New Peggy and Molly animated series announced

After a dramatic public uproar and a surprising twist, the beloved magpie Molly and best dog friend Peggy are back with a brand new adventure.

The story of Queensland’s internet-famous magpie Molly and best canine companion Peggy is set to be transformed into an animated series.

The announcement comes just months after Molly’s controversial surrender to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) by the magpie’s carers, which sparked a public uproar and led to her eventual return home.

An image from the Peggy and Molly the Magpie page. Picture: Facebook / Peggy and Molly.

The exciting news was shared on Thursday via Instagram by the account dedicated to the daily lives of Peggy, an English Blue Staffy, Molly the magpie, and Peggy’s daughter, Ruby.

The post revealed that Xentrix Studios would be producing the animated series, which promises to bring the enchanting friendship between these animals to screens worldwide.

“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, and their friends,” read the post, accompanied by images of the animated characters set to appear in the series.

The series, inspired by the real-life bond between Peggy and Molly, will reimagine the duo’s unexpected adventures together, highlighting their unique friendship, showcasing playful escapades and the special connection that bridges their differences.

First images of characters Peggy and Molly. Photo: Instagram/@peggyandmollyanimatedseries.

An Instagram account dedicated to the new animated series has already showcased the first 12 characters, including caricature versions of Peggy, Molly, and Ruby.

The additional characters, such as Sarg the Jack Russell Terrier and Wolf the Irish wolfhound, promise to add further depth and excitement to the series.

First images of characters Sarg, the Jack Russell Terrier and Wolf, an Irish Wolfhound. Photo: Instagram/@peggyandmollyanimatedseries.

Sarg, described as the nemesis of Peggy and Molly, appears to be a nod to the DESI officials who were involved in the real-life drama surrounding Molly’s surrender.

“Sarg, the Jack Russell Terrier of unpopular government official Mr. Watkins, is a sneaky and cunning dog,” the character’s description read.

“Always scheming, Sarg takes great pleasure in thwarting Peggy and Molly’s adventures, using his sharp mind and agility to stay one step ahead and cause mischief wherever he goes.”

Other characters include twin border collies Matilda and Tobi, a fat cat named Shelly, a Cavoodle named Charlie, and alley cats Jinx, Rascal, and Bandit.

First images of characters Jinx, Rascal and Bandit. Photo: Instagram/@peggyandmollyanimatedseries.

The animated series announcement has garnered significant excitement, amassing over 1000 likes in under 30 minutes.

Molly’s carers, Gold Coast couple Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen, voluntarily surrendered Molly to DESI earlier this year after authorities discovered they lacked the required permit to care for native wildlife.

Following a campaign that saw support from notable figures such as Premier Steven Miles and pro-surfer Kelly Slater, Molly was returned under the condition that the carers would no longer profit from the magpie’s image.

Ms Wells and Mr Mortensen have since undertaken wildlife carer training and must continue to engage with authorities to ensure Molly receives proper care.

When asked about the carers in relation to the new series, CEO of Xentrix Chelsea Bonner said: “Juliette and Reece 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.

“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.

“The storylines will be inspired by and animals friendships and are not based on real life or fact. The scripts will be written from the writers creation of the characters and imagination just like all animated tv and film.

“The animals will not be required to perform or contribute in any way to the animated series. They will be tucked up at home enjoying their real life.”

Originally published as New Peggy and Molly animated series announced