Ben 10

Plot

Building on the highly successful franchise about kid hero Ben Tennyson, Ben 10 introduces a re-imagined Ben, his cousin Gwen, and Grandpa Max, as they travel the country during summer vacation. When Ben finds the Omnitrix, a mysterious watch that transforms him into 10 different aliens, a world of extraterrestrial superpowers opens up to him. The series is produced by Cartoon Network Studios and created and executive produced by Man of Action Entertainment (Big Hero 6, Generator Rex and the original four Ben 10 shows in their shared continuity), with John Fang (Mixels, Generator Rex) on board as supervising producer.

Premise

Ten-year-old Ben Tennyson has spent his summer vacation traveling across the country with his cousin Gwen and Grandpa Max, in an RV nicknamed the Rustbucket. However, after coming across a strange high-tech watch known as the Omnitrix, which enables him to transform into 10 alien heroes, he finds himself in the position of a superhero. At each place his family stops, Ben goes from trying to find a source of entertainment to doing battle against supervillains such as the mad scientist Dr. Animo, the dark sorcerer Hex, the psychotic clown Zombozo, the technology-loathing Steam Smythe, the emotionless Weatherheads, amongst other threats both big and small. Despite having lots to learn, he hones his hero skills with Gwen and Max's help.

Characters

Main

Ben Tennyson (voiced by Tara Strong) – The ten-year-old cousin of Gwen Tennyson and grandson of Max Tennyson. He wields the Omnitrix, a watch-like device which can turn him into ten extraterrestrial creatures. Strong reprises her role from the original series.

Gwen Tennyson (voiced by Montserrat Hernandez) – Ben's cousin of the same age, though relatively older by 7 seconds, who uses her resourcefulness, keen intellect, and cunning to help in stopping villains. She has yet to develop and utilize her strong innate magical/mystical abilities.

Max Tennyson (voiced by David Kaye) – Ben and Gwen's paternal grandfather.

Supporting

Kevin Levin (voiced by Greg Cipes) – Ben's former school bully and the wielder of an Omnitrix derivative called the Antitrix, which allows him to turn into genetically altered versions of Ben's aliens, plus an eleventh alien named Bashmouth. He becomes a reluctant ally on occasion following the last episodes of Season 3. As noted by Forever Knight and Charmcaster, he secretly harbors a crush on Gwen and has concerns for her safety. Cipes reprises his role from Alien Force, Ultimate Alien, and Omniverse.

Phil Billings (voiced by John DiMaggio) – An old friend of Max and the inventor of the Omni-Copter who first appears in "Omni-Tricked".

Glitch (voiced by Tara Strong) – A fusion of Ben and Upgrade's DNA accidentally created when Ben upgraded the Omnitrix using Upgrade in "Omni-Tricked". He originally maintained the Omnitrix from within before being freed in "Innervasion". In seasons 3 and 4, Glitch exclusively appears in the form of an enhanced Rustbuggy. In Ben 10 Versus the Universe: The Movie, Glitch's Rustbuggy form is destroyed by Vilgax though he survives by reformatting himself into experimental battle armor used by Kevin. Despite the armor being damaged, Phil believes he can salvage Glitch.

Azmuth (voiced by David Kaye) – An elderly Galvan and the creator of the Omnitrix who was imprisoned by Vilgax in a parallel dimension known as the Null Void until he manages to get out in the events of Ben 10 Versus the Universe.

Grand Magistrate (voiced by Roger Craig Smith) – The leader of a race of frog-like aliens known as the Incurseans and a court judge who appears in Ben 10 Versus the Universe.

Incursean Officer (voiced by Dee Bradley Baker) – An Incursean official under Grand Magistrate' command who appears in Ben 10 Versus the Universe.

Ben 10,000 (voiced by Fred Tatasciore) – An adult version of Ben from a future who recruits the ten-year-old Ben to save the world from the Xerge in Ben 10,010.

President Gwen (voiced by Montserrat Hernandez) – An adult version of Gwen from Ben 10,000's timeline and the president of the US who appears in Ben 10,010. Her inner circle consists of A.I. Max and older, reformed versions of Hex, Zombozo, Steam Smythe, Dr. Animo, Maurice, Sydney, Polar, Solar, and Kevin.

Omnitrix aliens

Four Arms (voiced by John DiMaggio) – A Tetramand, a red four-armed humanoid from the desert planet Khoros whose main ability is superhuman strength.

Future Four Arms (voiced by Fred Tatasciore) – An alternate version of Four Arms with darker red skin and a mustache used by Ben 10,000.

Heatblast (voiced by Daryl Sabara) – A Pyronite, a magma-based humanoid from the star Pyros whose main ability is pyrokinesis.

Future Heatblast (voiced by Fred Tatasciore) – An alternate version of Heatblast with miniature volcanoes on his shoulders used by Ben 10,000.

