The animated series adaptation of Grubbs has found its voice cast. Variety reports that a slew of names have been confirmed, and with it comes a reunion of 90s sitcom stars Jodie Sweetin and Jaleel White. Both rose to fame as former child stars with Sweetin on Full House and White on Family Matters. Their characters, Stephanie Tanner and Steve Urkel, had even met when a Full House episode brought in the Family Matters favorite for a special crossover.
It’s not the only reunion that’s a part of the voice cast for Grubbs. Also announced for the new series are Wil Wheaton (Star Trek: The Next Generation) and Jerry O’Connell (Star Trek: Lower Decks), both of whom appeared in the film Stand by Me. Other confirmed cast members include Felicia Day (Mystery Science Theater 3000), Jason Marsden (Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham), and Debi Derryberry (Minions: The Rise of Gru) in main roles with supporting cast members including Andy Rullo, Lauren Bradley, Rob Potchak, and Bobby Crosby.
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The series is based on the graphic novels by Max Weaver, who serves as producer and co-wrote the pilot episode. The animated adaptation follows Billy “Grubbs” Watson (Derryberry), an eight-year-old boy whose “penchant for mischief is enabled by the support of his imaginary friend, Tyler (Wheaton). As Grubbs’ shenanigans escalate, his father (O’Connell), sister (Sweetin), teacher (Day), and principal (White) are caught in the crossfire.”
M.J. Offen, who co-wrote the pilot with Weaver, is also quoted as saying that Grubbs is the “lovable troublemaker we need,” referring to him as today’s version of mischievous cartoon children like Calvin, Dennis, and Bart. Chris Crosby and Bobby Crosby are also producing. The project comes from Keenspot, marking its first animated series, with animation by Glass House Studios and music from Doug Bresler.
Is Grubbs the New Bart Simpson?
Grubbs, published by Simon & Schuster, featured illustrations by Ted Dawson in its original stories. The series is now illustrated by Remy “Eisu” Mokhtar. Grubbs is drawn in an old school style reminiscent of comic strips like Calvin and Hobbes, but set in the present day with the titular child tackling modern problems.
“I see Grubbs’ potential as a troublemaker we love to see act up, like Calvin or Dennis or Bart, but in today’s world, pulling shenanigans is going to go very differently,” Offen said of the series.
Grubbs producers say that a streaming partner for the animated series will be revealed at a future date, so it’s not yet clear where the show will land. The plan is for the series to premiere by Fall 2023.
