EXCLUSIVE: Jacob Bertrand is headed to Disney XD‘s primetime. The channel aimed at boys 6-11 has picked up one of the two pilots starring the 13-year-old actor that it ordered in August. Disney XD has greenlighted Kirby Buckets, a single-camera animation/live-action hybrid from Horizon Productions about a kid who dreams of being the biggest animator in the world. Bertrand stars as the title character, who sees his drawings take shape as he 
and his best friends, Fish (Mekai Curtis) and Eli (Cade Sutton), go on outrageous adventures. Olivia Stuck and Tiffany Espensen co-star in the project, directed by Walt Becker (Wild Hogs).”We know that our Disney XD audience has a strong affinity for animated programming, so we are looking forward to presenting a live-action series told through the eyes of a boy that shares that same passion,” said Adam Bonnett, EVP, Original Programming, Disney Channel.
Related: Disney XD Orders Animated Series ‘Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero’
Watch on Deadline
Disney XD first developed and piloted Kirby Buckets in 2012 with writers Gabe Snyder & Mike Alber, who are still on board, and EP David Bowers. Beavis and Butt-head alum Kris Brown is the new executive producer. Production on the series will start in the spring for a fall premiere. It is very rare for a network to shoot two pilots with the same actor simultaneously. That is a special treatment given by Disney brass only to talent they strongly believe would be their next breakout star. Disney XD sibling Disney Channel used the tactic for Selena Gomez nine years ago.
Related: 2014 Disney Channel/Disney XD Pilots
Kris Brown is a very talented individual and this will be so worth watching! Can’t wait!
Holy duck sauce! This is great news. Congrats Mike & Gabe, this is well deserved!
MiKe and Gabe are two of the most talented guys in the biz. And kris is the best. Sounds like a winner from every side.
The first pilot was solid, but Kris Brown is going to take this show to the next level. What a great hire for XD.
Kris Brown is one of the nicest, funniest humans I’ve ever met. Any show would be lucky to have him on board.