XLR8 (voiced by Josh Keaton) – A Kineceleran, a blue-and-black humanoid velociraptor-like humanoid from the stormy planet Kinet whose main ability is superhuman speed.

Diamondhead (voiced by Roger Craig Smith) – A Petrosapien, a humanoid made of teal crystal from the crystal planet Petropia whose main ability is generating crystal projectiles and structures.

Cannonbolt (voiced by Travis Willingham) – An Arburian Pelarota, an armored pillbug-like humanoid from the beachy planet Arburia whose main ability is superhuman strength and rolling into a sphere.

Upgrade (voiced by David Sobolov) – A Galvanic Mechamorph, a purple techno-organic blob-like humanoid from the moon Galvan B whose main ability is technological possession.

Grey Matter (voiced by Todd Haberkorn) – A Galvan, a small grey frog-like humanoid from the planet Galvan Prime whose main ability is his high intelligence.

Overflow (voiced by Max Mittelman) – A Cascan, an armored water-based humanoid from the ocean planet Cascareau whose main ability is hydrokinesis.

Villains

Vilgax (voiced by Yuri Lowenthal) – A Chimera Sui Generis warlord and conqueror who tries to take the Omnitrix from Ben to take over the universe, but ends up stranded on Earth after his defeat by Ben in "Omni-Tricked", and later trapped in the Null Void in "Innervasion" by the High Override. He later escapes from the Null Void and attacks the Earth In Ben 10 vs. The Universe: The Movie, which he is revealed to have helped create the Omnitrix with Azmuth and manipulated Kevin into creating the Antitrix. He is eventually defeated by Way Big and taken into galactic custody by Azmuth. Lowenthal previously voiced Ben Tennyson himself in Ben 10: Alien Force, Ben 10: Ultimate Alien and Ben 10: Omniverse.

The High Override (voiced by Fred Tatasciore) – The villainous emperor of the Fulmini (Shock Rock's species) who first appears in the season 2 finale "Innervasion", before being defeated by Team Tennyson and sent in the Null Void.

The Forever Knight (voiced by Roger Craig Smith) – A mysterious armored knight who plots to alter the course of history and remove the presence of aliens from Earth. Over the course of Season 3, he recruits enemies of Team Tennyson to join his cause, including Kevin, Charmcaster, Billy Billions, Vin Ethanol, Simon Sez, and a delusional Ben. He is trapped across time by a redeemed Kevin as of "Roundabout", though his helmet escapes and gains sentience before finally being defeated and captured in "Cosplay Day".

Xerge (voiced by Fred Tatasciore) – A race of small purple X-shaped aliens (Surge's race) who invade a future version of Earth before being defeated by Surge and his future self in Ben 10,010.

Maurice (voiced by John DiMaggio) – A human-headed cockroach who loves money and filth.

Sydney (voiced by Travis Willingham) – A cockroach-headed human who is Maurice's henchman.

Steam Smythe (voiced by Roger Craig Smith) – A Victorian-themed man with a British accent who dislikes various elements of modern-day life, and often uses steampunk gadgets to attack.

Voice cast

Main

Tara Strong as Ben, Glitch, Original Series Ben, Buzzshock, Charmcaster, Sally, Mrs. Billions, Upgrade (Gwen version), Amalgam Ben, Starshine, I.J. Crowling, Esther, Molecular Chef, Mary Jo Fourfeathers

Yuri Lowenthal as Vilgax, Ben Prime (Teen), Alien Force Ben, Ultimate Alien Ben, Omniverse Ben, Elderly Ben, Gax, Michael Morningstar (second appearance), Ectonurite Prisoner

Montserrat Hernandez as Gwen, President Gwen, Ripjaws

David Kaye as Grandpa Max, Shock Rock, Humungousaur, Azmuth, Alternate Max, Bloxx, Shock-O (first appearance), Lagrange, Steve Lester, Mr. Billions, Melvin, Lord Decibel, Karl, Piscciss Volann Prisoner, A.I. Max

John DiMaggio as Four Arms, Zombozo, Maurice, Thumbskull, Phil, Magg-O-Net Monster, Glamour Man, Harry, Loboan Prisoner, Secretary Zombozo, Future Maurice, Bobo Haha

Daryl Sabara as Heatblast, Vulpimancer Prisoner, Rex Salazar

Josh Keaton as XLR8, Acid Breath, SixSix, Shady Looking Dude, Ryan (first appearance)

Roger Craig Smith as Diamondhead, Way Big, Forever Knight, Steam Smythe, Iron Kyle, Penny, Kyle, Bill, Napoleon (second head), Cash, Dirty Dobs, Gill, Rocky, Sergeant Smythe

Travis Willingham as Cannonbolt, Sydney, Tim Buktu, Kraab

Greg Cipes as Stinkfly, Kevin, Quad Smack, Hot Shot, Bashmouth, Wreckingbolt, Thornblade, Undertow, Dark Matter, Crystalfist, Bootleg, Rush, Skunkmoth, Humungoraptor, Goatadactyl, Robot Mannequin, Samurai Chef

