Unveiling Franklin: The Heartwarming Journey of Peanuts' Beloved Trailblazer

Photo: Apple TV+

Have you heard about the latest scoop from the Peanuts gang? Well, get ready because we're finally getting the inside story on Franklin, one of Charlie Brown's closest pals.

In the new Apple TV+ Peanuts Special, "Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin," we're diving deep into Franklin Armstrong's backstory. You know him as Charlie's buddy who's always on the move, loving music and sports, but there's more to him than meets the eye.

Back in 1968, Franklin made his debut in the Peanuts gang, becoming the first Black character in a comic strip. His creation came about thanks to a heartfelt letter from schoolteacher Harriet Glickman to cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, urging him to diversify the comic strip after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In an interview with Blavity’s Shadow and Act, Craig Schulz, Charles Schulz's son and the executive producer/co-writer of the special, shared how his dad was the only one to respond to Glickman's call for diversity among cartoonists.

Craig explained, "Most of them, I think, refused. Except for my dad, that was a quandary."

Photo: Apple TV+

Charles Schulz wanted to ensure Franklin was portrayed authentically, so he took his time before introducing him to the comic strip. Similarly, for Franklin's big screen debut, Craig enlisted the help of renowned illustrator and cartoonist Richard Armstrong, whose connection to Franklin runs deep – Franklin is actually Armstrong's namesake.

Armstrong, humbled by the gesture, expressed his gratitude, mentioning how Schulz's work had inspired him throughout his career, even influencing his own comic strip, Jump Start, which is the world's most widely syndicated daily strip by a Black American.

In "Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin," we get to see Franklin embracing his identity, from his love for music to his unique sense of humor. The film captures what Schulz calls the "joy of animation," allowing viewers to connect with Franklin on a deeper level.

Director Raymond S. Persi made it a priority to assemble a diverse crew, ensuring the authenticity of Franklin's story. He emphasized the importance of listening to personal experiences related to the narrative, making the storytelling process more enriching.

For Persi, seeing the impact of Franklin on generations of Black comic enthusiasts reaffirmed the significance of telling his story.

So, if you're ready to embark on a heartwarming journey with Franklin and the Peanuts gang, be sure to catch "Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin" now streaming on Apple TV+. Trust me, you won't want to miss it! Check out the trailer below!

#peanuts #charlesschultz #blackhistory #appletv