Penguins make some of the most memorable and lovable characters in animation. Prime examples are the Penguins of Madagascar and Mumble from the Happy Feet movies. However, one flightless feathered friend became a star before them: Pingu. The icebound avian starred throughout countless episodes made by the Pingu Filmstudio in Switzerland. A global icon for over 30 years, the iconic penguin returns in a brand-new series.
The History of Pingu
Pingu was created in 1980 by Otmar Gutmann, then began starring in a 90s series. The show was produced using claymation and followed the titular character’s everyday life. Portrayed as a clumsy and good-natured character, the penguin often gets into trouble. Episodes usually centered around him doing a fun activity like archery or baking. He frequently plays with his best friend, Robby the Seal, and his love interest, Pingi.
The series ran for four series made of multiple seasons on Swiss television until 2000. The show was renewed in Britain for two more series and aired until 2006. The Pingu show won a BAFTA award while its titular protagonist became a worldwide star. Pingu’s fame stemmed from the fact he did not speak any known language. He and other characters communicated using a babbling and muttering language dubbed ‘Penguinese.’ People were also delighted when his beak became a megaphone and honked, “Noot noot!”
The Cultural Impact of the Penguin
Due to being a global icon, Pingu left a massive impression on culture. He was honored at children’s film festivals and became a UNICEF spokesperson in certain countries. Renowned American actor David Hasselhoff created a rap based on the clay-molded penguin. The flightless avian inspired the creation of an international school for children that teaches English. And adults often turn to him as a guide to help understand their kids.
Pingu became popular in Japan, almost on the same level as Pokemon and Hello Kitty. He’s on socks, pencil sharpeners, rulers, lunchbox sets, and other forms of merchandise. There are even gachapon dedicated to Pingu that distribute figurines of him and other characters. In 2017, a company rebooted Pingu’s show using computer animation. An exhibition in Osaka celebrated his 40th anniversary in style. Small markets called Pingu’s NOOT NOOT Market also sprang up all over Japan.
A New Series Coming
Mattel purchased Pingu in 2011, adopting him into an expanded family that includes Barbie. The company didn’t do much with the cheeky penguin until its recent announcement. Mattel revealed plans to create a new series alongside Aardman Animations. The studio is known for the Wallace and Gromit series and movies like Chicken Run. The new show will utilize stop-motion claymation like the first.
The creative team behind this new show includes Aardman veterans Sarah Cox and Alan Thorpe. Sidney Clifton, Rob David, and Melanie Shannon of Mattel Television Studios will work with them. Cox and Mattel’s Josh Silverman have expressed how this team-up is ideal. Silverman even spoke about how this new project could resonate with kids and adults. Aardman Animations has revealed that they plan to keep Pingu’s core charm and story.
Final Thoughts
Despite no previews showing up, the new Pingu series could be incredible. It could capture the magic of the original show thanks to Aardman’s contributions. Even if the program fails, it will still contribute to the penguin’s worldwide recognition. People can watch classic Pingu on YouTube and experience his charm until his show debuts.
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