and Disney+ April 19.
Hasbro’s global entertainment studio, Entertainment One (eOne), announced the new 3D CGI-animated series PJ Masks Power Heroes, an evolution of the original PJ Masks, debuts April 19. Premiering at 7 p.m. EST/PST on Disney Junior and the same day on Disney+, this new iteration will introduce the franchise’s first character with a disability, Ivan, also known as Ice Cub.
PJ Masks Power Heroes showcases the original series’ characters Catboy, Owlette, and Gekko and the addition of six new diverse “Power Heroes” who are ready to discover even more nighttime and crime-fighting adventures. Fans will also see new vehicles like the Power Q, new locations including an Ice World and Outer Space, and a reboot of the popular PJ Masks theme song.
In the April 19 hour-long premiere special, “Heroes Everywhere,” an asteroid heads for earth with the power to turn heroes into villains, but help arrives from an unexpected source. PJ Masks Power Heroes introduces Ice Cub who is a wheelchair user and uses crutches during the day. In Ice Cub’s night hero-mode, his upper body strength is intensified to stabilize his movement on a snowboard.
The original PJ Masks series also introduced its first Asian and Black heroes with An Yu in season 3 and Newton Star in season 4, respectively. By expanding the hero cast to represent a wide range of personalities, physicalities and diverse backgrounds, PJ Masks aims to teach the lesson that working together and supporting one another is integral as preschoolers begin to navigate new social relationships.
“The introduction of Ice Cub further advances the portrayals of characters with disabilities and demonstrates our continued efforts toward more inclusive kids programming,” said Olivier Dumont, President, Family Brands at eOne. “It’s our wish that the PJ Masks crew will represent a hero for every child.”
Ice Cube voice actor Nylan Parthipan, who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of two, stated, “I am excited to see how an inclusive show such as PJ Masks will impact the lives of kids. I hope more kids with disabilities watch Ice Cub and think they can be anything they dream to be.”
Source: Entertainment One
Whitney is a freelance writer focusing on VFX-driven fantasy film & TV as well as preschool animation.
