Deadline is reporting that Star Trek legend George Takei is set to lend his voice to the character of Elder Panda in Love Monster, a new children’s animated series from the BBC’s CBeebies, Boat Rocker Studios and China’s UYoung.
“Love Monster celebrates inclusive behavior and collaboration and that’s also very much my philosophy – we find strength, joy and vitality in diversity coming together,” said Takei. “I never imagined myself being a panda but I’ve always enjoyed seeing them, especially the young cubs because they’re so cute! Elder Panda is just an older version of them and is still whimsical, fun-loving and life embracing – I suppose it’s a reflection of my standing in human life.”
The 54-part series “follows the adventures of hairy hero, Love Monster, as he navigates the challenges of being the only monster in Fluffytown – a world of cute baby animals. With a lot of help from his friends, Love Monster learns to follow his heart rather than his slightly ‘over-thinky’ head, as he searches for the right thing to do.”
In addition to Takei, the cast of Love Monster includes Tamsin Greig (Episodes), Javone Prince (PhoneShop), Sarah Hadland (Miranda), Lewis Macleod (Postman Pat), Freya Parker (Lovesick) and Emma Maclennan (Maleficent 2: Mistress of Evil), along with Beatbox artist Darren Foreman as Love Monster.
