Netflix is set to unveil an exciting and unique first look at “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85” during the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June. This highly anticipated animated series will immerse fans in the beloved Stranger Things universe, offering fresh narratives that expand the lore and charm of the franchise.
The new animated series will be showcased by executive producer Eric Robles at the “Next on Netflix Animation” event scheduled for June 11. This presentation promises to delight fans as it reveals what to expect from this innovative addition to the Stranger Things saga, blending nostalgia with new storytelling techniques.
The festival organizers teased, “Your Saturday morning cartoons are getting turned upside down,” hinting at the unique and possibly unconventional take this series will have. It’s all about transforming the animation landscape, offering a fresh perspective that will resonate with both young viewers and nostalgic adults.
In addition to Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, the event will feature director Alex Woo, production designer Steven Pilcher, and VFX supervisor Nicola Lavender, who will present exclusive footage from the upcoming feature film “In Your Dreams.” This film, produced by Kuku Studios, is generating buzz for its innovative animation techniques and captivating storytelling.
Scheduled for release in the fall, “In Your Dreams” is a comedic adventure that follows siblings Stevie and Elliot as they embark on a whimsical journey through the bizarre landscape of their own dreams. The plot thickens as they encounter quirky characters like a snarky stuffed giraffe and face off against zombie breakfast foods. The ultimate reward for their bravery? The Sandman promises to grant them their ultimate dream—a perfect family.
Co-directed by Erik Benson and Alex Woo, who also penned the script, the film is produced by Timothy Hahn and Gregg Taylor. This collaboration aims to blend humor with heartfelt moments, promising an engaging experience for audiences of all ages.
The festival will also spotlight “Fixed,” a newly acquired adult comedy film from renowned animator Genndy Tartakovsky. This film tells the hilarious tale of a dog who learns he’s scheduled for neutering and embarks on one final adventure before the day arrives.
“Fixed”
NETFLIX
“Some people might feel uncomfortable,” Tartakovsky humorously remarked to Variety. He acknowledged that while risqué content has become more mainstream and accepted, back in the day, adult animation was primarily represented by shows like “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy.” His goal with “Fixed” is to create a film that resonates on a deeper level, combining humor with heartfelt storytelling.
“Think of it as a blend of Lady and the Tramp and 101 Dalmatians, but with an R rating,” he explained. “If you can look past the crude humor, you’ll discover a genuinely sweet, charming, and sincere tale about friendship and romance.” This unique approach aims to challenge traditional norms in animation while delivering a compelling narrative.
“Fixed” is slated for release on August 13. The film is produced by Michelle Murdocca and features a script co-written by Steve Greenberg, Rich Lufrano, Tartakovsky, and Jon Vitti. The impressive voice cast includes Adam Devine, Idris Elba, Kathryn Hahn, Fred Armisen, Bobby Moynihan, Beck Bennett, Michelle Buteau, and River Gallo, promising a star-studded experience for viewers.
Netflix will have a significant presence at the festival, with additional screenings of “Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight” and “Devil May Cry”, both competing in Annecy’s official TV Movies category. Furthermore, “Mononoke The Movie: Chapter II – The Ashes of Rage” will be featured as part of the Midnight Specials programming, showcasing a diverse range of animated works.
The first film, created by Alain Chabat and based on the original works by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, is produced by TAT Productions. It tells a gripping story of a desperate situation where the famous Gaul village faces a threat as their potion master loses his memory, leaving the villagers to fend for themselves against the might of Rome.
In “Devil May Cry,” an animated adaptation of the beloved Capcom game, viewers will witness sinister forces attempting to breach the portal between the human and demon realms. At the center of this chaos is Dante, an orphaned demon-hunter-for-hire, navigating a treacherous world filled with danger and intrigue.
