Latest news with #AnnecyInternationalAnimationFilmFestival
Business Upturn
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Smiling Friends Season 3: Latest updates on release date, cast and plot details
By Aman Shukla Published on August 2, 2025, 17:30 IST Last updated August 2, 2025, 09:46 IST Fans of Smiling Friends , rejoice—your favorite bizarre little show is gearing up for another round of madness. After the off-the-wall success of its first two seasons, the animated series from Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack is officially coming back for Season 3, and it's looking more unhinged than ever. Between its surreal humor, unpredictable visuals, and deeply lovable weirdos, Smiling Friends has become a staple for Adult Swim viewers—and now, we're finally getting a peek at what's next. Release Date: When Will Smiling Friends Season 3 Hit Screens? Let's get right to it: Smiling Friends Season 3 is aiming for a Fall 2025 premiere. While there's no exact date pinned down just yet, insiders and studio updates suggest we're looking at a release window somewhere between September and November 2025. That timeline comes straight from updates at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and even Corus Entertainment (which handles Adult Swim in Canada), so it's pretty reliable. If things stay on track, we should see the new episodes rolling out before the year ends. Co-creator Michael Cusack has said the team's workflow is a lot more efficient now—so no more two-year gaps like we saw between Seasons 1 and 2. That said, there's always a slim chance it could slide into early 2026 if any delays pop up, but as of now, Fall 2025 is the target. Oh—and here's the cherry on top: Adult Swim is so confident in the show that they've already greenlit Seasons 4 and 5. So yeah, Pim and Charlie aren't going anywhere anytime soon. Cast: Who's Bringing the Smiles? The gang's all here. The core voice cast is locked in, which means: Michael Cusack will once again voice Pim, Allan Red, Mr. Frog, and a bunch of those background oddballs that pop in and out of episodes. Zach Hadel returns as Charlie, Glep, Gwimbly, and more. Marc M. is back too, playing everyone's favorite unhinged boss—Mr. Boss. And we're getting a new face this season! Comedian Conner O'Malley will guest star in the premiere as Silly Samuel, a character described as 'struggling with his bizarre appearance.' If you've seen O'Malley's brand of chaotic comedy, you know he's going to fit right in. Fan favorites like Mr. Frog are also making a comeback, and word is that characters like Glep and Allan might finally get more screen time. Fingers crossed. And knowing the creators' love for surprise cameos (remember Finn Wolfhard and Gilbert Gottfried?), we wouldn't be shocked to see some unexpected names pop up. Plot Details: What's in Store for Smiling Friends Season 3? Well, it's Smiling Friends —so basically, expect more absolute nonsense in the best way possible. The new season will have 10 episodes, up from 8 in Season 2. Each one will follow the usual formula: Pim, Charlie, Allan, and Glep get called in to help a client, and things spiral into surreal chaos from there. No long-running plotlines, no heavy drama—just short, funny, deeply weird stories you can binge or jump into at random. Visually, Season 3 is also expected to go even harder. The show's known for throwing every kind of animation into the mix—2D, 3D, stop-motion, rotoscoping, live-action—and that's not changing. In fact, the creators have teased even more experimentation, so every episode should feel like its own little fever dream. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
Business Upturn
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Smiling Friends Season 3: Release date rumors, cast updates and what to expect next
By Aman Shukla Published on July 12, 2025, 20:00 IST Last updated July 12, 2025, 14:36 IST If you're a fan of Smiling Friends , the delightfully weird animated series from Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack, you're probably itching for news about Season 3. This Adult Swim gem, packed with absurd humor and colorful characters, has us all hooked. So, what's the latest on when we'll see Charlie, Pim, and the crew again? Who's joining the cast? And what kind of wild adventures are in store? Let's dive into the rumors, updates, and everything we're excited about for Smiling Friends Season 3. Release Date Rumors for Smiling Friends Season 3 The big question on everyone's mind: when does Season 3 drop? While Adult Swim hasn't locked in an exact date, the buzz points to a Fall 2025 premiere. A report from Corus Entertainment, which runs Adult Swim Canada, mentioned a fall launch, and since the US and Canada typically get releases around the same time, we're hopeful for September to November 2025. This lines up with Adult Swim's tease at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2025, where they confirmed Season 3 is coming this fall. Who's in the Cast for Smiling Friends Season 3? The heart of Smiling Friends is its quirky cast, and thankfully, the main voices are sticking around. Here's who we expect to hear: Michael Cusack bringing life to Pim, Allan, and a bunch of other oddballs. bringing life to Pim, Allan, and a bunch of other oddballs. Zach Hadel as Charlie, Glep, and more. as Charlie, Glep, and more. Marc M. as the unhinged Mr. Boss. A fun addition for Season 3? Connor O'Malley is guest-starring as Silly Samuel in the first episode, a character who's apparently struggling with his bizarre looks. The show loves throwing in surprise guest stars, and O'Malley's comedic chops should fit right in. We're also stoked for the return