‘Maya the Bee’ Spinoff ‘Arnie & Barney,’ Voiced by the Umbilical Brothers, to Be Launched at AFM by Studio 100 Film (EXCLUSIVE)

Studio 100 Intl. is to produce animated adventure “Arnie & Barney,” a spin-off from the hit “Maya the Bee” franchise, with delivery planned for the first quarter 2026. Studio 100 Film is handling global sales and will present the project at AFM in Las Vegas. Variety debuts the teaser below.

“Arnie & Barney” brings ants Arnie and Barney, recurring characters from “Maya the Bee,” to the forefront. The film will deliver “a blend of action, humor, friendship and heroism,” Studio 100 Intl. said.

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“Arnie & Barney” follows a platoon of ants during a severe drought, who set out to save their community, but the “hilariously inept” Arnie and Barney – who are not cut out for heroics – decide to tackle the problem themselves. Their bumbling efforts lead them to uncover a shady water racket and team up with a secretive superhero mosquito. In a series of comical mishaps, they inadvertently save the meadow and become the most unlikely heroes of all.

Arnie and Barney are voiced by the Australian comedy duo Shane Dundas and David Collins, a.k.a. the Umbilical Brothers, who were named as two of Entertainment Weekly’s “100 Most Creative People in Entertainment.”

Dundas and Collins also contributed to the script written by Fin Edquist (“200% Wolf,” “100% Wolf,” “Maya the Bee” movie trilogy).

“This production is very close to our hearts,” Thorsten Wegener, producer and director business operations at Studio 100 Intl., said. “It’s a story about how the most unexpected characters can rise to the challenge and become heroes. We believe it will resonate with anyone who loves adventure, and humor. It’s thrilling to see Arnie and Barney, who were originally fan-favorite side characters, step into the spotlight.”

Studio 100 Intl. produces alongside Studio Isar Animation, with 3 Doubles Producciones as service partner.

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