Sycamore Studios Acquires Iconic Madeline Rights

Sycamore Studios has secured the animation rights to the iconic Madeline book series, penned by Ludwig Bemelmans. The company has initiated early development for a new animated musical feature designed to honor Bemelmans' cherished universe. Sycamore plans to expand the Madeline brand across film, television, and licensing initiatives.

This expansion will be undertaken in close partnership with the Bemelmans family. Sycamore CEO Christian McGuigan expressed a deep personal connection to the books, emphasizing a commitment to handling the franchise with "love and responsibility." The Bemelmans family, represented by John Bemelmans Marciano, conveyed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting Sycamore's respect for the legacy.

The Madeline franchise originated with the 1939 picture book and follows a spirited girl in a Parisian boarding school. The books have achieved worldwide sales in the millions. Previous adaptations include an animated special in 1988, a multi-Emmy-winning animated series from 1993 to 2001, and a live-action film in 1998. Sycamore Studios, founded in 2024, also has other family projects in development.