Dandelooo to Produce Animated ‘Max & Rabbit’ for Canal+

Canal+ Partners with Dandelooo for New Animated Series “Max & Rabbit”

French animation house Dandelooo has been commissioned by Canal+ to produce a new 2D animated series for three- to five-year-olds titled “Max & Rabbit.”

This delightful series is based on the best-selling kids’ book series by French author Astrid Desbordes, beautifully illustrated by Pauline Martin. “Max & Rabbit” follows the daily adventures of its titular characters as they navigate through various challenges.

The show, narrated from Max’s perspective, incorporates innovative tools to help young viewers learn about managing emotions, improving listening skills, expressing themselves, and solving everyday problems that children often encounter.

Animation for the series will be carried out at Dandelooo’s Ooolala studio in Cartoucherie, Valence, with production set to begin next month. Renowned animator Clément Céard, known for his work on projects like the Oscar-nominated “Persepolis” and the popular series “Lastman,” will direct the episodes. He has also contributed to 2D sequences in films like “The Inventor.”

Dandelooo and Canal+ have a successful history of collaboration. Currently, Dandelooo is working on “The Upside-Down River,” a series based on Jean Claude Mourlevat’s novel, which was commissioned by Canal+. The company also produced the award-winning short film “Mum is Pouring Rain” for Canal+, which received a jury award at Annecy in 2021.

Emmanuèle Pétry, Producer and Head of International at Dandelooo, expressed excitement about the new project, stating: “With this new commission, we are thrilled to continue the creative collaboration for this beautiful IP with Canal+, building on the great teamwork established during the production of ‘The Upside Down River.’”

Christine Cauquelin, Director of Programs and Channels for Documentaries, Youth, and Animation at Canal+, added: “Canal+ is thrilled to start a new collaboration with the Dandelooo team for ‘Max & Rabbit.’ The books by Astrid Desbordes and Pauline Martin have captured our hearts with their modern aesthetic and humorous tone. We believe that the series will resonate with our young audience due to its kind, clever, and mischievous characters. We are confident that this new series will be a hit with our viewers.”

Dandelooo will handle international distribution, with the series scheduled for delivery in Q4 2025.