William Joyce's beloved tale Ollie's Odyssey, which follows the story of a lost toy trying to find his way home, is being brought to life on Netflix with the help of soap opera alums Gina Rodriguez (ex-Beverly, The Bold and the Beautiful) and Jonathan Groff (ex-Henry Mackler, One Life to Live).
The hybrid live-action-animation series, titled Lost Ollie, has called on Groff to voice the title character, a handmade toy rabbit, while Rodriguez will play the live-action role of Momma. Other stars include Mary J. Blige, Tim Blake Nelson, Kesler Talbot, and Jake Johnson.
Said Teddy Biaselli, director of YA/family series at Netflix, in an official statement, "I've been a toy collector my entire life. My personal collection consists of thousands of toys, some modern and sleek, and others vintage and worn from all the adventures I took them on as a kid. And though time has taken its toll, I have held onto them because of the special place they hold in my heart. We've all had a toy like that -- a confidant, a protector, a sidekick, a best friend. And when we've lost a toy... it's like we've lost a part of ourselves."
Lost Ollie is currently in production in Canada. At this time, there is no word on when the four-episode series will be released.
Jonathan Groff played OLTL's Henry Mackler in 2007. He went on to star in shows like Boss, Glee, Looking, and Mindhunter, as well as voicing the character of Kristoff in Disney's Frozen and Frozen II.
Gina Rodriguez played the role of B&B's Beverly in 2011. She went on to find fame in the hit Jane the Virgin, which she has followed up with credits like Elena of Avalor, Big Mouth, and Carmen Sandiego.
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