Naruto was taken off the air in the United States not long after Cartoon Network canceled their long-running Toonami action block in September 2008. Since then, there has been no word from Cartoon Network about whether the network would pick up Naruto Shippuden, the continuation of the series that starts when Naruto returns from his 3-year training with Jiraiya.
No fan of Naruto will have to wait on Cartoon Network any longer. Disney announced on September 10, 2009 that it has picked up this series, securing yet another popular franchise license.
Disney Rolling Strong with Young Boy Market
Earlier this month, Disney announced their buyout of Marvel, which was most likely as much of an attempt to push forward with their young boy focus on the Disney XD channel as it was to make more money. The fact that they have sought after the hit anime Naruto Shippuden seems to only emphasize both of those reasons.
Executives from VIZ, the studio that has been producing both the Naruto manga and the anime in the United States, even said as much when commenting on the Shippuden snag. Bill Germain, the media director of programming sales for VIZ, said that Shippuden fits in well with the boy-focused programming of Disney XD.
If Disney XD does pick up a third season of The Spectacular Spider-Man and other Marvel animated series along with Shippuden, the channel would definitely end up as a power house in this market and would most likely pick up several viewers outside of this demographic, primarily Marvel and anime fans.
Will Naruto Shippuden Mean More Anime for Disney?
It's definitely too early to say, but it's certainly something Disney has got to be considering. While it's highly doubtful that Disney will pick up any of the more serious, adult anime found on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim programming, Disney may look at other anime licenses that run along the same lines as Naruto: fantasy violence with morals and family values that will appeal to young boys. Such titles could include Bleach, One Piece, or Dragon Ball Kai, if that new series becomes licensed in the States.
Disney XD currently plans to air Naruto Shippuden in October, but there have been no definitive release dates as of yet. No matter what happens with Disney and future anime, one thing is for certain: the company picked a great show with a large following as their first anime addition to Disney XD.
Source: Animation Magazine, September 10, 2009
Keri Honea - Keri Honea is all over the place. She's involved with video games, animation, strategy guides, and fantasy books, and not just on Suite ...
