Darkwing Duck Disney+ Series Casts Mark Hamill and Seth Rogen as Fans React to Jim Cummings' Exit
Disney has made Darkwing Duck official for Disney+ with Mark Hamill and Seth Rogen, as fans focus on Jim Cummings not returning.
The long-awaited Darkwing Duck return is finally happening, and a lot of fan reaction is centered on one major change. Disney's new Disney+ series brings Drake Mallard back with Mark Hamill in the lead role, while longtime Darkwing voice Jim Cummings is not part of the announced cast.
A long-rumored comeback becomes official
Disney has greenlit a new Darkwing Duck series for Disney+, turning a project fans had been hearing about for some time into an official revival. Mark Hamill will voice Drake Mallard, also known as Darkwing Duck, and Seth Rogen is set to play Launchpad McQuack.
The rest of the announced cast includes 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, and Nat Faxon as Officer Webb.
For many longtime viewers, the most talked-about part of the announcement is the absence of Jim Cummings, who is not returning as Drake Mallard. Cummings said late last month that he was no longer involved with the project. A grassroots fan campaign has since formed in support of him and in protest of Disney's handling of the veteran voice actor.
What the new series will do with Darkwing
The show is being led by Sean Tretta and Borja Peña Gorostegui, who both serve as executive producers. Producing duties also include Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Alex McAtee, and Gabby Grantham for Point Grey Pictures. Tad Stones, creator of the original Darkwing Duck, consulted on the development of the new version.
The setup places Darkwing in an alternate world that has never heard of his superhero exploits. According to the announced story, he has been stuck in that nightmare for 35 years when a rebellious teen named Duckie, who does know his past, arrives to bring him back into action. The series will pair the two against enemies including Negaduck and Megavolt, while reuniting Darkwing with Launchpad, Gosalyn, and Morgana in a mission to save the universe.
Disney is reviving a property with a sizable history. The original Darkwing Duck ran for 91 episodes, first on Disney Channel and then on ABC and in syndication starting in 1991. The character has also appeared in the recent DuckTales, and the original series is currently streaming on Disney+.
