In a significant shift for their media production company, Higher Ground, Barack and Michelle Obama have announced a collaboration with Disney to create an original animated fantasy series. This initiative marks the couple’s first major venture since concluding their eight-year first-look agreement with Netflix in April.
New Partnership with Disney
The partnership with Disney’s rebranded Kids & Family division promises to bring a fresh narrative to young audiences. The series, tentatively titled *Journey*, is spearheaded by Matt Munn, known for his work on *Ice Age: Collision Course* and *Spies in Disguise*. The storyline follows a brave protagonist named Journey as she navigates forbidden realms in search of answers about her father’s mysterious disappearance. Along the way, she uncovers her own latent magical abilities.
Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids & Family, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “Journey is an epic adventure anchored by a remarkable young heroine whose courage inspires those around her. At its core, it’s a story about resilience, self-discovery, and the power of believing in something bigger than yourself — the kind of universal themes that have defined Disney stories for generations.”
Higher Ground’s Creative Legacy
Founded in 2018, Higher Ground has already made a name for itself with a portfolio that includes critically acclaimed works such as the Oscar-nominated films *Rustin*, *American Symphony*, and *Crip Camp*, as well as the Emmy-winning documentary *American Factory*. Throughout their tenure with Netflix, the Obamas produced several notable projects, including the 2023 thriller *Leave the World Behind*, featuring Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke.
Jessie Dicovitsky, Head of Television at Higher Ground, highlighted the imaginative approach of *Journey*, stating, “Combining adventure, imagination, and music, *Journey* is a true original that takes bold swings. We’re proud to partner with Disney on this fantastical series and to build on Higher Ground’s history of delivering fun and meaningful stories for kids and families.”
Onstage and Off
In addition to their work in film and television, the Obamas recently co-produced a Broadway revival of *Proof*, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by David Auburn. This production, featuring Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle, explores the life of a young woman who discovers groundbreaking mathematical insights left behind by her late father.
The timing of their announcement coincided with a controversial moment involving UFC fighter Josh Hokit, who made disparaging remarks about Michelle Obama during a live post-fight interview at the White House. UFC President Dana White condemned Hokit’s comments as “nasty and false,” while public figures across the political spectrum expressed outrage over the incident, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny and challenges faced by the former first lady.
Why it Matters
This new collaboration with Disney not only reflects the Obamas’ commitment to storytelling that resonates with younger generations but also signals their continued influence in the entertainment industry. As creators of content that tackles relevant social themes, the Obamas are poised to inspire and empower the next generation through engaging narratives. Their evolving journey underscores the importance of diverse voices in media, particularly in an era where representation and storytelling hold immense power in shaping cultural conversations.
