In an exciting development for the animation industry, Alex Rey’s MiraChechu Productions has joined forces with Películas Pendelton, the esteemed production company co-founded by Javier Fesser and Luis Manso, known for hits like “Champions” and “Championext.” Together, they are bringing to life “Sábado Sabadete” (“Saturday Sabadete”), a unique adult animated series that is making its debut at the Iberseries & Platino Industria 2025.
This partnership marks a significant pivot for Películas Pendelton, traditionally recognized for its family-friendly content and box office successes. By investing in adult animation, they are lending substantial support to Rey’s audacious and irreverent creative vision.
“Saturday Sabadete” centers around the character of Sabadete, a once-celebrated, colossal pink axolotl who captivated Spanish audiences in the 1980s through his comedic antics, often at the expense of his hapless sidekick, Mostachón. Now, years later, Sabadete finds himself down on his luck, orchestrating a comeback alongside a cadre of fellow faded TV celebrities, while simultaneously battling against his old partner, who has ascended to a powerful position in the industry and aims to thwart his resurgence.
Taking on multiple roles, Rey not only directs and produces the series but also lends his voice to all characters. He has already developed a comprehensive project bible, a teaser trailer, and an initial pilot episode. The concept first gained attention during Spain’s Weird Market showcase.
“This is an animated series for adults that is deeply rooted in Spanish culture,” Rey stated in an interview with Variety. “For far too long, we have relied on shows like ‘South Park’ and ‘Family Guy’ from the U.S., lacking a narrative that echoes our own experiences. There exists a vast audience yearning for a Spanish perspective in this genre.”
MiraChechu Productions, founded in 2005, began as a solo endeavor for Rey, who single-handedly created, scripted, and voiced numerous animated shorts that have garnered accolades both nationally and internationally. His short film “Pobre Marciano” was showcased at the prestigious Ottawa Festival, recognized as one of the leading gatherings in the animation world.
With the collaboration on “Saturday Sabadete,” MiraChechu envisions scaling new heights alongside Películas Pendelton.
The contribution of Luis Manso adds significant clout to the project. Together with Fesser, Manso has propelled Películas Pendelton toward producing some of Spain’s most notable works, including “The Miracle of P. Tinto,” “Mortadelo and Filemón: Mission Implausible,” and the phenomenal success of “Champions,” which grossed €19.1 million ($22.3 million) in Spain, distributed by Universal.
For Rey, this alliance represents a transition from indie cult favorites to more commercially viable production, positioning “Saturday Sabadete” as a bold attempt to introduce adult animation with a distinctly local flavor to a global audience.
The series will be pitched on Wednesday, October 1, during the Co-Production and Financing Forum at Iberseries & Platino Industria 2025, taking place in Madrid.
