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Netflix is bringing first looks at the Charlie vs. The Chocolate Factory Film, while highlighting their upcoming Anime Slate, including Wit Studio’s The One Piece, and Jason Reitman & Gil Kenan for the animated Ghostbusters Series, to the Annecy Festival.

Next on Netflix Animation: Major Reveals from the 2026 Annecy Festival

Netflix just dropped an insane amount of animation and anime news in anticipation of France’s prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

From reveals surrounding new concept art for Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn, to new stills and a release date for Ricky Gervais’ adult animated comedy, Alley Cats, here’s a preview of everything Netflix is set to release at Annecy Festival.

What’s New From Netflix:

• Exclusive sneak peeks for Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory and THE ONE PIECE as part of the Next on Netflix Animation Showcase
• Anime Studio Focus featuring exclusive sneak peeks at THE ONE PIECE, Sparks of Tomorrow, THE RIBBON HERO, as well as series inspired by Japanese anime like Blue Eye Samurai’s season 2 and Bass X Machina
• Concept Art for Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn; Aardman’s Peter Lord moderating the conversation with Brad Bird
• New Still & Release Date for Ricky Gervais’ Alley Cats
• Release Year for Ghostbusters Series; Jason Reitman & Gil Kenan will be in attendance
• A KPop Demon Hunters outdoor sing-along screening

Celebrating its first anniversary at Annecy, KPop Demon Hunters has redefined what supernatural idol stories can achieve. Revisit our deep-dive review into why this film became a global cultural phenomenon: Sympathy for the Devil: KPop Demon Hunters Review – Why the Saja Boys and Huntrix Redefine the Supernatural Idol.

Netflix returns to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival with a genre-spanning line-up of films and series featuring visionary filmmakers, as well as up-and-coming talent.

This follows an unprecedented year for Netflix Animation, highlighting:

• The triumph of KPop Demon Hunters taking home a history making two Oscars, making it the first non-Disney/Pixar animated film ever to win more than one, and Netflix’s second animated film to win the Oscar in 4 years
• 13 Annie Awards wins including three for Love, Death + Robots, and Ultraman: Rising nabbing the Children and Family Emmys for Outstanding Animated Special and Sound Mixing & Sound Editing for an Animated Program

A full rundown of Netflix’s Annecy activity includes:

• Steps Work-in-Progress session at Salle Pierre Lamy on Tuesday, June 23^rd with directors Alyce Tzue and John Ripa, art director Dan Casey, and head of character animation Jason Figliozzi, who will share their creative insights on the re-imagining of the classic Cinderella tale, told from the perspective of one of the so-called “evil” step-sisters. 

• Also on Tuesday, Netflix will host a dedicated Anime Studio Focus titled “Netflix Anime: Bold Stories, Boundless Worlds” at la Salle de la Volière. As the home for anime with more than 150 million Netflix members around the world choosing to watch it, this session is set to be a must-see showcase of the very best of anime for every taste and mood, whether you’re a hard-core fan, casual viewer or a beginner to the medium. Buckle up for an in-depth look at the upcoming slate led by THE ONE PIECE, Sparks of Tomorrow, THE RIBBON HERO; as well as anime-inspired series Blue Eye Samurai’s season 2 and Bass X Machina.

• Next on Netflix Animation: from Ghostbusters to Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn returns to Théâtre Bonlieu on Wednesday, June 24^th. Executive producers Jason Reitman, Gil Kenan, and showrunners/Executive Producers Ben Hibon and Elliott Kalan will unveil a world exclusive preview of next year’s Ghostbusters series produced in partnership with Sony Pictures Animation. And visionary director Brad Bird will take to the stage and provide a very personal insight into his animated feature Ray Gunn, his 30+ year in the making passion project produced at Skydance Animation; this conversation will be moderated by stop-motion legend, Peter Lord, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Aardman who are also celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. Additionally, the session will feature glimpses at THE ONE PIECE series and the Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory animated film.

• A masterclass with multi-award-winning comedy genius Ricky Gervais at Théâtre Bonlieu follows on Thursday, June 25^th. Ricky serves as creator and director on his upcoming adult comedy series Alley Cats and will participate in a moderated conversation. Audiences will also get an early look at two episodes ahead of its debut on Netflix on Friday, August 7^th.
• THE RIBBON HERO will have its world premiere as part of the festival’s Annecy Presents programming.
• To celebrate the first anniversary since KPop Demon Hunters became a global and cultural phenomenon, there will be an outdoor sing-along screening on Wednesday, June 24^th by Lake Annecy. 
• And finally, Sparks of Tomorrow (Episode 1), Long Story Short (Episode – “Shira Can’t Cook”) and Love, Death + Robots (Episode – “How Zeke Got Religion”) will compete in Annecy’s Official TV Films Competition. 

