Dora is coming back to TV and a 10-year-old from Des Moines is voicing some characters
Dora the Explorer is coming back to your home TV, this time with an Iowan voicing several characters in the newly animated educational series by Paramount+.
Des Moines native Katarina Sky will be the voice of Backpack, Dora's sidekick, along with other characters in the new series "Dora"." Episodes air for streaming on Paramount+ starting April 12.
"Dora the Explorer" is a children's show that started airing in 2000 on Nickelodeon with the final episode in 2019. There was a live-action movie called "Dora and the Lost City of Gold" made in 2019, as well as a spin-off series about her cousin called "Go, Diego, Go!"
Free trial: Sign up for Paramount+
Who is actress Katarina Sky?
Sky, 10, is from Des Moines but moved to Los Angeles, California when she was just over 3 years old. She said she has great memories of times with her cousins in Des Moines.
Before her role in the new "DORA" series, Sky performed in Junior Broadway. She played the role of Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" and Pepper in "Annie." Sky has also starred in commercials and short films.
"I also love to sing, and you can hear me singing many different characters in Dora," Sky told the Register over email.
In her free time, Sky enjoys being with family, going to the movies, concerts and playing with slime. She is almost a black belt in Taekwondo, but singing remains her true passion, Sky said.
What characters does Katarina Sky voice in 'Dora'?
Aside from playing the voice of Backpack, Sky will also voice Lorito/ Copy Cat Bird, Baby Crocs, Baby Dizzy Yellow Daisy, Alebrijes and other characters throughout the show.
"I love being Dora's trusted backpack," Sky said. "I am most excited about all the different voices I get to use. I love playing with different voices and characters to bring them to life in the show."
More: 'Among Us,' a popular game being adapted into an animated series, casted this Iowa actor
What started Katarina Sky's acting career?
Sky has been in show business since she was 4 years old. Her mother is her inspiration for furthering her career and encouraged her to pursue her dreams, Sky said.
"We were always dancing and singing since I was little, and that made me fall in love with all of the arts," Sky said.
More: Iowan joins the cast of Fox reality show 'Farmer Wants a Wife'
What is new in Paramount's revamp of 'Dora'
The new original series of "DORA" has new animation but all the same characters from the original 2000 series.
"The animation is incredible," Sky said. "If you saw the old Dora shows (which I grew up on), this show adds 3D animation but keeps the same themes and has great songs."
The new series is still educational, teaching kids Spanish and Latin culture. Sky said she still loves watching it along with her 7-year-old brother.
"It's really great for any age group," Sky said.
More: 'Back to the Future,' 'Shucked' among the touring Broadway shows headed to Des Moines
How to watch the 'Dora' reboot
'Dora' is available exclusively for streaming in the United States on Paramount+. The series will include 26 episodes of 11 minute each.
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines native to voice Backpack in Paramount's revamp of 'Dora'
