Aflac Announced As New ‘DuckTales’ Animated Series Sponsor
Aflac, a voluntary insurance company in the U.S., has signed on as the sponsor of Disney XD’s hit new animated comedy-adventure series, “DuckTales.” As part of the agreement, the two companies have developed a co-branded commercial featuring an animated version of the Aflac Duck set in the world of “DuckTales.” The full 30-second spot will premiere on Thursday, September 21, at 7:00 a.m. EDT, during a feather-studded segment of “Good Morning America,” with the Aflac Duck live in-studio. In addition, Aflac’s sponsorship of the series extends to Disney XD and its mobile app, as well as corresponding social media channels.
“When exploring opportunities for our new ‘DuckTales’ series, it was a natural fit to collaborate with Aflac. Our brands have the most recognizable ducks in the world, and this was a seamless and entertaining brand crossover for us,” said Jerry Daniello, senior vice president, Integrated Marketing, Disney|ABC Television Group.
“Partnering with Disney XD’s new ‘DuckTales’ series allows Aflac to connect with the next generation of parents and families in a fun, creative way,” said Gail Galuppo, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Aflac. “The characters in this show consistently embark on interesting and challenging experiences together, and the Aflac Duck is an advocate of helping families protect those experiences and keep their lifestyles healthy with Aflac insurance.”
Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the original Emmy Award-winning classic treasured by a generation of viewers, Disney XD’s all-new “DuckTales” series debuts Saturday, September 23, on Disney XD with two new back-to-back episodes (7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. EDT). Each will also be available on the Disney XD app and Disney XD VOD on these same dates. Featuring a distinct animation style inspired by the classic Carl Barks’ comic designs, “DuckTales” chronicles the high-flying adventures of Duckburg’s most famous trillionaire, Scrooge McDuck; his mischief-making triplet grandnephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie; his temperamental nephew, Donald Duck; and the trusted McDuck Manor team: big-hearted, fearless chauffer/pilot Launchpad McQuack; no-nonsense housekeeper Mrs. Beakley; and Mrs. Beakley’s granddaughter, Webby Vanderquack, resident adventurer and the triplet’s newfound fierce friend. After a long overdue family reunion reunites Scrooge with his nephew, grandnephews and epic past, the family of ducks dives into a life more exciting than they could have ever imagined.
The voice cast is David Tennant (“Doctor Who”) as Scrooge McDuck, Danny Pudi (“Community”) as Huey, Ben Schwartz (“Parks and Recreation”) as Dewey, Bobby Moynihan (“Saturday Night Live”) as Louie, Kate Micucci (“Garfunkel and Oates”) as Webby Vanderquack, Beck Bennett (“Saturday Night Live”) as Launchpad McQuack, Toks Olagundoye (“Castle”) as Mrs. Beakley and Tony Anselmo (“Mickey Mouse”) as Donald Duck.
“DuckTales” is executive produced by Annie Award-nominee Matt Youngberg (“Ben 10: Omniverse”), with Francisco Angones (Disney XD’s Emmy Award-nominated “Wander Over Yonder”) serving as co-producer and story editor, and Sean Jimenez (Disney XD’s Annie Award-winning “Gravity Falls”) as art director. The series is a production of Disney Television Animation and carries a TV-Y7 parental guideline.