Move over, lions and penguins — it’s time for the oddballs to shine.
Ryan Reynolds is swapping Deadpool’s red suit for something a bit more khaki as he lends his voice to Underdogs, a new five-part docuseries celebrating the natural world’s unsung heroes. Premiering 16 June on Disney+, the series is a joint effort from Reynolds’ Emmy® Award-winning Maximum Effort and Wildstar Films, the BAFTA and Emmy® Award-winning team behind some of the world’s most stunning wildlife documentaries.
But don’t expect your usual slow-motion lion pounce or majestic whale breach. This time, the spotlight belongs to nature’s Z-listers — the awkward, underrated, and often overlooked creatures who prove that survival doesn’t require good looks or graceful moves, just pure ingenuity and a whole lot of hustle.
Narrated with Reynolds’ Signature Wit
Reynolds, known for his razor-sharp humour, is the perfect guide through this wild world of unlikely legends. Underdogs dives headfirst into the fascinating (and frequently gross) lives of animals that typically don’t get the red carpet treatment. Think glow-in-the-dark butt-grubs in a cave in New Zealand, bizarre mating rituals, and some of the most questionable parenting strategies ever caught on camera.
“Getting to work with National Geographic on Underdogs was a dream come true,” said Reynolds. “Mostly because I can finally watch a project of ours with my children. Technically, they saw Deadpool & Wolverine but I don’t think they absorbed much while covering their eyes and ears and screaming for two hours.”
Each episode of Underdogs focuses on a different wild skillset — from strange superpowers to deceptive trickery, all the way to survival techniques that would make Bear Grylls think twice.
A Feast for the Eyes (and Ears)
The show features mind-blowing footage from the world’s top wildlife cinematographers, including scenes that have never been filmed before. One highlight? A glowing cave full of mucus-covered larvae that light up like a dodgy nightclub under UV lights. It’s gross. It’s mesmerising. It’s everything a nature doc should be.
On top of the visuals, the soundtrack absolutely slaps. Award-winning composer Harry Gregson-Williams (you know, from Shrek and The Martian) scores the series, while Green Day delivers the official theme song — fittingly titled “Underdog”. The song debuts in the official trailer, roaring like a wild anthem for every creature who’s ever felt like they were picked last for team sports.
The soundtrack, Underdogs (Original Series Soundtrack), drops on 13 June via Hollywood Records. And if you’re a fan of Green Day, you’ll be glad to know the track is also featured on the deluxe edition of their latest album, Saviors.
More Than Laughs — It’s Clever Science Too
While Underdogs has plenty of cheeky moments, it’s not all for laughs. The series highlights the resilience, intelligence and mind-blowing adaptations of animals that keep the ecosystem ticking. Forget fame — these critters are the real MVPs of the natural world.
So, whether you’re a nature nerd, a Green Day fan, or just in it for Ryan Reynolds’ running commentary on butt-glow worms, Underdogs is set to be a wild ride.
📺 Underdogs premieres **16 June on Disney+_.
Bring your curiosity. Maybe not your lunch.