Netflix usually brings its A-game to the Annecy Animation Festival with major reveals and standout panels, but this year’s lineup looks even bigger. The streamer is gearing up to unveil first looks and exclusive sneak peeks for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The One Piece, Sparks of Tomorrow, Ray Gunn, Ghostbusters, Alley Cats, and more. The streamer will also celebrate the success of KPop Demon Hunters with a open-air sing-along screening.
Let’s dive in!
Next on Netflix Animation: from Ghostbusters to Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn
Netflix will reveal brand-new footage, images and in-depth looks for its upcoming animation slate during the panel. Executive producers Jason Reitman, Gil Kenan, and showrunners/Executive Producers Ben Hibon and Elliott Kalan will unveil an exclusive preview of Ghostbusters series, produced in partnership with Sony Pictures Animation. The series is set to premiere on Netflix in 2027.
Brad Bird will take to the stage to present his animated feature Ray Gunn, his 30+ year in the making passion project produced at Skydance Animation. The conversation will be moderated by Peter Lord, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Aardman who are also celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. Bird’s Ray Gunn will premiere later this year on Netflix, and a new piece of concept art has been unveiled to build anticipation ahead of its release.
The panel will also feature exclusive looks at Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory, starring Kit Connor and Taika Waititi, and the new anime The One Piece.
“Netflix Anime: Bold Stories, Boundless Worlds”
An Anime Studio Focus titled “Netflix Anime: Bold Stories, Boundless Worlds” will take place on Tuesday, June 23. The One Piece, Sparks of Tomorrow, The Ribbon Hero, Blue Eye Samurai Season 2 and Bass X Machina will be the focus of the panel with in-depth looks.
Masterclass with Ricky Gervais
Netflix is bringing comedian Ricky Gervais to discuss his new series Alley Cats. The adult animation follows the trials and tribulations of a group of feral British cats from all walks of society, who seek companionship while ruminating on everyday life. The first two episodes of the series will also debut at the Annecy Festival.
Steps
A Work-in-Progress session for Steps, the new Cinderella re-imagining, will take place on Tuesday, June 23. Directors Alyce Tzue and John Ripa, art director Dan Casey, and head of character animation Jason Figliozzi will share their creative insights on the film, which stars Ali Wong, Amanda Seyfried, and Stephanie Hsu. The film is produced by Amy Poehler, Jane Hartwell, Kim Lessing and Paper Kite Productions.
The Ribbon Hero World Premiere
Yuki Igarashi’s feature directorial debut The Ribbon Hero will have its world premiere at Annecy Festival. Igarashi made his directorial debut with Star Wars: Visions – Lop & Ochō.
Annecy’s Official TV Films Competition
Sparks of Tomorrow (Episode 1), Long Story Short (Episode – “Shira Can’t Cook”) and Love, Death + Robots (Episode – “How Zeke Got Religion”) will compete at the festival.
