Latest news with #AnnecyInternationalAnimationFestival
Time of India
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Eyes of Wakanda Part 2: Is there an episode 5 or will Marvel launch a new season?
Marvel Animation's highly anticipated action-adventure miniseries Eyes of Wakanda has made its global debut on Disney+ ahead of schedule, releasing all four episodes on August 1, 2025. However, with the limited series now concluded, questions loom large: Is Eyes of Wakanda truly finished, or is there hope for Eyes of Wakanda Part 2 ? The four-part animated anthology, produced under the creative helm of Ryan Coogler and directed by Todd Harris, explores the forgotten exploits of Wakanda's secret agents across centuries. But fans who quickly consumed all episodes are left wondering whether Marvel Studios will expand this ambitious storyline into a second installment. 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The sudden arrival of the series, revealed during the Annecy International Animation Festival, came with a full trailer and an impressive ensemble voice cast, including Cress Williams, Winnie Harlow, Anika Noni Rose, and Lynn Whitfield. Produced by Marvel Studios in collaboration with Proximity Media, the production outfit led by Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian, the series captures Wakanda's global presence through history, led by the Hatut Zeraze, elite agents charged with reclaiming Vibranium from enemies around the world. Plot Overview: Time-Traveling Warriors and Secret Missions Each of the four episodes tells a standalone tale set in different historical eras, chronicling the secret missions of Wakandan agents. From ancient Greece to the early 20th century, these warriors retrieve Vibranium artifacts while facing daunting adversaries from Viking raiders to samurai warlords. Live Events The highlight episode, Into the Lion's Den , follows former Dora Milaje Noni as she attempts to stop a rogue Royal Guard soldier—now turned villain called 'The Lion'—from conquering the seas. The episode fuses high-stakes combat with philosophical questions about Wakanda's place in the world, offering viewers a glimpse into the nation's deeper moral and cultural dilemmas. Eyes of Wakanda Episode 5: Series Ends Without Cliffhanger Despite fan expectations, there is no Episode 5 for Eyes of Wakanda, as per a report by Superhero Hype. The series was explicitly crafted as a four-part miniseries, with Marvel confirming its conclusion on release. With each episode self-contained, there is no overarching cliffhanger demanding resolution, leaving viewers satisfied but curious about what might come next. As it stands, there is no official confirmation of Eyes of Wakanda Part 2, nor have Marvel executives made any public remarks regarding a potential continuation, according to the Superhero Hype report. Will There Be an Eyes of Wakanda Part 2? The absence of Episode 5 or future announcements has not dimmed speculation about Eyes of Wakanda Part 2 . Given Marvel Studios' increasing investment in expanding the Black Panther universe, seen in previous titles like Wakanda Forever and upcoming Wakanda-set spin-offs, a second volume or spiritual successor remains a possibility. Industry insiders note that Marvel's anthology-style storytelling, similar to What If…? , leaves the door open for thematic or character continuations without being tied to a linear plot. If demand remains strong, Eyes of Wakanda Part 2 could materialize as a follow-up series with new characters, new missions, and a fresh historical lens. An Animated Triumph with Caveats The animation of Eyes of Wakanda has received praise for pushing the visual boundaries of Marvel's animated projects. Each episode features distinct artistic tones that reflect the era and culture it depicts. Critics have likened the visuals to high-end PS2-era action games, with dynamic choreography and bold world-building. However, some viewers expressed concerns about the emotional arc of the protagonists. While visually rich and narratively ambitious, the stories often presented the Hatut Zeraze in morally gray roles, leading some to feel disconnected from the characters' motivations. Episode four attempts to tie all the previous missions back to the overarching Black Panther narrative, but reactions to this were mixed. Cast and Crew: A Global Effort In addition to previously announced voice actors, the full cast includes Patricia Belcher, Larry Herron, Adam Gold, Jacques Colimon, Jona Xiao, Isaac Robinson-Smith, Gary Anthony Williams, Zeke Alton, and Steve Toussaint. Their performances lend gravity to the show's themes of sacrifice, duty, and legacy. Todd Harris, who previously worked on John Wick and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever , brings cinematic intensity to the directing, while executive producers Ryan Coogler and Kevin Feige ensure the series maintains narrative cohesion within the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Larger MCU Context: Past Meets Future Unlike traditional Marvel fare, Eyes of Wakanda does not revolve around superheroes in the present day. Instead, it delves into the pre-modern and early-modern eras, filling narrative gaps rarely explored on screen. While the MCU has touched upon historical elements — such as in Captain America: The First