Netflix Unleashes Animation Powerhouse: Alley Cats, Brad Bird, and ‘The One Piece’ Headline Annecy 2026

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Following a historic year that saw KPop Demon Hunters shatter records with two Oscar wins, Netflix is returning to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival with a massive slate of reveals.

The Heavy Hitters: Feature Film First Looks

Netflix is bringing a “Work-in-Progress” showcase to the Théâtre Bonlieu, highlighted by one of the most anticipated films in recent years:

RAY GUNN – Concept art by Tony Fucile and Paul Rogers. Cr: Skydance Animation/Netflix © 2026

  • Ray Gunn (2026): Visionary director Brad Bird (The Incredibles) will present his 30-year passion project. Set in “Metropia,” a 1939-inspired alternate future, the film features a powerhouse voice cast including Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson, and Tom Waits.

Anime Studio Focus: ‘THE ONE PIECE’ and Beyond

Netflix has cemented itself as the global home for anime, and their “Bold Stories, Boundless Worlds” showcase is the festival’s must-watch event for fans.

  • THE ONE PIECE (February 2027): Produced by WIT Studio, this ground-up remake of the East Blue Saga will receive an exclusive sneak peek. The series aims to use modern visual technology to provide a streamlined, “fresh yet familiar” look at Luffy’s beginnings.

  • Sparks of Tomorrow (July 5, 2026): A new project from the legendary Kyoto Animation, set in a steampunk early 20th-century Kyoto where two teens hunt for the secrets of an “Age of Electricity.”

  • The Ribbon Hero (August 2026): Making its world premiere at the fest, this film is inspired by Osamu Tezuka’s Princess Knight and directed by rising star Yuki Igarashi.

Series Spotlights: Adult Comedy

The small screen is getting equal attention with major franchise updates and a dose of British wit.

Alley Cats. (L to R) David Earl as Puke, Diane Morgan as Olive, Jo Hartley as Kitten, Ricky Gervais as Gus, Tom Basden as Ponce, Andrew Brooke as Fang, in Alley Cats. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2026

  • Alley Cats (August 7, 2026): Comedy icon Ricky Gervais will host a masterclass and premiere two episodes of his feral-cat sitcom. The adult animation is described as having Gervais’ signature blend of social commentary and absurdity.

  • Blue Eye Samurai (Season 2): Fans will finally get a logline for the return of Mizu, whose bloody quest for revenge moves from Japan to London.

Celebrating a Legacy of Success

To mark the first anniversary of the cultural phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters, Netflix is hosting an outdoor sing-along screening by Lake Annecy. The studio enters the festival with massive momentum, coming off a 13-Annie Award haul and an Emmy win for Ultraman: Rising.

With a slate that ranges from the steampunk West of Bass X Machina to the classic fairy-tale subversions of Steps, Netflix is positioning 2026 and 2027 as the most ambitious years in the history of the streaming service’s animation division.

About John Schwarz

John is the Chief Editor and Founder of Bubbleblabber.com. While at first a part-time project, Bubbleblabber quickly grew into a full-fledged operation and officially became a company in 2014. When John isn't running a business full-time, he likes to go to concerts with your mother.