JB Smoove Directing and May Star in Animated Comedy High on Life

An animated series based on Squanch Games’ High on Life is reportedly in the works with Curb Your Enthusiasm’s JB Smoove serving as producer.

These first details on the adaptation of the video game to the show come from Deadlinewhich states that Smoove will produce the project through his Alternate Side Productions banner. He starred as Gus in Squanch’s first-person shooter when it was released in 2022, and while the site says there’s a “good chance” he’ll play a role in the series, he hasn’t officially joined the cast yet.

In addition to his live-action roles in films such as Date Night and Spider-Man: Far From Home, Smoove has provided his voice talents in projects such as Max’s Harley Quinn, Teen Titans Go!, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012).

Smoove shared a statement about how High on Life will be turning its film into animation:

“When Squanch Games approached JB Smoove (I like to refer to myself in the third person) to voice a character in their incredible video game High on Life, my first question was what my character would look like. They told me I would be a fish that shoots… which makes perfect sense to me! As a vegan, I think a fish should have the right to defend itself! I mean, right?! And now that I’m partnering with Squanch Games and Striker Entertainment to bring the hilarious High on Life to life as a series, it feels like it was inevitable!”

Smoove continued, “They invited me to join them in the gaming world and now I’m helping them transition to the TV world! This is a game that recognizes the game! High on Life is wild, weird and wonderful, and the show is going to be that and more! Get ready to laugh your way through space with unforgettable characters like me! We’re ready to go!”

Alternate Side serves as executive producer alongside Russell Binder and Mandy Bardisbanian of Striker Entertainment. Squanch is also involved in the development of the animated series, along with the original game’s narrative director, Alec Robbins.

High on Life was released for PC and Xbox in late 2022 and came to PlayStation consoles in July 2023. Story DLC content, titled High on the knifeand then followed in October. The animated series does not have a release date and has not officially confirmed who will be joining its cast. The game, however, is known for its roster of talent, which includes notable appearances from stars like Tim Robinson, Michael Cusack, Mike Stoklasa, Zach Hadel, Tom Kenny, Nolan North, and many more.

High On Life started as a video game two years ago, and in our Review 8/10we explained why we loved the “hilarious” story it had to tell. While its journey into animation will mark a major departure from its humble beginnings in games, it’s not quite the first time the series has explored other mediums. Robbins also helped bring the franchise to comics, and you can learn more about its spinoff stories here.

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor at IGN. He began writing about the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work on sites such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.

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