Avenger — Eyes of Wakanda broadens the cultural scope, spotlighting Africa's hidden history and global influence. Fans familiar with the comic source material recognize the Hatut Zeraze, also known as the War Dogs, as key players in Wakanda's shadow diplomacy. In animation, their missions take on a mythic quality, reflecting both Marvel's flair for spectacle and deeper philosophical undertones. A Platform for Expansion Despite the show's closure at four episodes, Disney+ and Marvel have a strong incentive to revisit Eyes of Wakanda in the future. The show fits into Marvel's ongoing strategy of expanding representation, while also serving as a testing ground for experimental storytelling. Should Eyes of Wakanda Part 2 be greenlit, fans could expect newer characters, different timelines, and possibly even interactions with familiar MCU events from a Wakandan perspective. There's fertile ground for spin-offs or crossovers that could bring the Hatut Zeraze into direct alignment with the likes of T'Challa, Shuri, or even Namor. FAQs What is Eyes of Wakanda and where is it streaming? Eyes of Wakanda is a four-part animated action-adventure miniseries from Marvel Animation. It debuted globally on Disney+ on August 1, 2025, earlier than expected. How many episodes does Eyes of Wakanda have? The miniseries consists of four self-contained episodes. There is no fifth episode or mid-season break, as the project was designed as a limited anthology series. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
The Hindu
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Desi Oon' and Suresh Eriyat's dialogue with shepherds
'Oon mera naam hai, oon oon oon; meri kahani zara sun sun sun.' (My name in Oon, oon oon oon; listen to my story.) A tuft of raw, tangled black Deccani wool with tiny arms and a hole for a mouth bounces across the screen, narrating the story of neglect that desi oon has suffered for generations. The six-minute stop-motion animation film, Desi Oon, tells a riveting tale of how indigenous wool stands forgotten. Its compelling storytelling — depicting the intersection of ecology, dwindling traditional craft, and the threat industrialisation poses to pastoral communities — scooped up the Jury Award for Best Commissioned Film at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Festival last month in France. The film was developed over a year by Mumbai-based Studio Eeksaurus, in collaboration with the Centre for Pastoralism, for the Living Lightly - Journeys with Pastoralists exhibition in Bengaluru earlier this year. Filmmaker Suresh Eriyat, founder and creative director of the studio, who had visited a desi oon exhibition in 2022, says it all began with listening. 'We didn't go in with a storyboard. We went in with curiosity. The richness of what we encountered — the sheep, the wool, the landscape, and the people who live in that reality — left a deep impact. What excited us most was that this wasn't just a textile story. It was a story of resilience, of ecosystems, of lives intertwined with the land.' A woolly tale Nearly 30 people worked on the film. Lyricist and singer Swanand Kirkire translated the essence and rhythm of the shepherds' songs and folk traditions into his lyrics and raw singing. The catchy folk tune was composed by Rajat Dholakia, without using any electronic or digital sources, carefully preserving its organic quality. And the soundscape was created by Academy Award winner Resul Pookutty. But the star of the show was the desi oon. 'We wanted the wool to tell its own story. Wool isn't sleek. It doesn't behave. It frays, resists, coils. That unpredictability, usually considered a limitation, was something we leaned into,' says Eriyat, using real wool from Deccani sheep sourced in Belagavi, Karnataka. 'We let the material misbehave. It gave the film a certain life — something beyond what we were breathing into it.' They made models and used specialised stop-motion techniques, a method which Eriyat describes as 'slow, tactile, handcrafted. Just like the lives and materials we were depicting'. But it came with technical challenges, as animating the wool was painstaking. 'Stop-motion gave us the language to do that with poetry, metaphor, and a kind of warmth that invites empathy, not just observation,' he says. Embracing slowness became part of the storytelling itself. 'It echoed the tempo of pastoral life, the rhythm of herding, spinning, weaving, and of course their resilience,' he reminisces of the year they spent working on the film. 'In an era of fast content and CGI perfection, this slowness felt almost radical.' The spirit of Balu mama Central to the tale of Deccani wool is the story of Balu mama, a revered shepherd among the pastoralists of the region. Known for his quiet leadership, he dedicated his life to nurturing and protecting Deccani sheep. The Centre for Pastoralism and the Living Lightly team connected the studio to the shepherding communities, to walk with real pastoralists, observing their rhythm and routines, and learn their wisdom passed on orally through generations. 'Watching his followers guide hundreds of sheep across dry, rocky terrain, never raising their voice, just being present, was profoundly moving. The land listens to the flock, and the reverence both the flock and the shepherd held for Balu mama was near worship,' says Eriyat. His approach to this collaboration hinged on respect for the craft. 