The creator and writer of many of the most beloved and classic Marvel comic books, Stan Lee, was working on one of his final projects before passing away in 2018. Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten is a new animated series in development from Genius Brands, Lee’s POW! Entertainment and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Oak Productions.
Schwarzenegger will play the lead role of Arnold Armstrong/Captain Courage. He is described as “an average gym teacher before he was imbued with superpowers when the earth passed through the ionic dust left in the wake of a mysterious comet.” Thus began the story of Captain Courage. However, one day he was forced to retire as the hero after using up all his powers to defeat his arch nemesis, Dr. Superior.
Armstrong seems to find his purpose once again when he hears that there might be some super-powered children as a result of an explosion of super-energy particles that spread around. Helming the responsibility to train these children, Armstrong takes up a job as the kindergarten teacher so that he can fulfill his duties in secret.
Schwarzenegger will also serve as the co-executive producer to bring Lee’s creation to life in the best way possible.
“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 said. “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.”
Andy Heyward, Genius Brands’ chairman and CEO, knew just how much Schwarzenegger meant to Stan Lee.
“Stan loved and admired Arnold as not just an actor, but a true hero in so many ways and always envisioned Arnold for this role,” said Heyward. “From Spider-Man, Iron Man, X-Men, Black Panther, Incredible Hulk, Guardians of the Galaxy, Thor, Captain America, Captain Marvel, The Avengers and countless more, Stan was the greatest creator, that Hollywood and pop culture has ever known. We are honored to continue his legacy of creating a new superhero franchise for kids with another iconic hero, Arnold Schwarzenegger, in Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten.”
Heyward excites fans when he mentions a Stan Lee cameo for each episode.
“Just as his millions of fans look forward to seeing him appear in each Marvel film, they will look forward to his presence in each episode of this cartoon,” Heyward. “The strong positive messaging of the series regarding health, exercise, and nutrition, coming from the credibility of Arnold Schwarzenegger, will make it a series that parents will enjoy alongside their children.”
Andy Heward and President of POW! Entertainment, Gill Champion, will both serve as executive producers alongside each other. Fabian Nicieza will be scripting the animated series.