Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are entering a new phase in their media journey. Following the conclusion of their eight-year first-look agreement with Netflix in April, the couple has announced a new partnership with The Walt Disney Company to develop an original animated series.
The project marks the first major move for their production company, Higher Ground, since ending its long-standing relationship with Netflix. According to their press release, the collaboration will fall under Disney’s newly rebranded Kids & Family division.
What We Know About the Animated Series ‘Journey’
The upcoming series, currently titled Journey, is being positioned as a fantasy adventure centered on a young protagonist navigating mysterious and forbidden lands. The story follows her search for answers about her father’s disappearance, while also discovering her own inner strength and magical abilities.
The project is created and executive-produced by Matt Munn, known for his work on films like Ice Age: Collision Course and Spies in Disguise. His involvement suggests a strong emphasis on storytelling that blends adventure with emotional depth.
Disney’s Kids & Family president Ayo Davis described the series as:
“An epic adventure anchored by a remarkable young heroine whose courage inspires those around her… a story about resilience, self-discovery and the power of believing in something bigger than yourself”.
Since its launch in 2018, Higher Ground has built a reputation for producing impactful and award-winning content. The company has previously backed projects like American Factory, which won an Academy Award, as well as critically acclaimed titles such as Rustin and Crip Camp.
Speaking about the new partnership, Higher Ground’s Head of Television Jessie Dicovitsky said:
“Combining adventure, imagination and music, Journey is a true original… We’re proud to partner with Disney… to deliver meaningful stories for kids and families”.
The move to Disney indicates a strategic pivot toward family-oriented storytelling, aligning with the company’s long-standing strengths in animated and youth-focused content.
From Netflix to Disney: A Strategic Transition
The Obamas’ previous deal with Netflix resulted in a diverse slate of films and series, including the 2023 thriller Leave the World Behind. However, the shift to Disney reflects an evolution in their creative priorities.
While Netflix allowed Higher Ground to explore a wide range of genres, Disney offers a platform specifically tailored to family entertainment and global storytelling through animation. This transition could expand the reach of their projects to younger audiences worldwide.
The announcement of the Disney partnership comes at a time when the Obamas remain prominent figures in both media and public discourse. While their creative ventures continue to gain traction, they have also recently been part of broader public conversations following controversial remarks made at a White House event, which were widely criticized across political lines.
Despite this, the focus of Higher Ground remains firmly on storytelling and content creation, with Journey positioned as its next major step.