Disney+ has confirmed the development of a new Darkwing Duck series that will bring back Drake Mallard three and a half decades after his last televised adventure. The announcement, made through the Disney TVA account, arrives with a first image and a detail that has surprised fans: Mark Hamill will be the new voice of the iconic superhero.
The comeback carries real weight because it isn't just a nostalgic continuation. The new production sets up a completely different starting point for the character, while also bringing back villains and allies who defined the original series that aired in the nineties.
A premise that breaks from the original series
According to information shared by Disney, Darkwing Duck has spent the last 35 years trapped in an alternate reality where no one remembers or knows about his exploits as a superhero. For a character as invested in his own legend as Drake Mallard, that situation amounts to a genuine nightmare.
The twist arrives with Duckie, a rebellious teenager who does know about Darkwing's heroic past and who sets out to bring him back into action. Together they'll have to face familiar threats while trying to keep the universe out of danger.
Negaduck, Megavolt and the classic allies return
The new series will bring back much of the character roster that made Darkwing Duck popular during its original run. Confirmed names include Negaduck and Megavolt, two of the villains most fondly remembered by fans of the franchise.
The return of Launchpad, Gosalyn and Morgana has also been confirmed, characters closely tied to Drake Mallard's life in the classic series.
Leading the executive production will be Sean Tretta, known for his work on Star Trek: Picard, and Borja Peña Gorostegui, of Lost & Crowned. The series will be produced by Point Grey Pictures, with Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Alex McAtee and Gabby Grantham as producers.
Mark Hamill replaces Jim Cummings
One of the most talked-about changes is the lead voice. The original series, which reached 91 episodes, featured Jim Cummings as the voice of Drake Mallard throughout its entire run. In this new chapter, however, Mark Hamill will be the one bringing the character to life.
The voice cast confirmed so far includes:
- Mark Hamill as Drake Mallard / Darkwing Duck
- Seth Rogen as Launchpad McQuack
- Lizzy Caplan as Gosalyn Mallard
- Lilimar as Duckie
- Dan Stevens as Glade McTowers
- Tiffany Shepis as Rosa
- Kathryn Newton as Firecracker
- Teo Briones as Timb
- Tyler Dean Flores as Pondsy
- Katie Rich as Officer Shanks
- Nat Faxon as Officer Webb
The original creator backs the new approach
Tad Stones, creator of Darkwing Duck, has taken part as a consultant in the development of this new series, providing a certain creative continuity with the original material.
Stones has expressed his enthusiasm for the project and noted that the new team has amped up the action and comedy without losing the emotional core that has defined the character since the beginning.
The creator has also compared Darkwing Duck to figures like Robin Hood, Zorro or Sherlock Holmes, characters whose stories have been reinterpreted by different creators over time, adapting to new eras and contexts without losing their essential identity.
More than three decades of history
Darkwing Duck premiered in 1991 as part of Disney Television Animation's output and went on to reach 91 episodes. Its run on ABC ended in 1993, though it continued in syndication until 1995, with a brief additional comeback between 1996 and 1997.
The character also had a presence beyond television, with video games for the Nintendo NES in 1992 and Game Boy in 1993, as well as a comic book appearance in 1994. More recently, Darkwing Duck reappeared in the modern version of DuckTales, showing Disney's ongoing interest in keeping the character alive.
The original Darkwing Duck series is currently available to watch on Disney+. The new production still does not have a confirmed release date.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new Darkwing Duck series premiere?
Disney+ has not yet announced a release date for the new series.
Who voices Darkwing Duck in the new series?
Mark Hamill will be the new voice of Drake Mallard and Darkwing Duck, replacing Jim Cummings, who played the character in the original series.
Which classic characters return in the new series?
Negaduck, Megavolt, Launchpad, Gosalyn and Morgana return, along with the addition of the new character Duckie.
Who produces the new Darkwing Duck series?
The series is produced by Point Grey Pictures, with Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Alex McAtee and Gabby Grantham as producers, and Sean Tretta and Borja Peña Gorostegui as executive producers.
Is the original Darkwing Duck series available to stream?
Yes, the original Darkwing Duck series is currently available to watch on Disney+.
How many episodes did the original Darkwing Duck series have?
The original series reached 91 episodes, airing initially on ABC between 1991 and 1993, followed by a syndication run until 1995 and a brief comeback between 1996 and 1997.