„Arnie & Barney – The Water Quest“ launches into cinematic adventure with strong licensing partners in Germany
Juni 16, 2026
Leading licensing partners, prominent voice talent, and a major family cinema adventure arriving in German theaters in September 2026.
Ahead of BRANDmania, in Essen, Germany, on 24-25 June, Studio 100 International announces extensive licensing partnerships for the animated family adventure Arnie & Barney – The Water Quest across the German-speaking market. The new franchise from the Maya the Bee universe will debut in cinemas across Germany on
3 September 2026, supported by a broad portfolio of consumer products and publishing activities.
Commencing 15 August, HABA will launch three games inspired by the film: Dice King Arnie & Barney Edition, Hypno Vision and Drop or Stop. Designed for family play and entertainment, the titles offer a variety of engaging experiences, ranging from clever puzzle solving to fast-paced gameplay featuring shimmering cards and special eye-catching visual effects.
Timed with the theatrical release, Blue Ocean Entertainment will publish the official Arnie & Barney – The Water Quest movie magazine featuring an exclusive comic inspired by the film’s story, along with an Arnie & Barney themed bow-and-arrow set. At the same time, Sony Music’s EUROPA label will release the official audio drama adaptation of the film.
Also launching alongside the film, cult fashion label Nastrovje Potsdam will introduce an on-demand apparel collection featuring T-shirts, sweatshirts and accessories. The range will be complemented by a dedicated Arnie & Barney storefront on Amazon.
In early October, premium plush figures of the movie’s two heroes from Heunec will join the licensing program. Made from sustainable, GRS-certified recycled plush materials, the products will be available through retail channels as well as via the manufacturer’s online shop www.heunec.de
With Arnie & Barney – The Water Quest (German title: Arnie & Barney – Retten das Wasser), German distributor Port au Prince Pictures brings a heartwarming and action-packed family adventure to the big screen. The nationwide theatrical release will be supported by a comprehensive 360-degree marketing campaign, spanning social media, out-of-home advertising, high-reach TV, radio and print activities, talent and influencer activations, a high-profile premiere event, and family preview screenings across Germany.
The campaign is further strengthened through strategic partnerships with Radio TEDDY (kids and family radio), Plopsaland Deutschland and dm’s SauBär brand. In addition, a social impact and educational initiative addressing water scarcity and sustainability will be developed in collaboration with Viva con Agua and Greenpeace Germany.
The film is supported by a high-profile voice cast for the German-language dub. YouTube star LukasBS lends his voice to Arnie, while actor Tim Oliver Schultz (Red Band Society, Vampire Sisters, Benjamin the Elephant) voices Barney. In the original version, the two title characters are voiced by renowned Australian comedy duo The Umbilical Brothers. Rising singer and TikTok creator Kauta joins the cast as the mysterious superhero mosquito Szzkeat.
The 75-minute 3D animated feature was developed primarily in Munich under the direction of Sean Heuston in close creative collaboration with Studio Isar Animation. The screenplay was written by Fin Edquist whose credits include 200% Wolf, 100% Wolf, and the Maya the Bee feature film trilogy. Arnie & Barney – The Water Quest is a co-production of Studio 100 International, Studio Isar Animation, 3Doubles Producciones (Spain) and Telegael (Ireland).
Logline
When their meadow suddenly runs out of water, unlikely heroes Arnie and Barney embark on a daring mission to save their home from drought. As the clumsy ant duo stumbles through one mishap after another, they uncover a mysterious plot behind the disappearing water. Armed with courage, ingenuity and the help of a superhero mosquito, Arnie and Barney must rise to the challenge and become the heroes their world desperately needs.
