Molly the Magpie and Peggy the Staffy to get their own animated series
![Molly the Magpie and Peggy the staffy are set to feature in a new animated series about their lives. Facebook / Peggy and Molly.](https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/C-15404490/ac8695e8f6210a03cef57bcbff0e28d288aa9cf3-16x9-x225y0w1451h816.jpg?imwidth=810&impolicy=wan_v3)
The story of unlikely friendship between Queensland’s Molly the Magpie and Peggy the Staffordshire terrier is being transformed into a “wholesome” new animated series.
The exciting news was shared to the duo’s viral Instagram account on Thursday.
“We are so excited to announce Xentrix studios are going to bring to life a wholesome heartwarming animated series about a kind-hearted, animal loving couple and their beautiful staffy girls, a magpie & their friends,” the post read.
![Peggy and Molly have been best friends since 2020. Facebook / Peggy and Molly.](https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/C-15404490/68148ce9fb5442e6c95e711e31fefdab72380e78.jpg?imwidth=810&impolicy=wan_v3)
![Four years on, the unlikely duo will feature in their very own animated series. Facebook / Peggy and Molly.](https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/C-15404490/8ffa8a75b25de72a81623bf3bf184b6fe6a35104.jpg?imwidth=810&impolicy=wan_v3)
“We are so grateful they are bringing to life this special friendship, for people of all ages to enjoy around the world”.
The animated series will showcase the “heartwarming tales” and “playful escapades” of pair’s unique friendship in 52, 11 minute episodes tailored for children between aged five and 11.
The series will also feature Peggy’s daughter, Ruby, who is described as a “cheeky and mischievous Staffy, brimming with playful energy and a stubborn streak”.
An Instagram account dedicated to the new series pictures a number of additional characters, including a trio of alley cats named Jinx, Rascal and Bandit who “lurk in shadowy corners”, scheming to outsmart and catch Molly.
Twin female border collies, Matilda and Tobi will showcase a “playful rivalry” and an unbreakable bond between two sisters, while Shelly “a big fat cat” with a self-inflated ego is the self proclaimed beauty of the animal pack.
The series is expected to remain in development for the next year.
Molly and Peggy first made worldwide headlines in March after Molly was surrendered to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation officials following allegations the bird was not being “kept unlawfully”.
But after 42 days and campaigns led by Premier Steven Miles and professional surfer Kelly Slater, Molly was returned to her owners, Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen, under a series of strict conditions, including that there is no ongoing commercial gain from the bird or its image.
The owners were also required to undertake wildlife carer training and must continue to engage with DESI to ensure the bird is receiving adequate care and enrichment.
Following questions raised about the owners and commercial gain from the series, Xentrix chief executive officer Chelsea Bonner said the Queensland couple have “simply allowed Xentrix to develop an animated series using the pet names of their animals”.
“No payments have exchanged hands for this. The series isn’t funded yet and is likely in development for at least another year,” she said according to the Courier Mail.
“Production funds need to be raised by Xentrix Studios to make the series, hire animation artists, script writers, editors and more, which is a long and expensive process.”
As its an animated series, Ms Bonner noted the animals will not be required to perform or contribute to the series but “will be tucked up at home enjoying their real life” instead.
Originally published as Molly the Magpie and Peggy the Staffy to get their own animated series
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