It’s been a decade since audiences met Disney‘s first little girl princess, Sofia the First.
On Nov. 18, 2012, Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess debuted and launched a franchise spanning TV, toys, games, music, roleplay, theme park activations, and more. Created by Craig Gerber (Elena of Avalor, Firebuds), Sofia the First came to a conclusion in 2018 but it felt as if the story might be unfinished.
Now, the Emmy Award-winning Gerber has extended his development deal with Disney Branded Television to create new projects, including a Sofia the First spinoff. The new series is set in the Royal Prep Academy, the school for princes and princesses in the kingdom of Enchancia. Gerber is also developing a series about a time-traveling treasure hunter for Disney through his Electric Emu production banner.
“Craig’s commitment to representing diverse characters and stories with messages of compassion, leadership, and resilience is a throughline in his career,” says Alyssa Sapire, senior vice president of development, series and strategy, at Disney Junior. “His ability to tell entertaining, heartfelt, and meaningful stories that resonate with both children and adults alike is unmatched, and I look forward to continuing our partnership for many, many years to come.”
“I am excited to be continuing my creative partnership with both Alyssa and Disney Branded Television,” Gerber says. “Together, we have produced three meaningful, diverse shows, and I am looking forward to broadening the scope of our collaboration while also championing new voices … to return to the enchanted world of Sofia the First, where it all began 10 years ago, and create a follow-up series that is just as magical.”
Just Play currently manufactures a selection of Sofia the First toys that are available alongside costumes and apparel at Amazon.
Toys from Gerber’s Firebuds are on the way from Spin Master next year.
