Apple Original Films announces it will adapt Jon Agee’s children’s book “Little Santa” into an animated feature film, to be revealed June 18, 2026, via Apple TV Press in the United States.

Apple Original Films said it landed “Little Santa,” based on the book by award-winning author and illustrator Jon Agee, as part of its animated slate for kids and families. The company reported the story will follow a young Santa Claus on a trek through the North Pole.

Apple stated Academy Award and Annie Award-winning director Peter Baynton would direct the film, reuniting with Apple after the animated short “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.” Producer Julia Pistor was attached to produce.

Apple said the musical comedy adventure would feature original songs by Academy Award and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie and a script by Martin Hynes. Hynes and McKenzie were also named as executive producers.

According to Apple, animation will be handled by WildBrain, with pre-production by WildBrain’s House of Cool. The company positioned the project alongside titles including “Snoopy Unleashed” and “Wolfwalkers” in its kids and family lineup.