The narrative continues in “The Ashes of Rage,” set after the climactic showdown in “Mononoke: The Phantom in the Rain.” The Medicine Seller resurfaces in the intricate chambers of Ooku. Here, Otomo Botan, a woman from a prestigious family, takes over from Utayama as the new director, enforcing a leadership style based on discipline and balance, which leads to rising tensions with Fuki, a seasoned courtesan who previously enjoyed the emperor’s favor.
As the selection process begins for a guardian to care for the emperor’s wife’s newborn child, an unexpected event turns Fuki’s situation upside down. Having given birth to an “undesirable child,” deemed a threat, Fuki finds herself at the center of a web of conspiracies orchestrated by those in power, creating a thrilling and dramatic storyline.
Directed by Kenji Nakamura and Kiyotaka Suzuki, this narrative is brought to life based on a screenplay by Asumi Atarashi, with production led by Koji Yamamoto. The film promises to be a captivating exploration of complex relationships and power dynamics.
In line with the theme of adult animation, a masterclass featuring Raphael Bob-Waksberg, the creator of “BoJack Horseman,” is scheduled for June 12. Bob-Waksberg will be joined by the creative team behind his upcoming comedy series, “Long Story Short,” where viewers will get an exclusive sneak peek at an episode prior to its release later this year.
“Long Story Short”
NETFLIX
The series, aptly titled “Long Story Short,” chronicles the journey of one family over time, exploring the lives of the Schwooper siblings as they navigate childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. It delves into their triumphs and tribulations, capturing the essence of family life, and the universal experiences of joy, disappointment, and compromise that resonate with audiences across generations. The executive producers include Noel Bright and Steven A. Cohen for Tornante Television, with Corey Campodonico and Alex Bulkley serving as co-executive producers for ShadowMachine.
Festival attendees will also be treated to a preview of Ubisoft’s acclaimed Tom Clancy game franchise with the adaptation “Splinter Cell: Deathwatch.” This marks the first-ever adaptation of the beloved stealth video game, featuring legendary agent Sam Fisher who is drawn back into action when a wounded young operative seeks his assistance in a critical mission.
Produced by Ubisoft in collaboration with Derek Kolstad (known for John Wick), along with Solar Creature and Fost, “Splinter Cell: Deathwatch” is co-directed by Guillaume Dousse and Félicien Colmet-Daage. This anticipated adaptation is expected to deliver thrilling action and gripping narratives that fans of the franchise will appreciate.
Beloved French preschool series “7 Bears” will also gain attention, presenting a delightful reimagining of classic fairy tales featuring iconic characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Snow White. This fresh take promises to engage young audiences while providing lessons wrapped in furry adventures. The presentation hints at a whimsical twist on the fairy tales that we thought we knew.
Based on graphic novels by Emile Bravo, this series is directed by Guillaume Rio, with Robert Vargas serving as showrunner, ensuring that the charm and essence of these beloved tales are preserved while introducing new elements for the modern audience.
For the very first time, Netflix will host a dedicated Animated Series Studio Focus on June 12, highlighting projects like “Dr. Seuss’s Horton!” and the second season of “Blue Eye Samurai.” The latter, produced by Blue Spirit, features creators Amber Noizumi and Michael Green, coupled with a star-studded voice cast that includes Maya Erskine, George Takei, Brenda Song, Randall Park, and Kenneth Branagh.
Additional popular titles such as “Magic: The Gathering,” “Ghostbusters,” “Minecraft,” and “Haunted Hotel” will also be featured. This session will be led by Netflix Animation executives, including John Derderian (VP, Animation Series), Heather Tilert (Director, Kids + Preschool), Billy Wee (Director, Adult Comedy), Dylan Thomas (Director, Adult Spectacle), and Dominique Bazay (Director, Family Spectacle).
As emphasized by the festival organizers, 2024 has marked a significant year for Netflix Animation, highlighted by the Oscar-nominated “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance of the Fowl,” which won two BAFTAs. Additionally, “Arcane” secured seven Annie Awards, and “Orion and the Dark” received Children and Family Emmys for outstanding special production and best writing, showcasing the platform’s commitment to high-quality animated content.