| Sun Chaser | |
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| Country of origin | Philippines |
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| No. of episodes | 1 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 12 minutes |
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| Release | June 22, 2026 (2026-06-22) |
Sun Chaser is a Philippine animated web series created by Bernard Badion and Bobby Pontillas.1 The pilot episode was released on June 22, 2026 with further episodes planned.
Premise
Inspired by Philippine mythology, the series revolves a teenager Jordan Santos, whose summer break takes a wild turn when a supernatural curse strikes his family and transforms his island home into a battleground of mythical creatures. With the help of quirky beings like a dwende and a manananggal, Jordan embarks on an epic quest rooted in vibrant Filipino mythology as he discovers his role as the Spirit Guardian.2
Characters
- Jordan Santos (voiced by Manny Jacinto); a self-absorbed teen visiting his grandmother’s island in the Philippines.3
- Angie (voiced by Liza Soberano);4 a fierce and protective manananggal.5
- Archie (voiced by Eugene Cordero);4 an old grumpy duwende.5
- Lola (voiced by Charo Santos);6 Jordan's grandmother.5
- JR (voiced by JR De Guzman)4
- Zoe (voiced by AC Bonifacio)4
- Sessa and La Bamba (voiced by Zia Dantes and KD Estrada respectively)4 Jordan's twin cousins.5
- Necrofrost (voiced as Dingdong Dantes)4
- Queen Marisol (voiced by Liza Soberano)4
Production
Conception
The series was created by Pontillas with Bernard Badion, together with Toon City and Playlab animation studios. Pontillas revealed his inspiration for a passion project, stating "came from a personal place of wanting to tell a story rooted in Filipino mythology and identity, through the eyes of a young Filipino American trying to reconnect with his roots."7
Production
Sun Chaser was reportedly made to have a "hand-crafted" feel with the animatic made through Storyboard Pro and the animation made through Toon Boom Harmony.8
Release
Sun Chaser premiered on YouTube with the 12-minute pilot released on June 22, 2026.69 A Kickstarter for the series was launched on June 23, 2026 to potentially fund the production of further episodes.10 However, the Kickstarter was cancelled on July 11, 2026. At the time of its cancellation, it made $18,184 out of its $100,000 goal.11 The creators stated that their partner which funded the pilot has committed to support the release of a second episode.11
Reception
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Annecy International Animation Film Festival | MIFA Animation du Monde Prize | Sun Chaser | Won | 7 |
References
References
- Zahed, Ramin (June 23, 2025). "Exclusive: Disney Veteran Bobby Pontillas Details His Fun New Filipino Series, 'Sun Chaser'". Animation Magazine. Retrieved June 28, 2025.
- Posadas, Andrea (June 9, 2025). "New Filipino Animated Series "Sun Chaser" Is Making Waves Globally Ahead of Its Release - When In Manila". When in Manila. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
- Tangcay, Jazz; Jacob, Arushi (April 21, 2026). "'On the Road (En El Camino)' Tops Winners at 43rd Miami Film Festival – Film News in Brief". Variety. Retrieved April 22, 2026.
- Milligan, Mercedes (June 17, 2026). "'Sun Chaser' Filipino Animated Adventure Launches Trailer". Animation Magazine. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
- "Sun Chaser". Toon City Animation. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
- Deveza, Reyma (June 19, 2026). "'Sun Chaser' trailer highlights Charo Santos ahead of June 22 premiere". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
- Nepales, Janet Susan (June 19, 2025). "Fil-Am animator Bobby Pontillas talks of his new TV project, 'Sun Chaser,' and winning at Annecy Film Festival". GMA News. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
- Zahed, Ramin (June 23, 2025). "Exclusive: Disney Veteran Bobby Pontillas Details His Fun New Filipino Series, 'Sun Chaser'". Animation Magazine. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
- De Guzman, Alyana (June 19, 2026). "Charo Santos, Manny Jacinto shine in trailer of Filipino animated series 'Sun Chaser'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved June 20, 2026.
- Nepales, Janet Susan R. (June 23, 2026). "Manny Jacinto and creators talk about their new all-Filipino TV series 'Sun Chaser'". Asian Journal. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
- Sun Chaser Kickstarter Update- Creators Bernard and Bobby. July 11, 2026 – via YouTube.