Disney’s New Animated Series “Journey” to Premiere on Disney+ in 2023

Disney’s upcoming animated series “Journey” is set to debut on Disney+ in 2023, marking a significant move in the streaming wars. The show, produced by ICON Creative Studio in association with Disney Television Animation, is created by Matt Youngberg, according to multiple industry reports. The announcement comes as Disney continues to bolster its streaming platform with original content to compete with Netflix and other rivals.

What Is “Journey” and Who Created It?

“Journey” is an animated series developed by Matt Youngberg, a veteran animator known for his work on shows like *The Legend of Korra* and *Voltron: Legendary Defender*. The project is a collaboration between Disney Television Animation and ICON Creative Studio, a production company with a history of creating family-friendly content. While details about the plot remain under wraps, the series is expected to follow a family-centric narrative, aligning with Disney’s tradition of storytelling that appeals to broad audiences.

How Does This Fit Into Disney’s Streaming Strategy?

The release of “Journey” underscores Disney’s aggressive push to expand its original content library on Disney+. The platform has already secured major hits like *The Mandalorian* and *WandaVision*, but the addition of animated series like “Journey” aims to attract younger viewers and families. According to a report by *Variety*, Disney has allocated over $1 billion to produce original content for its streaming services in 2023, with “Journey” serving as one of several high-profile projects.

What Is Known About the Production Team?

ICON Creative Studio, based in Vancouver, has previously worked on shows such as *The Secret Life of Pets* and *The Loud House*. Their partnership with Disney Television Animation highlights a strategic effort to blend creative expertise with the studio’s established reputation. Youngberg, who also serves as a producer on the series, has emphasized that “Journey” will focus on themes of adventure and resilience, though specific character details have not been disclosed.

Why This Matters for the Animation Industry

The collaboration between Disney and ICON Creative Studio reflects a broader trend of major studios partnering with external production houses to diversify content. This approach allows for greater creative flexibility while leveraging the financial and distribution resources of large studios. For example, Netflix’s partnership with Studio Trigger for *Katanas vs. Robots* demonstrated how such alliances can yield critically acclaimed, globally popular series.

What’s Next for “Journey”?

While no official release date has been set, Disney has indicated that “Journey” will be part of its 2023 streaming lineup. The series is expected to be available exclusively on Disney+, continuing the platform’s strategy of offering subscription-only content. Fans will likely see more updates ahead of the debut, including trailers and character reveals, according to *The Hollywood Reporter