of fan-favorite side characters. Cusack has confirmed Mr. Frog is back, and honestly, that chaotic little guy is basically the show's mascot. There's also chatter about characters like DJ Spit possibly popping up, though Hadel and Cusack are careful not to overuse anyone whose story feels wrapped up. A new character, Pim's brother, was teased in a ScreenRant interview, so we might get a deeper look into Pim's world. New clients and creatures are a given, keeping things as unpredictable as ever. What to Expect from Smiling Friends Season 3? So, what can we expect from Season 3? If you love Smiling Friends for its off-the-wall humor and heart, you're in for a treat. Here's the scoop based on what we've heard: Keeping It Fun and Episodic Hadel and Cusack have doubled down on keeping the show light and digestible—like grabbing a quick burger, not sitting down for a five-course meal. In an Annecy interview, Hadel said they're steering clear of heavy drama or serialized plots. Instead, each episode will have Charlie and Pim tackling bizarre new clients, from sad sacks to total weirdos. It's the kind of show you can jump into anytime and just laugh. More Episodes, Including a Christmas Special Season 3 is set to have 10 episodes, up from Season 2's eight. One episode to get excited about is a Christmas special centered on a character who 'needs more love.' Could it be Allan finally getting his moment? Or maybe Glep? We're curious! The extra episodes mean more chances for the show to flex its creative muscles. Wild Animation Experiments One thing Smiling Friends does better than most is play with animation styles. Expect more of that in Season 3—think claymation, retro VHS vibes, or maybe even some live-action chaos. Cusack hinted that the first episode will do something big with the medium, likely tied to Silly Samuel's story. It's this mix of 2D, 3D, stop motion, and more that keeps every episode visually fresh. Pop Culture Nods and Fresh Faces Season 2 gave us Gwimbly, a hilarious take on forgotten 90s video game mascots. Season 3 will likely keep poking fun at pop culture while introducing new characters that are equal parts absurd and lovable. From washed-up celebs to creatures you'd never dream up, the episodic setup guarantees variety. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
Kyodo News
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
Shingo Natsume's First Original Feature-Length Anime Film "ghost (Working Title)" Announced for 2027 Release!
The highly anticipated latest work from rising animation director Shingo Natsume, his first original theatrical anime "ghost (working title)," has been officially announced! The film is scheduled for release in 2027. Along with the announcement, a teaser visual and partial staff information have been revealed. ▲Teaser visual The teaser visual features a mysterious girl named Nike, holding a glass sword and gazing straight ahead with determined eyes. The background shows a starry sky and vibrantly colored flowers, hinting at the beginning of the story. Shingo Natsume's First Original Theatrical Anime "ghost (Working Title)" Announced! Shingo Natsume is renowned for directing numerous anime series including "One Punch Man," "ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.," "Sonny Boy," and "The Tatami Time Machine Blues." His unique artistic vision, showcased in his first original TV anime "Sonny Boy," garnered widespread acclaim and established him as a distinctive voice in animation. The recognition for Natsume's work extends beyond Japan, with "Sonny Boy" earning a nomination in the TV competition category at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the world's largest animation festival. Now, with "ghost (working title)," Natsume is poised to make his much-anticipated debut in original feature-length theatrical animation. The animation production will be handled by Madhouse, the legendary studio behind beloved classics such as Satoshi Kon's "Millennium Actress" and "Paprika," as well as Mamoru Hosoda's "Summer Wars." Madhouse has long collaborated with Natsume and continues to produce works that captivate audiences worldwide. Adding to the project's star power, manga artist Natsume Ono will provide the original character designs, while Norifumi Kugai will adapt them for animation. This reunites the team from the TV anime "ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.," bringing together a formidable crew currently hard at work on the production. Natsume expresses his vision for the film, stating, "Through the medium of animation, which can be seen as a form of fiction, I aim to create a work that captures the essence of our times while pursuing a sense of reality." The story revolves around the concept of a "ghost" that resides within everyone's heart - genuine feelings that can't be put into words but are undeniably present. The film follows Nike, a young girl who rebels against the world's absurdities to protect the "starry sky." It promises to be a challenging work that poetically depicts Nike's loneliness, bravery, and the subtle changes in her heart as she interacts with others. Currently in production with a team of resonant creators, the film is slated for theatrical release in 2027. The film's production announcement visual will be displayed as a poster from June 10th at the Japan Annex booth (hosted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry / Visual Industry Promotion Organization) at the ongoing Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France. A pitch session for the work is also scheduled. Stay tuned for more updates on this globally anticipated project! Director's Profile Shingo Natsume Shingo Natsume