The creative minds at Animaccord faced a challenge most animation studios would envy: where to take the character with 235 billion views on YouTube?
The answer appears to be in a whole new place – something that has fans of the brave and adventurous Masha excited ahead of its release. Masha and the Three Bears. The new series will be shown at the Annecy Animation Festival (running from June 21 to 27), and its first trailer is expected to appear before MIPCOM and Brand Licensing Europe in the fall. Scheduled for global release in the second half of 2027, introducing audiences to three new characters – Big Bear, Middle Bear, and Little Bear – and a narrative arc built around universal themes of parenting and family.
“We spent a lot of time thinking about what story we wanted to tell next,” says Magdalena Weremiuk, commercial director of Animaccord, based in Cyprus. “One thing we knew was that we had a strong foundation in reimagining folklore for modern families. This naturally led us to the classic story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears Admittedly, we’ve always had a special affinity for stories about bears.
The character of Masha has roots in folklore, but the new production also draws on popular culture. “He was one of our references Three men and a child“The dynamic has inspired many caregivers who take care of a child,” says Wermuk. “We combined this concept with a traditional fairy tale and then developed distinct personalities for each bear. To build the comedy, we also looked to famous father figures in films, including Why compers? With Pierre Richard and Gerard Depardieu. We wanted different parenting styles and comedic models: strict, fun, precise, gentle and more emotional. These differences became the basis for both humor and interpersonal relationships.
Season 1 will focus on relatable everyday moments — “bedtime routines and haircuts to everyday habits and life’s little adventures,” says Weremeuk. “We turn these familiar experiences into comedy, creating entertaining stories that help children understand that parental requests often come from a place of care. Instead of teaching lessons directly, we tell engaging stories that families can recognize from their own lives and enjoy together.”
Animaccord has built its reputation around it Masha and the bearthe animated series launched in 2009 that follows an ever-curious little girl and the wise retired circus bear who becomes her unlikely companion. Now in its ninth season, the series holds a Guinness World Record as the most viewed anime on YouTube, has won 76 YouTube Creator Awards, and has been translated into 47 languages. Parrot Analytics ranks it in the top two most in-demand kids programs in the world and the #1 preschool program.
The new series required extensive research – into global children’s media, competing brands and what resonates across cultures – along with trust in a creative team already proven effective in those markets. “People bring different cultural backgrounds, perspectives, values and life experiences to the table, which allows us to look at stories from multiple angles,” says Weremeuk. “This helps us create narratives that feel authentic and specific, while still being universal enough that children and families around the world can connect with them.”
The result, she says, is comedy without the need for a passport. “Ultimately, the most universal humor comes from recognizable feelings and experiences. Children everywhere understand friendship, curiosity, mischief, imagination and family relationships. When a story is built around those shared experiences, humor naturally moves across borders.”
As the franchise grew, so did his licensing ambitions. Animaccord sees opportunities across gaming, publishing, live experiences, fashion and brand collaborations. “We are already seeing strong interest from partners across multiple markets, and a number of agreements are currently being finalized,” says Weremeuk. “Although it is still too early to announce specific partners, our goal is to build a carefully curated licensing program that feels authentic to the new franchise and resonates with kids and families.”
However, at its core, the new series is a love letter to imperfect parenting.
“Every family is different, and every parent has their own personality, strengths and approach,” says Weremeuk. “What really matters is the love, care and support you give your child. The series celebrates different parenting styles, but also highlights what great parents have in common: They help their children feel loved, supported and secure.”
This sense of reassurance runs through every episode, Weremeuk adds: “We hope that families around the world will see themselves in these characters, laugh together, and be reminded that creating a home full of love and safety is what matters most.”
