Freshly rebranded streamer Max has picked up Atomic Cartoons’ new 2D-animated series Mermicorno: Starfall for its exclusive U.S. debut.

The 26 x 22-minute series, now in production, is based on the character Sirena from the global lifestyle brand tokidoki’s line of Unicorno characters. It’s targeted at kids aged five to nine, and will premiere on Max (formerly HBO Max) in 2025.

Mermicorno: Starfall takes place in an underwater world where half-Unicorno/half-fish creatures called Mermicornos work together to protect the ocean from the evil Ika Inkblot.

Atomic Cartoons is overseeing production on the series, while Thunderbird Distribution — the global distribution and consumers products arm of Atomic parentco Thunderbird Entertainment — holds global rights.

Executive producers on the series include Thunderbird’s CEO and chair Jennifer Twiner McCarron, president and CCO Matthew Berkowitz, and VP of Atomic originals Aaron Behl, as well as tokidoki’s co-founders Simone Legno and Pooneh Mohajer, and Shea Fontana (Monster High).

Thunderbird Distribution — led by Richard Goldsmith, president of global distribution and consumer products — is currently shopping Mermicorno: Starfall to broadcasters and streaming platforms outside of the U.S.

The distribution and licensing arm is also co-managing consumer products rights with tokidoki, and is bringing the IP to the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, which runs from June 13 to 15.

“There’s magic in these Mermicorno, and we felt there was a tremendous opportunity to fill a white space for an intelligent adventure-comedy to appeal to both girls and boys — and their families,” said Berkowitz in a statement, adding that the “opportunity to collaborate with the brilliant minds of Simone and Pooneh at tokidoki, as well as Shea Fontana, has been incredible for our studio.”

Image courtesy of Thunderbird Entertainment