WarnerMedia preps Tuzki series

MIPCOM: Chinese animated rabbit Tuzki will head the cast of a new comedy-drama commissioned by WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks.

Animated rabbit character Tuzki

Tuzki, dubbed China’s most famous rabbit, will front the as-yet-untitled series, which mixes live-action and CGI. A 24-episode series, due to go into production early next year, will be produced by WarnerMedia-owned prodco Ciwen Media.

“We’ve been ramping up our investment in local productions over recent months and are firmly committed to nurturing our home-grown Chinese IP. Together with Ciwen Media, this project demonstrates this perfectly,” said Clement Schwebig, MD of WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks in South-East Asia, Pacific and China.

“Interest in Tuzki has never been higher and that’s in part because he has a unique voice that resonates with young adults in China. He’s become more than just an emoji, he’s truly an icon for all screens.”

Tuzki is best known as a popular emoji on social messaging app WeChat. The rabbit has appeared in animated shorts, events and at themed cafes and restaurants.

Tuzki will also feature in the 2020 drama Second Time is a Charm, directed by Chen Ming-zhang, while a theatrical Tuzki movie is currently in pre-production.