Roald Dahl Reimagined: Kit Connor and Taika Waititi in Charlie vs. The Chocolate Factory

Charlie vs. The Chocolate Factory

Official Synopsis:

“Willy Wonka (Waititi) has spent the years since the Golden Ticket contest behind bars (not the chocolate kind) for the crime of turning a child into a blueberry. Having served his time, Wonka returns to his factory determined to add a little sweetness to a bitter world.

But one thing stands in his way: teenager Charlie Paley (Connor) and his friends. Facing eviction, this next generation of “rotten” kids plot to break into the factory, nab a priceless Wonka Bar, and save their homes. But like many before them who enter the fantastical world of the factory, these kids are in for a bit more than they can chew…”

• Directors: Jared Stern & Elaine Bogan
• Producers: Aron Warner, Timothy Yoo
• Executive Producer: Taika Waititi
• Cast: Kit Connor and Taika Waititi
• Animation Studio: Sony Pictures Imageworks
• Release Date: 2027

Visionary passion projects: Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn and Ricky Gervais’ Alley Cats

Ray Gunn

Logline:

“In Metropia, a gigantic city in an alternate future as seen from 1939, private eye Raymond Gunn is drawn into a case involving aliens, murder and a multimedia star named Venus Nova.”

• Director: Brad Bird
• Producers: John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Lisa Beroud
• Cast: Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Waits
• Animation Studio: Skydance Animation
• Release Date: 2026

Alley Cats

Official Synopsis:

“Alley Cats is a sitcom created by and starring the multi award-winning Ricky Gervais. 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.

From the funny to the absurd, the series is packed with Gervais’ signature style of heart and social commentary that audiences have come to expect.”

• Creator and Director: Ricky Gervais
• Co-director: Elliot Dear
• Executive Producers: Ricky Gervais, Steven Hamilton Shaw
• Production Designer: Tang Heng
• Cast: Ricky Gervais, Tom Basden, Andrew Brooke, David Earl, Kerry Godliman, Jo Hartley, Diane Morgan, and also featuring Natalie Cassidy and Tony Way
• Animation Studio: Blink Industries
• Release date: August 7, 2026

With Ricky Gervais set to unveil exclusive episodes at Annecy, the anticipation for his feline-led sitcom is reaching a fever pitch. Get the confirmed cast list and release date details here: Adult Animated Comedy Alley Cats Comes to Netflix 2026.

Rewriting the Fairytale: Alyce Tzue and John Ripa Re-Imagine Cinderella in “Steps”

Steps

Official Synopsis:

“Think you know Cinderella’s “evil” stepsisters? Think again! When misunderstood Lilith (Ali Wong) is blamed for hijacking the Royal Ball with a stolen magic wand, she accidentally turns her sister Margot (Stephanie Hsu) into a frog and leaves the kingdom in the hands of a prince-obsessed mean girl.

Now Lilith must team up with Cinderella (Amanda Seyfried) (and a surprisingly dreamy troll) to save the kingdom, repair the fractured fairytale, and prove that even so-called villains deserve a shot at happily-ever-after.”

• Directors: Alyce Tzue & John Ripa 
• Produced by: Amy Poehler, Jane Hartwell, Kim Lessing. Poehler and Lessing producing for Paper Kite Productions.
• Cast: Ali Wong, Amanda Seyfried, Stephanie Hsu
• Animation Studio: Netflix Animation Studios
• Release date: 2026

The Return of the Ghostbusters: Reitman & Kenan Join the Netflix Slate

Untitled Ghostbusters Series

Logline:

“Hailing from Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation, the high end animated series based on the beloved Ghostbusters IP will debut exclusively on Netflix in 2027.”

• Executive Producers: Ben Hibon, Elliott Kalan, Jason Reitman, Gil Kenan, Amie Karp, and Dan Aykroyd  
• Release date: 2027

While we wait for the 2027 theatrical and series debuts, the immediate horizon is already packed with top-tier animation. For more high-production action slated for next year, don’t miss our guide to the Netflix Spring 2026 Anime Slate: JoJo’s Steel Ball Run 2nd STAGE and More.

Anime Studio Focus: THE ONE PIECE, Sparks of Tomorrow, and THE RIBBON HERO

The One Piece

Official Synopsis:

“Produced by WIT Studio, THE ONE PIECE is a brand new anime adaptation starting from the very beginning of the original manga’s East Blue saga. Separate from the TV anime series that has charged full speed ahead over the course of more than 25 years, this series taps into the expressive potential of modern technology to offer a familiar yet fresh take on the adventures of Luffy.”

