Netflix Unveils Major Animation Slate at Annecy 2024: Ray Gunn, Ghostbusters, Blue Eye Samurai & More

Netflix Animation is returning to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival this June with a robust slate of projects, including exclusive previews and world premieres. The festival, held June 10–15, 2024, will showcase Netflix’s expanding animation portfolio across films, series, and anime.

Major Highlights at Annecy 2024

Among the standout titles Netflix will preview at Annecy are:

• Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn – A sci-fi detective story with Aardman co-founder Peter Lord moderating a talk with Bird.
• Ghostbusters animated series – Produced by Jason Reitman, Gil Kenan, and Dan Aykroyd, with a world-exclusive preview.
• Season 2 of Blue Eye Samurai – The long-awaited follow-up to the critically acclaimed first season.
• KPop Demon Hunters – Netflix and Sony’s hit film will screen outdoors, one of the festival’s most anticipated events.
• Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory – Taika Waititi’s animated adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic.
• Steps – A reimagining of the Cinderella tale from the perspective of one of the step-sisters, with a work-in-progress session on June 23.
• Stray Cats – Ricky Gervais’ adult animated sitcom, with an early look at two episodes ahead of its August 7 debut.
• The One Piece anime series – Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of the iconic manga.
• Bass X Machina and Sparks of Tomorrow – Two additional anime titles in Netflix’s 2024 lineup.

Netflix Anime Studio Focus: June 23

On Tuesday, June 23, Netflix will host “Netflix Anime: Bold Stories, Boundless Worlds” at la Salle de la Volière, highlighting its growing anime slate. The session will feature:

• A showcase of upcoming anime, including The One Piece, Sparks of Tomorrow, and The Ribbon Hero.
• Insights into Blue Eye Samurai Season 2 and Bass X Machina.
• Discussions on Netflix’s anime strategy, with over 150 million members worldwide engaging with the genre.

Steps Work-in-Progress Session

Also on June 23, Netflix will present a work-in-progress session for Steps at Salle Pierre Lamy. Directors Alyce Tzue and John Ripa, art director Dan Casey, and head of character animation Jason Figliozzi will discuss their creative process in reimagining the classic Cinderella story from a step-sister’s perspective.

Next on Netflix Animation: June 24

On Wednesday, June 24, Netflix will host “Next on Netflix Animation: From Ghostbusters to Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn” at Salle de la Volière. The session will feature:

• A world-exclusive preview of the Ghostbusters animated series, produced in partnership with Sony Pictures Animation.
• Brad Bird discussing his animated feature Ray Gunn, offering personal insights into the film.
• Presentations on The One Piece anime series and Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory.

Ricky Gervais Masterclass: June 25

On Thursday, June 25, comedy legend Ricky Gervais will take the stage at Théâtre Bonlieu for a masterclass. Gervais, creator and director of Stray Cats, will participate in a moderated conversation and share an early look at two episodes of the series, which premieres on August 7.

World Premiere of The Ribbon Hero

The Ribbon Hero, the feature film debut from animator Yuki Igarashi, will have its world premiere as part of the festival’s Annecy Presents programming. The film marks another milestone in Netflix’s expanding animation portfolio.

Outdoor Screening of KPop Demon Hunters

To cap off the festival, Netflix and Sony will host an outdoor screening of KPop Demon Hunters, one of the year’s most anticipated animated releases. The event is expected to draw significant attention at Annecy 2024.