Arnold Schwarzenegger has joined the cast of ‘Superhero Kindergarten’, the new animated series for children created by late comic book legend Stan Lee. According to a statement released by the banner Genius Brands International, ‘Superhero Kindergarten’ was Lee’s final project developed before his death in November 2018.
“It is an honor and privilege to work with Genius Brands and POW! Entertainment on this new series and help carry on Stan’s creative legacy by introducing this new group of superheroes to preschool children around the world,” Schwarzenegger is quoted by Variety. “Not only does Stan Lee’s ‘Superhero Kindergarten’ feature comedy and action, but there are many valuable lessons to be learned along the way! Of particular pride to me is the fact that I am not only teaching kids to use their superpowers, but I am also imparting valuable lessons to kids worldwide about the importance of health, exercise, and nutrition,’ added the actor.
Lee was reportedly very impressed with Schwarzenegger’s 1990 movie ‘Kindergarten Cop.’ The actor plays a cop going undercover as a kindergarten teacher in the hilarious movie. “My ultimate dream is to do more Conan movies and more Terminator movies. The one movie I think would be a fantastic sequel is Kindergarten Cop,” Lee reportedly told Schwarzenegger.
A couple of months later, Lee called upon Schwarzenegger to discuss an animated series in the vain of ‘Kindergarten Cop.’ His plan was to make a ‘Kindergarten Cop’ movie with a twist. The cop going undercover agent in the movie would an ex-superhero and his students would be a group of five-year-olds with superpowers, reports THR.
Though Lee died at the age of 95 before realizing his dream of the animated series, the idea is taking off. Fabian Nicieza, who is known for ‘Deadpool‘ wrote the new series. ‘Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten’ centers on the gym trainer Arnold Armstrong (voiced by Schwarzenegger) who has a past as the vigilante superhero called Captain Courage.
Five years ago, he had to sacrifice all his superhero powers to win over his arch-rival Dr. Superior. He put an end to his secret life as a superhero after the final showdown and settles as a gym trainer. But circumstances make his return inevitable when superpower kids start coming down to Earth after an explosion of particles with extraordinary powers.
The series is a co-production between Genius Brands, Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment, and Schwarzenegger’s Oak Productions. Schwarzenegger also serves as co-executive producer. Genius Brands’ Chairman and CEO Andy Heyward, POW! Entertainment president Gil Champion and Paul Wachter, CEO of Main Street Advisors also join as the project as executive producers.
Cover Image Courtesy: Genius Brands
