Danger Mouse Reimagined

Blending Classic Style with a Modern London

Collaborated with the Director on the creative reboot of Danger Mouse for the BBC, reimagining the iconic series for a new generation. Balanced the classic 2D charm with a bold, stylized vision of modern London, infusing the show with fresh energy while honoring its legacy.

Client
BOULDER MEDIA

Year
2013

The Challenge

Futuristic cityscape with bridge, Ferris wheel, and flying vehicle.

Danger Mouse is nostalgic IP with strong visual identity, but the BBC needed a fresh take that would resonate with modern audiences—particularly kids and teens raised on visually dynamic, fast-paced content. The key challenge was the style: how to keep the classic 2D characters while placing them in a London that feels real, exciting, and new.

My Role
Concept & Layout designer

I partnered with Robert Cullen (Director of My Little Pony-A New Generation) to develop the overall concept, design direction, and visual framework for the show. My responsibilities included:

  • Designing a new visual style that merged real photography with animated elements.

  • Defining the look and feel of a "new age London" that still worked with Danger Mouse’s quirky tone.

  • Leading visual experimentation to balance realism with cartoon energy.

  • Creating a flexible visual system that supported storytelling, worldbuilding, and visual impact.

Futuristic cityscape with flying cars, Ferris wheel, modern buildings, and concept art sketches above.

Design Approach

We fused high-res photography of modern London with bold graphic effects to ground the action in a vibrant, cinematic world. Classic 2D characters were refined to sit seamlessly within this space—preserving their charm while enhancing motion, line work, and color. Every frame was tuned for bold contrast, ensuring clarity and impact. The visual system was built to be modular and reskin-ready, allowing for effortless adaptation across new content and settings.

Side-by-side comparison of classic and new styles of a red cylindrical postbox in an urban setting.

Outcome & Achievements

Distinctive Style: Successfully fused realism with animation, creating a unique visual identity praised internally and by BBC leadership.

Audience Connection:

Early tests showed strong engagement from target age groups, with visual style noted as a highlight.

Scalable System:

The design pipeline supports quick turnaround for new episodes and marketing assets.

Respectful Reinvention:

Fans of the original series responded positively to the blend of old and new.

Reflection

This project was all about balance—staying true to a classic while making something bold and relevant for today. By pushing visual boundaries and respecting character history, we delivered a reboot that feels fresh, fun, and unmistakably Danger Mouse. It’s proof that good design doesn’t just look cool—it bridges generations.