Expanding the Zag Universe: Ghostforce Evolution Heads to Production with Global Partners

By Editorial Staff
June 15, 2026

Zag, the powerhouse animation studio behind global phenomenon Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, has officially greenlit the production of Ghostforce Evolution. This highly anticipated series serves as the latest iteration of the Ghostforce franchise, signaling a strategic pivot to broaden the property’s narrative scope. With major distribution partners including Netflix, France’s TF1, and Germany’s Super RTL already onboard, the series is positioned for a significant worldwide debut.

The Premise: Navigating Teen Life and Supernatural Threats

At its core, Ghostforce Evolution retains the DNA that made the original series a success: the high-stakes balancing act of being a typical teenager while moonlighting as a protector of the city.

Set against the bustling, cinematic backdrop of New York City, the series follows the trio of Andy, Liv, and Mike. By day, they navigate the trials of adolescence—school, friendship, and the awkwardness of early crushes. By night, they transform into the Ghost Force, a specialized superhero team tasked with maintaining order in a city plagued by supernatural entities.

The narrative arc for this new iteration promises to dig deeper into the psychological underpinnings of the characters. Under the mentorship of scientist Luna Jones, the trio will face off against a formidable antagonist in Prince Onara, who acts as the primary conduit for the malevolent plans of the imprisoned ghost king, Buriburi.

What sets Evolution apart from its predecessor, according to studio insiders, is a shift toward a more thematic focus on relatable human fears. Rather than focusing solely on generic supernatural combat, the series aims to weave in real-world anxieties—such as fear of storms, phobias regarding animals, technology-related anxiety, and the pervasive fear of the unknown—into the episodic structure. By personifying these anxieties as supernatural threats, Zag hopes to create a more profound emotional connection with its young audience.

A Decade in the Making: The Chronology of Ghostforce

The journey of Ghostforce from a concept in a boardroom to a multi-platform franchise is a testament to the long-term vision of Jeremy Zag and his studio.

• 2014: The Genesis. The project first entered the public consciousness when Jeremy Zag announced the formation of a new Los Angeles-based production facility. At the time, Ghostforce was presented as a flagship property intended to anchor the studio’s ambitious push into global television markets.
• 2015–2020: Development and Iteration. During this period, the concept underwent significant refinement. The studio utilized this time to experiment with visual styles and character dynamics, ensuring that the lore of the ghost-hunting trio was robust enough to support long-term franchise expansion.
• 2021: The Initial Launch. The original Ghostforce series premiered, introducing the characters to global audiences. The series quickly gained traction for its polished animation and high-octane action sequences.
• 2026: The Evolution. Following years of consistent performance and growth in international markets, Zag officially announced Ghostforce Evolution. This marks the shift from a standalone series to a full-blown franchise brand, signaling the studio’s intent to treat it with the same level of care and expansion as the Miraculous universe.

Strategic Partnerships and Industry Implications

The involvement of Netflix, TF1, and Super RTL provides a clear indicator of the project’s perceived market value. By securing a hybrid distribution model—balancing traditional broadcast powerhouses in Europe with the massive, on-demand reach of Netflix—Zag is maximizing the series’ visibility across different demographics and viewing habits.

Ian Lambur, Executive Vice President of Series at ZAG, underscored the studio’s philosophy regarding the expansion: "The original Ghostforce series introduced audiences to a superhero trio protecting New York City from fear-driven ghosts, quickly building a global fanbase with its blend of comedy, action, and relatable teen dynamics. With Ghostforce Evolution, we’re leaning into what ZAG and Jeremy Zag do best—crafting stories filled with magic, heart, and adventure, where everyday teens rise as extraordinary heroes, much like Miraculous."

This statement is telling. By explicitly invoking the success of Miraculous, Zag is signaling to investors and fans alike that Ghostforce is being primed to become a "pillar property." The studio is betting that the winning formula of Miraculous—high-quality 3D animation, strong character-driven arcs, and a clear "monster-of-the-week" structure—will translate perfectly to the Ghostforce brand.

Why "Evolution" Matters for the Animation Industry

The animation industry has seen a distinct trend toward "universe building." Major players like Disney and Warner Bros. have long utilized this strategy, but independent studios like Zag are proving that they can replicate this success on a global scale.

Ghostforce Evolution represents a maturation of the studio’s approach to intellectual property. By opting for a sub-titled "Evolution" rather than a simple "Season 2," the studio is rebranding the experience. This allows them to refresh the character designs, deepen the lore, and potentially introduce new merchandise lines, which are critical to the financial health of modern animation studios.

Furthermore, the focus on "relatable fears" is a clever narrative device. In a crowded children’s media landscape, where content is abundant, shows that offer a therapeutic or cathartic element often perform better in terms of long-term viewer retention. By tackling anxieties through the lens of superheroes, Ghostforce offers a safe space for children to process their own emotions.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Franchise

While production is currently underway, the industry is already speculating on the potential for secondary market expansion. Given the track record of Jeremy Zag’s other properties, fans can likely expect an accompanying suite of digital content, toys, and perhaps even interactive experiences.

The production of Ghostforce Evolution also reinforces the stability of the Los Angeles animation sector. Despite industry-wide fluctuations in streaming budgets and production spending, Zag continues to maintain a steady output. The commitment from international broadcasters like TF1 and Super RTL suggests that there is still a massive appetite for high-quality, action-adventure animated series that provide both excitement and moral grounding.

As the team at Zag continues to refine the animation and script, the global audience will be watching to see if Ghostforce Evolution can indeed reach the dizzying heights of the studio’s other major successes. If the pedigree of the production team and the strength of the distribution partners are any indication, the franchise is well-poised to capture the imaginations of a new generation of viewers, solidifying its place in the pantheon of modern animated superhero lore.

For now, the focus remains on the production floor, where the ghosts of New York are being brought to life, one frame at a time. The evolution has begun, and the stakes for the Ghost Force have never been higher.