made his TV series directorial debut with "Space☆Dandy" (2014) and has since helmed several notable works, including "One-Punch Man" (2015), "ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept." (2017), and "Boogiepop and Others" (2019). In 2021, he took on multiple roles as director, scriptwriter, creator, and storyboard artist for the original TV anime "Sonny Boy," which garnered attention from global audience for its unique worldview. Natsume participated as episode director in "The Tatami Galaxy" (2010), directed by Masaaki Yuasa and produced by Madhouse. He was then chosen to direct the theatrical sequel, "The Tatami Time Machine Blues," released in 2022. "ghost (working title)" marks his first original feature-length anime film for theatrical release. Original Theatrical Anime Film: "ghost" (Working Title) Scheduled for Release in 2027 STAFF Original Concept: Shingo Natsume, Tomohiro Suzuki, Bandai Namco Filmworks, MADHOUSE Director & Screenplay: Shingo Natsume Original Character Design: Natsume Ono Character Design: Norifumi Kugai Animation Production: MADHOUSE (C)ghost production committee
Business Upturn
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Is ‘The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder' returning for season 3? Everything we know so far
By Aman Shukla Published on June 19, 2025, 20:15 IST Last updated June 19, 2025, 20:02 IST The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder has captured hearts with its vibrant revival of the beloved Disney Channel series. Fans are buzzing with excitement, wondering if Penny Proud and her family will return for a third season. Below, we dive into everything we know about The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Season 3, including its renewal status, potential release date and more. Is The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Season 3 Confirmed? Yes, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Season 3 is officially happening! Disney+ announced the renewal on June 13, 2023, during the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. This news thrilled fans, as the revival has already surpassed the original series in seasons, marking a significant milestone for the show. Production reportedly began recently, signaling that the series is moving forward steadily. When Will The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Season 3 Release? While Disney has not confirmed an exact release date, speculation points to a potential premiere in late 2025 or early 2026. The first season debuted in February 2022, followed by the second in February 2023, suggesting a pattern of annual releases. However, a now-deleted Instagram post by co-creator Bruce W. Smith in March 2024 hinted that Season 3 could arrive 'real soon,' though no specific timeline was provided. Some sources estimate a February 2024 release, but this seems unlikely given the recent start of production. A late 2025 release aligns better with typical animation production schedules. What Will the Plot of Season 3 Be About? Details about Season 3's storyline are scarce, but a preview at the 2024 Annecy Festival revealed that the season will kick off with a two-part premiere set in Paris. Penny and her best friend Dijonay Jones join Oscar and Trudy on a vacation, only for the parents to be abducted by a secret agent. This leads to a Mission: Impossible -style rescue mission, promising high-stakes adventure and humor. The season will likely continue exploring Penny's teenage challenges, family dynamics, and cultural themes like self-worth and identity, as seen in previous seasons. The show's setting in Emilyville (formerly Smithville, renamed after Season 2's 'Juneteenth' episode) will provide fresh backdrops for the Prouds' antics. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
Business Upturn
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Is ‘Common Side Effects' returning for season 2? Everything we know so far
By Aman Shukla Published on June 18, 2025, 18:00 IST Last updated June 18, 2025, 11:00 IST Adult Swim's Common Side Effects has taken the animated world by storm with its unique blend of dark humor, conspiracy-driven storytelling, and surreal visuals. Since its Season 1 premiere in February 2025, fans have been buzzing about the possibility of a second season. Here's everything we know so far. Common Side Effects Season 2 Renewal Confirmed Adult Swim officially renewed Common Side Effects for a second season on March 28, 2025, just before the Season 1 finale aired. The announcement came as no surprise, given the show's critical acclaim, strong viewership on Adult Swim and Max, and enthusiastic fan support on social media. Season 2 Release Date Speculation While Adult Swim has confirmed the renewal, an official release date for Common Side Effects Season 2 has not been announced. Based on the production timeline of Season 1, which took roughly 18 months from its June 2023 announcement to its February 2025 premiere, industry experts speculate a potential release in late 2026, possibly around September or October. The intricate animation style and serialized storytelling require significant production time, typically 12–18 months for high-quality animated series. However, recent updates from the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2025 revealed that the first script for Season 2 is complete, and the team described the upcoming season as 'tight,' suggesting progress is underway. Where to Watch Common Side Effects Season 1 of Common Side Effects is available to stream on Max and airs on Adult Swim, with encore broadcasts on the Toonami programming block. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