'We didn't want to simplify or romanticise their lives. These communities are complex and proud. So, we took our cues from their stories, songs, silences, and humour,' he says. The metaphors used in storytelling were rooted in the land. 'A sheep wasn't 'cute' or 'comic'. It was central to their economy, their kinship system, and their survival. Even the songs and lyrics were crafted with input from folk musicians who live this life.' ' When brands co-opt without context, they flatten histories. We need to document not just products, but processes. Not just objects, but origins. And we need to tell them with the same beauty and innovation that global audiences are used to, but with our lens, our voice, our terms.'Suresh Eriyatwho believes the time is ripe for India to share her stories before they are appropriated by the world Storytelling with craft The Annecy award was deeply validating for the studio. 'Not because of the recognition alone, but because a quiet, rooted story from India resonated on the world stage. It showed us that truth travels,' says Eriyat. Post the success of the film, can animation become a potent medium for storytelling for craft-led and even luxury brands? Eriyat believes it can, especially stop-motion, drawing in audiences gently, without the defensiveness that sometimes accompanies advocacy. 'It makes room for wonder, and wonder leads to curiosity. That's where change begins. Desi oon has already sparked conversations across sectors, from sustainable fashion and tourism to policy. There have been early inquiries from both luxury brands and government bodies wanting to understand how storytelling like this can be embedded into their communication,' he shares. Eriyat believes animation can become a tool for cultural preservation, craft revival, and even rural economic development. 'We've only scratched the surface. We hope the film becomes a trigger. For young people to ask where their clothes come from. For designers to rethink the supply chain. For policymakers to look again at pastoralism not as 'backward', but as ecologically vital.' The real success, however, will be when these communities get sustained attention and support. 'When their voices are not just preserved, but amplified on their terms.' The writer is a sustainability consultant and founder of Beejliving, a lifestyle platform dedicated to slow living.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pixar Announces New Film ‘Gatto' Set in Venice from ‘Luca' Director Enrico Casarosa
Pixar showed up to the Annecy International Animation Festival with the goods. The animation studio announced a new film slated for the summer of 2027, an original film called 'Gatto' from 'Luca' director Enrico Casarosa. Pixar announced the film from the Annecy stage on Friday and showed some concept art from the film, which you can see above. 'Gatto' returns Casarosa to Italy, but this time to Venice, and follows a black cat named Nero who, after years of maneuvering the canal-ridden, superstitious city, begins to question whether he's lived the right lives. Indebted to a local feline mob boss, Nero finds himself in a quandary and is forced to forge a truly unexpected friendship that may finally lead him to his purpose — unless Venice gets the better of him first. More from IndieWire Why Hollywood Is Training for Jobs That Don't Yet Exist How A24 Found the Perfect Match Between Commercial and Specialized Crowds to Make 'Materialists' a Box Office Hit Casarosa is directing the film, his follow-up to 2021's Italian Riviera-set 'Luca,' and producer Andrea Warren is also re-teaming with Casarosa on the feature. 'Luca' was previously released directly to Disney+, so this should be a chance for Casarosa to stretch his legs in theaters. Pixar also had some other announcements as part of its Annecy presentation. It showed first-look footage at another original film called 'Hoppers,' which is releasing in March 2026 and is an adventure about an animal lover who creates a robotic beaver and places her consciousness inside it in order to live within the animal world. The film has Jon Hamm leading the voice cast and is directed by Daniel Chong. Pixar chief Pete Docter also showed some sneak peek footage and released a concept art image from 'Toy Story 5' and additionally confirmed that Joan Cusack would return to the franchise as Jessie. Tim Allen recently teased that Jessie was a big part of the plot of the new film, which also involves the toys competing for attention with screens and video games. And lastly, Pixar screened 27 minutes of its upcoming feature 'Elio,' which opens in theaters later this month. Before Pixar took the stage, Disney was also on hand at Annecy with its own footage from 'Zootopia 2,' which confirmed that French actor Jean Reno was also making a cameo appearance in the sequel as an officer with the Zootopia Police Department. Other new characters in 'Zootopia 2' include Gary De'Snake (voice of Ke Huy Quan), Nibbles (Fortune Feimster), and Dr. Fuzzby (voice of Quinta Brunson). Finally, Disney Animation chief creative officer Jared Bush announced that legendary director Ron Clements would return to Disney in a special advisory role. Best of IndieWire Guillermo del Toro's Favorite Movies: 56 Films the Director Wants You to See 'Song of the South': 14 Things to Know About Disney's Most Controversial Movie Nicolas Winding Refn's Favorite Films: 37 Movies the Director Wants You to See