• Director: Masashi Koizuka
• Assistant Director: Hideaki Abe
• Series Composition: Taku Kishimoto
• Character Design & Chief Animation Directors: Kyoji Asano, Takatoshi Honda
• Creature Design & Image Boards: Yasuhiro Kajino
• Prop Design: Eri Taguchi
• Action Animators: Ken Imaizumi, Shuhei Fukuda
• Art Director: Tomonori Kuroda
• Animation Producer: Ryoma Kawamura
• Animation Studio: WIT STUDIO
• Release date: February 2027

With production details finalized for the February 2027 premiere, see our full breakdown of the veteran crew: THE ONE PIECE Netflix Remake: February 2027 Release Confirmed with 7-Episode Premiere.

Sparks Of Tomorrow

Official Synopsis:

“In an alternate version of the early 20th century where technological progress evolved along a different path shaped by steam power, Kyoto is blanketed in constant smoke. A boy, hardened by the loss of his brother, grows distrustful after their shared dream of an “Age of Electricity” is cut short. A deeply devout girl hides her dreams and regrets for her deceased mother deep within her heart.

When the two cross paths, they set about exploring the secrets of the 20th Century Electrical Catalog, a glimpse into the future they long for. Together, they must confront their pasts and carve a path toward the future they once believed in.”

As Kyoto Animation takes the stage at Annecy, fans are eager to see how the studio brings the ‘Age of Electricity’ to life. For a full breakdown of the cast and the intricate steampunk lore of the series, check out our report: Kyoto Animation’s Sparks of Tomorrow: Netflix Release Date, Cast, and Steampunk Kyoto Lore.

The Ribbon Hero

Logline:

“Yuki Igarashi, regarded as one of the industry’s most versatile animators, directs the film. He first drew wide attention for the sophisticated animation he handled alone as key animator on the ending sequence of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1. His directorial debut, Star Wars: Visions – Lop & Ochō, received high praise in Japan and abroad for its delicate storytelling and dynamic action scenes.

THE RIBBON HERO marks Igarashi’s first time directing a feature-length film.

Bringing together a team of highly skilled creators, the film depicts the story of a lone hero who chooses to defy a harsh destiny, set in a delicately crafted world and brought to life through polished action.”

• Animation Character Design: Issei Arakaki
• Art Director: Cedric Herole
• Production Company: Twin Engine
• Animation Studio: Outline
• Release date: August, 2026

As Yuki Igarashi reimagines an Osamu Tezuka classic, check out other legendary stories getting a 2026 makeover: Netflix Reveals ‘THE RIBBON HERO’: Osamu Tezuka’s Princess Knight Reimagined for 2026.

Global Anime-Inspired Hits: Blue Eye Samurai Season 2 and Bass X Machina

Blue Eye Samurai – Season 2

Logline:

“In Season 2, Mizu’s bloody quest continues in London, where she faces new friends, old foes, and her own demons. In Japan, Akemi and Taigen navigate Edo Castle under a dangerous new Shogun, while Ringo searches for new purpose.”

• Created by: Amber Noizumi and Michael Green
• Executive Producers: Amber Noizumi and Michael Green
• Animation Studio:  Blue Spirit
• Release date: Coming Soon

Mizu’s journey to London is just one piece of Netflix’s massive expansion into mature storytelling. Explore the full slate of upcoming action, including Splinter Cell and Sakamoto Days, in our guide: Netflix Goes Big on Adult Animation: Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, Blue Eye Samurai S2, Sakamoto Days, Record of Ragnarok III.

Bass X Machina

Official Synopsis:

“In a lawless Steampunk West overrun by brutal outlaws, machines, and supernatural terrors, a father is forced to become judge, jury, and executioner – knowing that every act of justice meant to protect his family may ultimately cost him the very people he’s fighting to save.”

• Executive Producers: Brian Tyree Henry, LeSean Thomas, Jennifer Wiley-Moxley, Chad Handley
• Animation Studio:  Studio Mir
• Release date: Coming Soon

Note: The information above was sourced from a press release.

Which animated TV show or film premiere are you most looking forward to watching?

🏮 Read More In Asian Spaces

• GKIDS to Release “Another World” in North American Theatres: A Dark Fairytale From Hong Kong – Discover the historic Golden Horse winner that also captivated audiences as an Annecy Official Selection.
• Viral French Sensation Samuel Hits Netflix: How Émilie Tronche’s Indie Hit Went International – Analyzing the success of this unique indie animation that bridges the gap between French artistry and global streaming.
• The Steampunk Future of Anime: Scott Westerfeld and Justin Leach on the Leviathan Netflix Adaptation – Exploring the intersection of Western literature and Japanese animation in Netflix’s upcoming steampunk epic.

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