Oscar-Winning ‘Into the Spider-Verse’ Writer Rodney Rothman Closes Animation Deal with FOX TV

Oscar-Winning ‘Into the Spider-Verse’ Writer Rodney Rothman Closes Animation Deal with FOX TV

Rodney Rothman, the Oscar-winning writer and director behind “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” has entered into a broadcast direct deal with Fox Entertainment to develop animated programming along with producing partner Adam Rosenberg, Fox Entertainment president of entertainment Michael Thorn announced.

The duo’s recently launched media company Modern Magic will develop and produce a new wave of half-hour and hour-long animated series for Fox. Content created under the overall agreement will be fully owned and distributed by Fox Entertainment and produced by its Emmy-winning animation studio, Bento Box Entertainment. Modern Magic will also look to partner on a variety of projects with additional animation production studios under its deal with Fox and Bento Box as the studio.

“What I love about Rodney is there are no limits to his creative, comedic genius, whether it’s reimagining iconic franchises, shaping instant cult classics, or writing laughs for Letterman,” Thorn said. “This direct deal with Rodney and Adam greatly expands our fast-growing Animation Domination slate, which is a key pillar to our growth strategy here in the U.S. and abroad.”

Under their recently launched banner, Rothman and Rosenberg will develop and produce a new wave of half-hour and hour-long animated series for FOX. Content created under the broadcast direct deal will be fully owned and distributed by FOX Entertainment and produced by its Emmy Award-winning animation studio, Bento Box Entertainment. Modern Magic will also look to partner on a variety of projects with additional animation production studios under its deal with FOX and Bento Box as the studio.

“Michael and his team at FOX Entertainment are undisputed all-time champions of broadcast animation; their record speaks for itself,” said Rothman. “At Modern Magic, we’re committed to exploring the boundaries of what popular animated storytelling can be in the 21st Century, and this partnership Fox has extended is a true opportunity and much-appreciated vote of confidence for us and the worldwide community of ambitious, amazing artists that we’re grateful to work with.”

FOX Entertainment’s animation lineup includes award-winning and fan-favorite primetime comedies The Simpsons, Family Guy and Bento Box productions Bob’s Burgers, The Great North and HouseBroken. The FOX-owned toon shop is currently working on Dan Harmon’s Krapopolis and Grimsburg starring Jon Hamm for 2023, as well as the recently ordered Universal Basic Guys/The Hoagie Bros. from Game of Zones creators Adam & Craig Malamut for 2024 (co-produced by FOX and Sony Pictures Television).