What We Know About Disney Jr.’s SOFIA THE FIRST Sequel
By Movieguide® Contributor
Disney’s much-loved preschool series, SOFIA THE FIRST, will have a sequel series in 2026.
The sequel, called SOFIA THE FIRST: ROYAL MAGIC, “is a continuation of the show that premiered in 2012 and ran until 2018. The sequel series follows Sofia, a young girl who becomes a princess overnight when her mother marries the king, continuing her adventures as she attends The Charmswell School for Royal Magic, an academy for princes and princesses to further their magical and royal education,” The Hollywood Reporter said Aug. 15.
The series will feature the same voice actress for Sofia, Ariel Winter, and the same series creator and executive producer, Craig Gerber.
“Additional casting is slated to be announced at a later date. The show’s original cast included Wayne Brady, Tim Gunn, Sara Ramirez, Eric Stonestreet and Kieran Shipka, with Gen Z IT girl Sabrina Carpenter playing a recurring role,” The Hollywood Reporter said.
Krystal Banzon will serve as story editor and will co-executive produce alongside Gerber. Kris Wimberly will serve as supervising director while Craig Simpson will produce.
Per Animation Magazine, the original series holds the record for the Top 3 cable telecast for girls aged 2-5. It’s received over 755 million views on Disney Junior’s YouTube channel.
Gerber says the show will feature the emotions of the princess as she navigates a new school and new friendships. The storyline will also feature some comedy.
“Since its debut in 2012, SOFIA THE FIRST captured the hearts and imaginations of preschoolers everywhere for its beloved characters, memorable music, adventurous spirit and meaningful storylines,” Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, said. “The enduring charm and appeal of Sofia is undeniable, and we’re excited to continue sharing her journey in SOFIA THE FIRST: ROYAL MAGIC.”
Each episode will have two 11-minute stories and two new songs. The previous show had 22-minute episodes.
“Gerber notes that there has been a rise in shorter form content in the time since SOFIA THE FIRST has been off the air, and that the switch to 11-minute stories is a ‘very tangible way’ in which the new show is ‘playing to a modern audience,’” The Hollywood Reporter said.
The show will come out in 2026 on Disney+ and Disney Jr.
Movieguide® recently reported on another popular Disney show with new, short-form videos:
BLUEY and her friends are coming to Disney+…again!
The show’s new mini-episodes will now be available to stream on the platform along with its regular-length content.
According to a Disney+ press release, “Disney Branded Television has announced that the first seven ‘BLUEY Minisodes’ will premiere Wednesday, July 3, on Disney+ at 12:00 a.m. PDT. The first two minisodes will also air on Disney Jr. and Disney Channel that same day, with the additional five episodes rolling out throughout the networks’ ‘Red, White and Bluey’ marathon, which will take place over Fourth of July weekend.”