Economic Times
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Netflix's Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85 coming soon. Here's what we know
TNN Stranger Things Animated Series Netflix is expanding the Stranger Things universe with an exciting new animated series titled Stranger Things: Tales From '85 . Unveiled during the streamer's presentation at the Annecy International Animation Festival, executive producer Eric Robles treated attendees to an extended first look at the show, reported Set Between Seasons 2 and 3 Set in the frigid winter of 1985, Tales From '85 takes place between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original live-action series. It follows familiar faces—Will, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Max, Eleven—and introduces a new character, Nikki Baxter, a young 'tinkerer' who joins the gang to face off against a terrifying new breed of vine monsters from the Upside Down. As they confront these new threats, the group also unravels a disturbing paranormal mystery gripping their town. A Fresh Take With Retro Roots The animation style, created by Flying Bark Productions, blends cutting-edge CG animation with 2D painterly stylization. It draws visual inspiration from modern hits like Spider-Verse and Arcane , all while capturing a nostalgic '80s Saturday morning cartoon vibe reminiscent of classics like The Real Ghostbusters and the Beetlejuice animated series. Unlike those 2D classics, however, Tales From '85 boasts high-end CG animation with cinematic quality, much like polished video game cutscenes. While Netflix has yet to release official images, a few glimpses from the exclusive sizzle reel at Annecy showed Hawkins Lab, a furious Chief Hopper, and the core group navigating new challenges. Is It Canon? Absolutely. The Duffer Brothers confirmed that Stranger Things: Tales From '85 is part of the official canon. It deepens the backstory of the beloved characters and fills in narrative gaps between the live-action seasons. Release Date and Production Team Although no official release date has been announced, Netflix stated the series is set to premiere in 2026. The show is executive produced by: Eric Robles ( Fanboy & Chum Chum ) ) The Duffer Brothers (via Upside Down Pictures) Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen (21 Laps) Hilary Leavitt (Upside Down Pictures) Flying Bark Productions, also behind The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender , is handling the animation.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Netflix's Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85 coming soon. Here's what we know
Netflix is expanding the 'Stranger Things' universe with 'Tales From '85', an animated series set between seasons 2 and 3. Executive producer Eric Robles offered a sneak peek at Annecy International Animation Festival. The series introduces Nikki Baxter and pits familiar characters against new vine monsters. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Eric Robles (Fanboy & Chum Chum) The Duffer Brothers (via Upside Down Pictures) Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen (21 Laps) Hilary Leavitt (Upside Down Pictures) Netflix is expanding the Stranger Things universe with an exciting new animated series titled Stranger Things: Tales From '85. Unveiled during the streamer's presentation at the Annecy International Animation Festival, executive producer Eric Robles treated attendees to an extended first look at the show, reported in the frigid winter of 1985, Tales From '85 takes place between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original live-action series. It follows familiar faces—Will, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Max, Eleven—and introduces a new character, Nikki Baxter, a young 'tinkerer' who joins the gang to face off against a terrifying new breed of vine monsters from the Upside Down. As they confront these new threats, the group also unravels a disturbing paranormal mystery gripping their animation style, created by Flying Bark Productions, blends cutting-edge CG animation with 2D painterly stylization. It draws visual inspiration from modern hits like Spider-Verse and Arcane, all while capturing a nostalgic '80s Saturday morning cartoon vibe reminiscent of classics like The Real Ghostbusters and the Beetlejuice animated those 2D classics, however, Tales From '85 boasts high-end CG animation with cinematic quality, much like polished video game cutscenes. While Netflix has yet to release official images, a few glimpses from the exclusive sizzle reel at Annecy showed Hawkins Lab , a furious Chief Hopper, and the core group navigating new Duffer Brothers confirmed that Stranger Things: Tales From '85 is part of the official canon. It deepens the backstory of the beloved characters and fills in narrative gaps between the live-action no official release date has been announced, Netflix stated the series is set to premiere inThe show is executive produced by:Flying Bark Productions, also behind The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender, is handling the animation.
