TOKYO, Sept 29 — Following their anointment as Super Mario Maker characters, it comes as no surprise to hear that Japanese pop-metal trio Babymetal have secured a deal to star in their own "hybrid live-action/animated action-adventure short-form series.”

According to Billboard, the as-yet-untitled project is currently being developed by Warner Bros’ Blue Ribbon Content digital studio and artist-management firm Amuse USA.

The group’s manager and creator, Key Kobayashi (aka "Kobametal”) will also be credited as a producer.

The plot, Billboard added, will centre on the formation of "warrior band” Babymetal by a rock god named Kitsune tasked with saving the "magical world of heavy-metal music” when it comes under attack.

The series will feature new live-action performances from the band, who will enter the animated world through a secret portal, the music resource said.

Babymetal were formed in 2010 and comprise Yui Mizuno ("Yuimetal”), Suzuka Nakamoto ("Su-metal”) and Moa Kikuchi ("Moametal”).

They became the first Japanese act to make the Billboard 200 album chart’s Top 40 in more than 50 years with their second album, Metal Resistance.

In December, Babymetal will open for the Red Hot Chili Peppers on the funk-rock band’s first UK tour in five years.