Leading kids’ entertainment specialist CAKE has announced its partnership with LA-based Atomic Toybox Entertainment headed by four-time Emmy nominee Michael Polis, on the new forthcoming Captain Action series.

Based on the successful 1960’s action figure brand, the new series will bring Captain Action, his arch-nemesis Dr. Evil and other extraordinary characters to the screen for the first time in an action comedy series aimed at 6-11-year-olds. The 11-minute episodes will be shot with children in a live-action world and Captain Action and other action figures in CG and effects. 

CAKE and Atomic Toybox have brought on board John Derevlany (Legends of Chima, Nexo Knights, Endangered Species) as lead writer and are in discussions with potential toy partners as well as studios.  New Zealand-based Pukeko Pictures, who have a first look agreement with Atomic Toybox on properties for kids’ television, are cited as the front runner on the studio side. The intention is to produce 52 episodes.

In the new series, Captain Action is reactivated after almost 50 years when a young boy discovers him packed away in his attic. At only 12-inches tall and still stuck in the analogue world of the 1960s, our impassioned duty-bound operative is intent on training a reluctant Kyle to become the next generation of action hero in this coming-of-age tale of small heroes and big adventures.

Captain Action first burst onto the scene in the 1960’s making his mark as the world’s first super hero ‘Action Figure’, created by Stan Weston (G.I. Joe). Spawning numerous successful lines of action figures, Captain Action quickly expanded beyond toy shelves, conquering the world of comics, collectibles and related merchandise and has enjoyed a recent resurgence with further entertainment and licensing initiatives planned across multiple media platforms.   

Michael Polis, Atomic Toybox CEO said: “CAKE is the ideal partner for the Captain Action TV series which will benefit from the company’s deep understanding of the international market and genuine appreciation of the potential as well as the legacy of the brand.”

Tom van Waveren, CEO & Creative Director at CAKE said, “Working with Mike to help bring his vision for Captain Action to the screen is a journey we are greatly enjoying. A lovely mix of retro charm and character appeal, wrapped in a unique visual approach, will make this show distinctive and fun. We look forward to taking it into the world together.”