Banijay Kids & Family has secured distribution rights to Pajama Films’ mockumentary-style adult animation Beelzebub.
Currently in production, it has already been decided to air on YLE in Finland and TV3 in Catalonia, and pre-orders have also been secured in RUV (Iceland) and Prima (Czech Republic).
This black-and-white animated series is based on the globally popular webcomic created by JP Ahonen and has over 500,000 fans worldwide. Ahonen is the series’ head writer.
A blend of domestic comedy and heavy metal satire, the film follows Sloth, a well-meaning stay-at-home dad who struggles to balance family life with his ambitions as the frontman of a heavy metal band, and his unconventional family as they navigate the chaos of everyday life.
In short, the film is described as a story about “an ordinary devil-worshipping next-door family, their romantic affairs, and the slow evolution of the father’s ill-fated black metal band.” The focus is on everyday problems and the challenges of a rather difficult career and children, PTA meetings, and marriage to the devilish public. As we all know, “balancing work and family is hell.”
A bona fide phenomenon, Belzebubs started out as an “improvisational therapy project and a humble webcomic,” but has since grown into a global cross-media beast with a three-album record deal with Century Media, the world’s biggest metal label owned by Sony Music Entertainment. The band’s second album, Damnatio Memoriae, is scheduled for release in 2027.
“It is a true honor to collaborate with JP Ahonen,” said Terhi Vananen, CEO and co-founder of Pajama Films.
“The result is an extraordinary series with a pulsating dark heart and fun, quirky humor. Needless to say, the amazing characters and storylines will resonate with audiences around the world.”
You can watch the special clip here:
Pajama’s previous work includes “Sore Eyes for Infinity,” “Planet Z – Surprise Egg,” and “Still Lives,” as well as the Belzebubs music videos “Blackened Call” and “Cathedrals of Mourning,” which have received over 6 million views on YouTube.
Vaenenen co-produces with Giorgio Scorza, Davide Rosio (Movimenti Productions, part of Banijay Kids & Family) and Peter Kadel (Mago Productions).
The English voice cast for the series has also been announced, including Andrew Wheeldon-Dennis as Sloth, Jess Robinson as Sloth’s wife Lucy, Pippa Heywood (Green Wing, Bridgerton) as Nana, Amalia Vitale (The Big Mood, Beyond Paradise) as Blasfi Me, Charlie Hickok (Ted Lasso) as Sam, and James Alexander as Sam. Havasu.
“This marks Banijay Kids & Family’s continued push towards bold, creator-driven IP,” added Chief Commercial Officer Delphine Dumont, calling the series “an outstanding title unlike anything else on the market.”
“This extends our offering across our audience base and firmly integrates us into the premium slate of MIFA 2026.”
Banijay Kids & Family has already worked on productions such as Totally Spies!, Mr. Bean, Super Happy Magic Forest, or Hello Kitty: Super Style!. and “This world can’t tear me apart.”
YLE Drama Commissioner and Director Jarmo Lampella said the program appealed not only to young people but also to a wider audience.
“We believe ‘Beelzebub’ resonates with its universal themes of family, diversity and perseverance.”
“What I love about this series is that even though it’s set in a world of heavy metal and black metal worshipers, the characters are endearing and kind,” Vaenenen said.
“They may be demonic beings, but we root for them as they deal with their daily challenges centered around love, work, and family. I can’t help but admire the Sloths’ tenacity to pursue their dreams, even when life presents challenges.”
