Mark Hamill is the new Darkwing Duck, with Seth Rogen as Launchpad — and this one is thirty years past his glory days
Disney+ has the series in production. Darkwing has been stranded in another reality until a teenager who knows the legend finds him.
Right, Disney+ have actually gone and done it. After years of whispers and the odd Twitter tease, we're finally getting a proper Darkwing Duck revival—only this time, Mark Hamill is behind the cape. It's official, the animated series is in production, and it's aiming for that sweet spot between nostalgia and... well, whatever this new plot is.
Duck Knight Returns (Sort Of)
If you recall, the original Darkwing Duck first hit screens in 1991—pure '90s cartoon magic, courtesy of Tad Stones and with Jim Cummings lending his voice to the masked avenger. This comeback isn't a straight-up reboot, though. Instead, they're doing the classic ‘time jump’—the new series sees Darkwing noticeably older, still haunted by his glory days, but not in the usual superhero way.
For over three decades, Darkwing has been stuck in an alternate reality with no one to marvel at his heroics—until a teenager called Duckie, who actually knows the legend, turns up and drags him back into action. Together, the pair get embroiled in another universe-saving adventure, taking down Nemeses like Negaduck and Megavolt, and reuniting with fan-favourites Launchpad, Gosalyn, and Morgana. Yes, the logline is a bit mad, but if ever a Disney cartoon could get away with it, this is the one.The original series launched back in 1991 and became one of Disney’s most cherished oddball cartoons.
The New Cast and Crew
So who's replacing Jim Cummings? Mark Hamill, of all people, is the new voice for Darkwing Duck/Drake Mallard—hard to argue with that level of voice acting clout. The supporting cast is equally decent:
- Seth Rogen: Launchpad McQuack (yes, the very same from DuckTales, now with a Rogan twist)
- Lizzy Caplan: Gosalyn Mallard
- Lilimar: Duckie (the ‘rebellious teen’ and plot catalyst)
- Dan Stevens: Glade McTowers
- Tiffany Shepis: Rosa
- Kathryn Newton: Firecracker
- Teo Briones: Timb
- Tyler Dean Flores: Pondsy
- Katie Rich: Officer Shanks
- Nat Faxon: Officer Webb
The production side is stacked as well. Sean Tretta and Borja Peña Gorostegui are running the show as executive producers. Seth Rogen’s not just voicing Launchpad; he’s on producing duties too, alongside Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Alex McAtee, and Gabby Grantham via Point Grey Pictures.
How Involved is Tad Stones?
This isn't a case where the old guard have been shuffled quietly out the room—Tad Stones, the original creator, is back in as a consultant. Not leading things, but still involved. Here’s how Stones chose to address the fans in a release for the new series:
‘Like every other fan of the original show, I’m excited to see Darkwing getting dangerous again in a whole new series. The new creative team has certainly amped up the action and comedy without forgetting the Disney heart. This series places DW in the literary tradition of Robin Hood, Zorro, and Sherlock Holmes, heroes whose lore has been reinterpreted by multiple creators in multiple mediums. They explored the core of those characters by tossing them into new eras, new relationships, and even new universes. No matter when or where, Darkwing Duck will appear in a cloud of blue smoke to grab the spotlight.’