Disney’s RoboGobo: The Super-Powered Pet Adventure That’s Taking Over Screens!
What do you get when you mix rescue pets, superhero suits, and a whole lot of heart? RoboGobo! This brand-new animated preschool series from Disney Jr. is already capturing young hearts, and we got the inside scoop from its creator and executive producer, Chris Gilligan (T.O.T.S., Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends). Produced by Brown Bag Films in association with Disney Jr., this vibrant show isn’t just about adorable robo-powered animals—it’s about teamwork, problem-solving, and kindness.
The Origin Story: How RoboGobo Came to Life
Every great adventure has an origin story, and RoboGobo is no different. Gilligan revealed that the idea started with a simple yet brilliant thought: What if rescue pets… rescued pets?
“I was thinking about superhero stories and rescue-themed shows, and then it hit me—let’s take rescue pets and give them high-tech suits to save the day!” Gilligan shared.
His personal experience as a parent also played a big role. “When my kids were young, we used to do something called ‘story soup,’ where we’d mix random things from their room into bedtime stories. That idea of combining cute and super stuck with me,” he explained.
Meet the RoboGobo Squad!
At the heart of the action is Dax, a kindhearted boy with a veterinarian dad and an inventor mom. Naturally, he grows up with a passion for animals and an incredible set of robo-enhanced pets:
🐰 Hopper – A fearless rabbit who leaps into action! 🐶 Booster – A loyal dog with turbo-powered speed! 🐱 Allie – A clever cat with high-tech tricks! 🐢 Shelly – A wise turtle with a protective shield! 🦉 Wing – An observant owl with incredible aerial skills!
Each pet’s mechanical enhancements help them in their daring rescue missions, reinforcing themes of teamwork and innovation.
The Animation Magic Behind RoboGobo
The series took shape in 2017, when Gilligan first pitched the idea to Disney Jr. It was an instant hit, but animation—especially on this scale—takes time. “It typically takes about four years, and the pandemic stretched things out, but here we are!” he said.
The show features a unique visual style, blending 2.5D comic-inspired art with 3D character animation. “We wanted a hybrid feel—characters that feel fully three-dimensional while keeping the backgrounds flatter so the action pops,” Gilligan noted. “The result is this amazing contrast between soft, cuddly animals and their sleek, robotic armor.”
Challenges of Bringing RoboGobo to Life
Creating a CG-animated preschool show isn’t just about fun—it’s also about balance. With six main characters, it was crucial to ensure that every team member had a voice while keeping the episodes engaging and accessible for young viewers.
“The trick was remembering that core theme—rescue pets rescuing pets,” Gilligan said. “We wanted every story to feel heartfelt and relatable. If we kept those elements in place, everything else—like staging and animation—fell into place.”
An All-Star Voice Cast
The show boasts an incredible voice cast, led by Ja’Siah Young as Dax. “He’s got that rare ability to sound both wise beyond his years and incredibly warm-hearted,” Gilligan praised.
Guest stars include Cynthia Erivo, Alan Cumming, Ana Gasteyer, Allison Pill, Dulé Hill, and Susan Kelechi Watson, among others. “We were so lucky to work with such talented actors. They really brought the characters to life,” Gilligan added.
What RoboGobo Hopes to Teach
At its core, RoboGobo is about teamwork, problem-solving, and empathy. “We want kids to walk away entertained, but also to feel inspired to work together, help others, and think outside the box,” Gilligan said.
Advice for Aspiring Animators
For those dreaming of a career in animation, Gilligan offers simple but powerful advice: Start anywhere, and just get your foot in the door.
“I started as an intern, running errands and getting coffee,” he said. “But animation is a small world. The connections you make early on can lead to big opportunities down the road.”
The Future of RoboGobo
With a stellar creative team, beloved characters, and action-packed stories, RoboGobo is shaping up to be a major hit for Disney Jr. Whether you’re a kid (or a kid at heart), this series is a must-watch!
So, are you ready to join the RoboGobo crew? 🚀🐾
