Disney to rebrand cable channel 'Disney XD' as it launches series that mimics Montana success

Associated Press

Last update: January 7, 2009 - 2:52 PM

LOS ANGELES - Hannah Montana, meet Aaron Stone.

With a series that appears to mimic the success of teen idol Miley Cyrus except with a boy lead, The Walt Disney Co. said Wednesday it was launching a new series called "Aaron Stone" to help rebrand its sagging "Toon Disney" channel on basic cable.

The series debuts with a preview episode on iTunes at the end of January, and features regular kid Charlie Landers becoming the larger-than-life crime fighter Aaron Stone, much like Cyrus, a normal girl who leads the secret life of a pop star.

Disney is hoping the series helps bring new audiences to its 24-hour basic cable channel, which it is rebranding as "Disney XD" on Feb. 13 at midnight with a renewed focus on boys aged 6 to 14.

"Boys, like girls, place incredibly high standards on their entertainment choices," said Gary Marsh, president of entertainment for Disney Channels Worldwide, in a statement. "They demand complex, multifaceted characters that, while not perfect, are smart, selfless, determined and brave. Disney XD will deliver those kinds of characters and stories."

(This version CORRECTS launch date)

Recent TV/DVD/Gaming stories

3 celebs advance to finals after a model dancer leaves 'Dancing With the Stars' - January 7, 2009

3 celebs advance to finals after a model dancer leaves 'Dancing With the Stars' - Model Joanna Krupa is leaving "Dancing With the Stars." More

Comment on this story | Read all 2 comments | Hide reader comments

Share photos and videos now

The North Star Supernovas take on Hammer City Roller Girls in a WFTDA sanctioned scrimmage at Skateville in Burnsville. Here, Naughty Kitty lays a block on Coma

See thousands of photos from other StarTribune.com readers and share your own photos and video today.