Dee Bradley Baker as Rath, Jetray, Goop, Spidermonkey, Chromastone, Big Chill, AmpFibian, Oliver, Napoleon (first head), Nugget, Slurpstack, Cadobbit, King Koil, Opticoid Prisoner

Additional voices

Carlos Alazraqui as Chinzilla, Minitaur

Ogie Banks as Ryan (second appearance), Simon (second appearance)

Eric Bauza as Gust-O (first appearance)

Drake Bell as Michael Morningstar (first appearance)

Jeff Bennett as Hail-O, Shock-O (later appearances), Gust-O (later appearances), Madcow, Wolfen Sheep

Keith David as Yawk

Debi Derryberry as Simon (first appearance)

Jessica DiCicco as Frightwig

Robin Atkin Downes as Hex, General Hex

Tom Kenny as Xingo

Vanessa Marshall as Queen Bee, Woman

Rob Paulsen as Bruce, Coach Keene

Dwight Schultz as Dr. Animo, Admiral Animo

Gunnar Sizemore as Billy Billions

Cree Summer as Hippie Vendor/Shasta Fay, Captain Betts McCabe

Fred Tatasciore as the High Override, Hydromanders, Bob, Boblins, Ben 10,000, Four Arms (Ben 10,000 version), Heatblast (Ben 10,000 version), Xerge, Surge

Anna Vocino as Nanny Nightmare

Audrey Wasilewski as Maxine

Kath Soucie as the Malachi Sisters

Production

Cartoon Network announced on June 8, 2015, that Ben 10 was to be relaunched with a new revival television series. In June 2016, the network began to release information about the show. Its sneak peek was released at the 2016 SDCC on July 21, 2016. The series had its world premiere on October 1, 2016, in Australia. In March 2017 at the Cartoon Network's 2017 Upfront, it was announced that the series would premiere in the United States on April 10, 2017, and that it would be possible to watch episodes of the series on the Cartoon Network app ahead of its television premiere.

Building on the franchise about the kid hero Ben Tennyson, Ben 10 introduces a re-imagined Ben (in his 10-year-old form), his cousin Gwen, and Grandpa Max, as they travel the country during summer vacation. When Ben finds the Omnitrix, a mysterious watch that transforms him into 10 different aliens, a world of extraterrestrial superpowers opens up to him. Produced by Cartoon Network Studios, the series is created and executively produced by Man of Action, with John Fang on board as supervising producer but also as executive producer. It is animated by Sunmin Image Pictures and Mua Film.

On May 22, 2017, the series was renewed for a second season which premiered on February 19, 2018. On March 8, 2018, the series was renewed for a third season which premiered on February 23, 2019. On January 10, 2019, the series was renewed for a fourth season, which premiered on January 19, 2020.

On February 17, 2021, it was announced there would be three 44-minute specials.

Ratings

Despite receiving generally negative reviews from critics, in the United States, the series has been viewed by 41 million viewers across multiple platforms.

In the EMEA, the series has reached more than 27 million viewers. It reached 1.2 million viewers and 9% of boys on CITV in the UK. It was watched by half of the boys in South Africa, Romania, Spain and Portugal, more than 30% of boys in Hungary, Poland, and Sweden, and has also received high ratings in France and Italy.

Other media

Printed media

In October 2017, Panini UK partnered with Cartoon Network and launched a magazine for the series with an original 8-page comic strip every month written by Jason Quinn with art by Russ Leach.

Toys and merchandise

In June 2015, a toy line for the series was announced to be released in the fall of 2017 by Playmates Toys. It was released in the United States at Toys R Us in June 2017 and in all other retailers in August.

In July 2017, toys were released by Playmates Toys, with Flair distributing them in the UK and Giochi Preziosi Group releasing them everywhere else in the EMEA. Cartoon Network has partnered with various licensing partners across the EMEA to release merchandise ranging from apparel to accessories to publishing.

Video games

A video game based on the series was released worldwide on November 10, 2017 (for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One). It was published by Outright Games and distributed by Bandai Namco Entertainment in the EMEA. In the game, players must help Ben defeat three of his greatest enemies: Zombozo, Queen Bee, and the Weatherheads. On March 3, 2020, it was announced that a second game was in development. The game, titled Ben 10: Power Trip, was released on October 9, 2020.

Ben 10 Challenge

Ben 10 Challenge is a live-action game show produced by the Spanish production company La Competencia Productions in Madrid for Turner EMEA. It follows two teams of people who compete in challenges and get tested on their Ben 10 knowledge. Versions were created for France, Germany, Italy, the Middle East, Poland, Spain, Turkey, and the UK, with the Spanish version also airing in Portugal dubbed. The English version premiered in the UK and Ireland on October 13, 2017, and in Africa on December 23, 2017.