Netflix Unveils Wildly Ambitious Animation Slate: MAGIC THE GATHERING, GHOSTBUSTERS, MINECRAFT, CLASH OF CLANS, and More — GeekTyrant
The reveals came during the streamer's packed studio panel at the Annecy Festival, where Netflix spotlighted projects aimed at every demographic—from Dr. Seuss preschoolers to adult animation die-hards.
Here's a breakdown of the key titles that stole the show:
Magic: The Gathering
One of Netflix's biggest swings is a sprawling adaptation of Magic: The Gathering. Dylan Thomas hyped the project as 'an epic fantasy saga… with Terry Matalas leading the writing, Oscar winner Patrick Osborne directing, and Simon Rogers as our art director.' The show is being developed with CG powerhouse DIGIC in Budapest. Thomas added, 'This is one of the most ambitious shows to date.'
Ghostbusters
Netflix is teaming with Sony Pictures Animation for a brand-new Ghostbusters animated series, and it sounds nothing like what fans might expect. 'This is 'Ghostbusters' like you've never seen it,' said Dominique Bazay. The show is being animated by Flying Bark (Sydney) and a new team in Madrid. Bazay added, 'Our goal is never photorealism but something tactile and tangible,' as she previewed concept art showcasing a stylized, gritty New York.
Blue Eye Samurai Season 2
The bloody and beautiful samurai drama is coming back—bigger and more intense than before. 'While I can't say much,' teased Thomas, 'I will say that somehow the scripts and the storyboards are crazier, they're bigger and even more heart-wrenching than Season 1.' A short sizzle reel reportedly confirmed just that.
Minecraft
Netflix's adaptation of Minecraft is being built from the ground up with Mojang Studios, and fans can expect something fresh yet faithful. Bazay said, 'Obviously, they want to make something authentic and familiar to Minecraft, but also create a universe that is a new experience for fans.' A few images shown reportedly got audible gasps from the crowd.
Clash of Clans
The hit mobile game is being reimagined as… a workplace comedy. Yes, really. 'We're going to turn this wild fantasy world of clashing into a workplace comedy,' Bazay confirmed, with Fletcher Moles and Ron Weiner attached. It's a tonal pivot, and if done right, could be a total blast.
Stranger Things: Tales from '85
Flying Bark is also animating this nostalgic spinoff from the Stranger Things universe. John Derderian explained, 'We want to create cinematic-level masterworks in series form.' Dominique Bazay added, 'Eric's working with the Duffer brothers to bring Hawkins, Indiana, into animation… it is a very beautiful thing.'
Splinter Cell: Deathwatch
Sam Fisher's animated debut is in good hands. 'This is really one of the most visceral shows we've produced in adult animation,' said Thomas. The show, based on Ubisoft's stealth-action franchise, has been described as a true international collaboration.
Long Story Short
Raphael Bob-Waksberg (BoJack Horseman) returns with Long Story Short, an ambitious family comedy. 'It's every bit as ambitious, hilarious, and original,' said adult comedy head Billy Wee. A clip from the premiere reportedly had the room laughing hard.
Haunted Hotel
From Dan Harmon, Matt Roller, Chris McKenna, and Steve Levy comes Haunted Hotel, a horror-comedy that blends irreverent tone with a dynamic cast of ghosts. 'It's a terrifying and hilarious horror comedy,' said Wee.
Mating Season
From the team behind Big Mouth, Mating Season takes animal courtship and turns it into an adult romantic comedy. Nick Kroll described it as 'an adult animated comedy about dating and finding love that's set in the animal world with absolutely adorable and fully horny forest creatures.' The early pencil test was reportedly a hit.
Dr. Seuss Preschool Slate
Netflix is going all-in on Seuss with Red Fish Blue Fish, Horton!, and a long-form special of The Sneetches. Heather Tilert said these shows 'came from a very specific, passionate creator point of view,' calling The Sneetches 'a stunning 44-minute special… a great introduction to family movie night.'
Samuel
The panel opened with the announcement of Samuel, an animated adaptation of the French comic. 'Great stories are universal, and we are the studio without borders at Netflix,' said Derderian.
Netflix is doubling down on animation across all genres. From fantasy to comedy, preschool to horror, there's a something for everyone to enjoy.
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