Picture this: a superhero saga bursting with girl-power energy, set against the romantic backdrop of Paris, that's not only turning 10 this year but gearing up for its next epic animated adventure on the big screen. It's the kind of story that captures imaginations worldwide, blending heart-pounding action with themes of courage and self-discovery. But here's where it gets exciting – the creative minds behind blockbuster hits are stepping in to elevate it to new heights. Intrigued? Let's dive deeper into the magic of 'Miraculous' and its thrilling future.
The beloved franchise, best known as 'Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir,' is poised for another theatrical triumph. Leading the charge are seasoned producer John Cohen, whose credits include the hilarious 'Despicable Me' series and the bird-brained fun of 'The Angry Birds Movie,' and talented writer Matt Roller, who brought witty chaos to shows like 'Rick and Morty' and the laugh-out-loud 'Community.' They've joined forces with Miraculous Corp, a dynamic partnership launched just over a year ago between Mediawan and Zag, the company helmed by the franchise's visionary creator, writer, director, and producer Jeremy Zag.
This upcoming feature film is shaping up to be the sequel to the 2023 global sensation 'Miraculous Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie.' That first big-screen outing was a smash hit, raking in over $40 million at European box offices where it premiered theatrically – though it also streamed on Netflix in regions like the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. What made it stand out? As a musical packed with eight original songs, it broke barriers as the inaugural female-led superhero flick rooted in the City of Light. For beginners, think of it as a fresh take on heroes: instead of brooding figures in dark alleys, we get relatable teens with magical powers fighting villains amidst Parisian charm.
Cohen and Roller will collaborate closely with Jeremy Zag, who helmed the first film and is now producing this one. The exciting news was shared by Andy Yeatman, CEO of Miraculous Corp's U.S. and global operations, signaling a powerhouse team ready to dazzle audiences anew.
Drawing inspiration from the vibrant world of Japanese anime, 'Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir' centers on two ordinary Parisian high schoolers – Marinette, a spirited girl with a crush, and Adrien, the charming rich kid – who transform into masked protectors Ladybug and Cat Noir, wielding miraculous powers to shield their city from evil forces. It's a tale of friendship, identity, and bravery that resonates deeply with young viewers.
This new movie builds on the massively successful TV series, crafted by Thomas Astruc and designed by Nathanaël Bronn, which debuted on France's TF1 in 2015 and has spread to over 120 countries. The franchise boasts an enormous digital footprint: a staggering 48 billion views on YouTube across 31 localized channels with more than 43 million subscribers, plus over 1 billion views on TikTok and a devoted community of more than 56 million followers worldwide. It's not just entertainment; it's a cultural phenomenon uniting fans from diverse corners of the globe.
John Cohen, who's currently working on Paramount Pictures' 'The Angry Birds Movie 3' – starring Jason Sudeikis and slated for December 2026 – expressed his enthusiasm, saying, 'I've been a huge fan of 'Miraculous' for years. Few franchises in the world have captured hearts the way Miraculous has, with its mix of character-driven storytelling, fantastic comedy, breathtaking action, and empowering themes.' He went on to call it 'a series that has become a true cultural icon, uniting fans from Paris to São Paulo to Seoul. The chance to help craft Ladybug and Cat Noir’s global theatrical feature film—building on their incredible legacy—was irresistible.' Cohen's impressive resume also includes hits like 'Despicable Me' and 'The Garfield Movie.'
Matt Roller echoed this passion, noting, 'What excites me about Miraculous is how it balances epic superhero spectacle with deeply relatable characters and stories about real emotions—love, trust, jealousy, hope.' 'That combination makes it a dream playground for a storyteller. I can’t wait to take these heroes and their world into a fresh, exciting chapter that will surprise audiences while staying true to everything they love about Miraculous.' Roller, who serves as creator, showrunner, and executive producer on Netflix's animated comedy 'Haunted Hotel' (which dropped in September), also has a string of TV successes under his belt, including 'Community,' 'Speechless,' and 'Rick and Morty.' He's currently penning an original comedy for Sony.
At a glamorous celebration hosted by Pierre-Antoine Capton, Mediawan's chairman and co-founder, the Eiffel Tower lit up for Miraculous' 10-year milestone just before Mipcom. Surrounded by family, creative partners, and industry folks, Jeremy Zag reflected on the journey: 'Miraculous is a journey that started 15 years ago, and at the beginning, it was very hard to make it happen.' He pioneered a groundbreaking IP featuring a female superhero long before such stories became mainstream, infusing it with messages of resilience, courage, and self-identity – alongside thrilling adventures and humor. This has earned 'Miraculous' acclaim as a standout in values-driven content for kids. Sharing the spotlight with Capton, Yeatman, Astruc, Bronn, and Aton Soumache, Zag also thanked Mediawan for being 'an incredible partner who gave Miraculous a new energy for pushing the brand even further around the world.'
And this is the part most people miss – 'Miraculous' isn't confined to screens. The brand has blossomed into a vast universe, spanning toys, books, fashion items, video games, and live events, creating endless ways for fans to immerse themselves.
Capton, speaking at the festive Paris gathering, emphasized that 'a great idea alone is never enough,' calling 'Miraculous' 'a symbol of French creativity.' He highlighted the need for 'brilliant writers, inspired artists, passionate producers, loyal partners and, above all, an audience that believes in it.' Expressing gratitude to the talent, studios, broadcasters, platforms, licensees, marketing and sales teams, he especially thanked the fans: 'thank you to the women, those who grew up with Ladybug, those who still carry her in their hearts.' In his view, 'the miracle of Ladybug is that it’s making the world’s heart beat in unison with a cartoon born in Paris.' Looking ahead, Capton declared, 'the next 10 years will be even more ambitious. New stories, new worlds, new emotions, new films and always the same energy, the same high standards and the same passion.'
Yeatman weighed in, praising Cohen's 'extraordinary record of delivering global animated hits' and Roller's 'rare gift for blending heart, humor, and imagination,' assuring that 'our film not only thrills audiences but also deepens their connection to these beloved heroes.'
But here's where it gets controversial – in an era where superhero tales are often dominated by male leads or gritty reboots, 'Miraculous' boldly champions female empowerment and positive values. Some might argue it's refreshingly optimistic, while others could see it as overly simplistic or even preachy. Is this the future of family entertainment, or does it risk sugarcoating real-world complexities? We invite you to share your thoughts: Does 'Miraculous' truly set a benchmark for values-driven stories, or should it tackle tougher themes? Agree or disagree in the comments – what's your take on why this franchise resonates so deeply?
