A new animated series starring Molly the Magpie and her canine friends is predicted to be bigger than Bluey, as the animals’ owners deny allegations they are breaking strict rules on how to profit from the wild bird.
Molly the magpie became a social media phenomenon when wildlife enthusiast Juliette Wells and her partner Reese Mortenson shared the unlikely “interspecies friendship” between the bird and their Staffordshire terriers, Peggy and Ruby.
Last month, it was revealed that Molly and Peggy would appear in a new animated series designed by animation studio Xentrix, which has worked with companies including Disney, Warner Brothers and Lego.
Ken Cantrill, creative director at Xentrix in Australia, was asked if he thought the new series could surpass the popularity of beloved Australian cartoon Bluey.
“The commitment is already there, the characters are already there and I hope we can overcome them, yes,” Cantrill told A Current Affair.
Ms Wells told the programme the show would be about the “real-life story of how the relationship began”.
“I’m looking forward to seeing it on the big screen. I’m looking forward to seeing it go around the world,” he said.
Molly the magpie became a global phenomenon when wildlife enthusiast Juliette Wells and her partner Reese Mortenson documented the unlikely “interspecies friendship” between the bird and their Staffordshire terriers, Peggy and Ruby (pictured together).
Last month, it was revealed that Molly and Peggy would appear in a new animated series designed by animation studio Xentrix, which has worked with companies including Disney, Warner Brothers and Lego.
Mr Mortenson added: “It’s a great story, people want to see it, people want to watch it.”
But the couple were asked whether the project violated rules imposed by authorities after they seized the bird in March over fears it was “being kept illegally”.
Following a public outcry, the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) eventually returned Molly under strict conditions, including that They stop obtaining commercial benefits from the bird or its image.
But Ms. Wells insisted that the animation did not break these rules.
“We have an experienced legal team who have ensured that we are fully compliant,” Wells told the programme.
‘No real animals are used in this animation apart from any artistic expression.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted DESI for comment.
The couple revealed the news about the planned TV show last month, stating that it would be a ‘A wholesome and heartwarming animated series.’
“(It’s about) a kind-hearted couple who love animals and their beautiful Staffordshire girls, a magpie and her friends,” the social media post reads.
The series will feature animated characters Molly, Peggy and Ruby and additional characters including Sarg the Jack Russell terrier.
Sarg is described as a “government official” who tries to get in the way of Peggy and Molly’s adventures.
Molly the Magpie fans can look forward to a new animated series about the bird’s friendship with two canines, Peggy and Ruby (pictured)
Other characters include stray cats Jinx, Rascal and Bandit, and fat cat Shelly.
Xentrix Studios describes itself as the “fastest growing” animation studio in Asia, with offices in Australia, Singapore and India, with expectations that the animated show will reach a wide audience in these countries.
Social media users were overjoyed by the announcement and said they can’t wait for the TV show to air.
“Amazing! What wonderful news!” wrote one person.
“I love this, it’s so beautiful,” another person wrote.
“Great for family entertainment,” added a third.
The move came just months after Molly was reunited with the two dogs.
The animated series (pictured) will highlight the trio’s unique friendship and some of their unexpected adventures.
The move comes just months after Molly was reunited with Peggy (pictured) after the bird was removed by officials from Queensland’s Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.
On March 1, officials from Queensland’s Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) removed the molly from the Gold Coast home of Juliette Wells and Reese Mortenson, alleging the wild bird was being kept illegally.
In response, the couple explained that Molly was not cared for like a caged parrot or budgie, as she was free to fly and forage for food.
Ultimately, DESI granted the pet owners a specialized license to care for the bird.
“Advice from independent veterinary experts has shown that Molly is highly habituated and may have developmental issues, meaning she can never be rehabilitated or returned to the wild,” the department said in a statement.
Ms Wells and Mr Mortenson have since been trained as wildlife carers.
The couple previously said they rescued Molly as a chick after she fell out of her nest in 2020.
Originally, Mrs. Wells thought Molly was a woman, but she is actually a man and the name stuck.
Videos of Molly playing with the couple’s two Staffordshire Bullmastiffs soon gained popularity online and the friendship between the pets generated a loyal fan base.