‘The World of Gustavo’ Kids’ Books in Development for TV at Mercury Filmworks (EXCLUSIVE)

Mercury Filmworks, the studio behind the Netflix kids’ series “Hilda” and Disney’s “The Lion Guard,” is developing a 2D animated comedy series based on Flavia Z. Drago’s “The World of Gustavo” book series.

Among the books being adapted are “Gustavo, the Shy Ghost” which became a New York Times bestseller after its publication via Trustbridge Global Media’s Walker Books/Candlewick Press in 2020.

The series is set in the supernatural suburbs of Calavera Cove and follows Gustavo the Ghost alongside his friends Leila the Witch and Vlad the Vampire. Each has paranormal powers that reflect their personalities, which they will use to save the day in 52 11-minute episodes.

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Robert C. Ramirez has been set as showrunner of the “World of Gustavo” series. Ramirez’s writing credits include “Mickey’s Tale of Two Witches,” “Minnie’s Bow-Toons” and “Clifford’s Really Big Movie.” He has also worked as a director on series including “The Powerpuff Girls,” “Chip ‘n Dale’s Nutty Tales” and “Tasty Time With ZeFronk,” which earned him an Emmy nomination.

Mercury Filmworks and Trustbridge Entertainment will debut “Gustavo” at MIPCOM/MIPJunior in Cannes later this month.

“We are excited to work with Trustbridge to adapt Flavia’s zany, offbeat world of Gustavo into this new preschool series that we like to describe as the ‘paranormal Peanuts gang meets My Little Ghoulish Pony,’” said Chantal Ling, vice president of original series and co-productions at Mercury Filmworks. “We aim to incorporate the elements that helped make the book series so popular for young children by gently combining the spooky aspects with a sweet, humorous storyline filled with heart that also delves into feelings of bravery and loneliness with the theme of friendship always at its core.”

“We can’t wait to introduce Gustavo to fans who already know and love Flavia’s books as well as those who will be meeting Gustavo and his friends for the first time,” said Bob Higgins, president of Trustbridge Entertainment. “We are delighted to be working with Mercury Filmworks and Robert C. Ramirez on this special series full of hilariously haunted adventures that will help kids discover and celebrate their own unique talents.”

“The amazing teams at Trustbridge and Mercury have truly outdone themselves, capturing the heart of the books and characters and bringing them to life in such a brilliant way!” said Drago. “I’m beyond proud and thrilled to be part of this project filled with kindness, fun, and spookiness — of course. I can’t wait for more people to feel the same excitement that I do!”