Adult Swim has announced "Hit Squad," a new animated series reviving the distinctive puppetry style of Gerry Anderson, the pioneering creator behind shows like "Fireball XL5" and "Thunderbirds." The project, revealed at the Annecy Festival, is based on an unrealized 1983 pitch document from Anderson.
Peter Girardi, Warner Bros. Animation executive vice president, sought to license Anderson's past work but encountered rights complexities. He then contacted Anderson's son, who provided access to archived ideas, leading to the development of "Hit Squad."
Russell McLean and Darren Walsh, known for their work on the puppet-centric "Black Mirror" episode "The Waldo Moment," are spearheading the update of Anderson's techniques. While the production emphasizes practical effects, CGI is being utilized to enhance mouth movements.
A preview screened at the festival offered a glimpse into the show's tone. It focused on a new agent's first day, featuring a flashback to an aggressive first mission. The sequence culminated in the agent using a briefcase to detonate, resulting in the destruction of an attacker and the briefcase itself. This violent introduction earned her approval from her new boss, who then showcased the "Hit Squad's" arsenal of cars and rockets. The preview concluded with a montage depicting an explosion engulfing London, drawing a comparison to the style of "Team America: World Police."
No release date has been set for "Hit Squad." It is part of a forthcoming slate of Adult Swim programming that also includes "President Curtis," "My Adventures with Green Lantern," and "My Two Cars."