Chinese streamer Youku has inked a co-pro deal with French prodco Xilam for new preschool series Lupin’s Tales. The companies will also develop a range of merchandise for the brand in China, starting with educational products. Youku parent company Alibaba will control distribution and merchandising rights for the series in Mainland China, with Xilam handling the rest of the world.

Animated in 2D and 3D, Lupin’s Tales is is set to premiere in 2021. The 78 x seven-minute adventure series revolves around a wolf cub who dreams of being a storybook hero, and it was one of the most-screened shows at MIPJunior 2019.

This is Xilam’s first co-production with a Chinese company, and it comes on the heels of hiring Manya Zhou in 2019 as head of business development for China. Zhou is tasked with managing co-pro opportunities, distribution and L&M in the region.

Youku has been co-producing more animated content with international partners recently, including Genius Brands’ new animated series Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, and animated series Little Luban from Viacom International Media Networks.