'Stranger Things'
Set against the stark winter backdrop of 1985, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 journeys back to Hawkins, diving into the unknown during the interval between seasons two and three of the original series. The animated narrative will see familiar faces, joined by a new character, Nikki – a mohawk-sporting maverick – as they confront fresh monstrous threats and a haunting mystery that plagues their town.
With the Duffer brothers, masterminds behind Stranger Things, helming the project as executive producers through Upside Down Pictures alongside Hilary Leavitt, Shawn Levy, and Dan Cohen of 21 Laps, and Eric Robles of Flying Bark Productions leading as showrunner, anticipation is running high. Inspired by quintessential ’80s cartoons like Masters of the Universe and Scooby-Doo, yet executed with modern flair reminiscent of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Arcane, the show promises a visually dynamic and spine-chilling experience. Designs will include eerie new creatures such as pumpkin zombies and a ferocious snow shark, born from the creative genius of Carlos Huante, known for his work on Blade Runner 2049 and Alien vs. Predator. Flying Bark, renowned for its animation on Marvel’s What If…? and The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender, will bring these visual marvels to life.
While a definite release date remains under wraps, Netflix teases a 2024 arrival for the animated series, complementing the final live-action season which premieres in triple installments later this year.
The festival audience was also graced with the first preview of In Your Dreams, a bold new animated feature by former Pixar talents Alex Woo and Erik Benson, known for their work on Toy Story 4 and Cars 2.
Positioning itself for prestigious accolades, In Your Dreams explores the fantastical journey of siblings Stevie and Elliot who venture into the dream realm in search of The Sandman, hoping for a miracle to mend their parents’ fractured relationship. Drawing from his own family history, Woo emotionally shared, “My father, who’s in the audience, would be angry if I didn’t tell you that my parents worked things out and have been married 50 years now.” He expressed gratitude towards Netflix’s commitment to nurturing original stories, stating, “That’s something that’s so rare these days… They are showing real leadership in the industry.”
Festivalgoers were entranced by the vivid depictions of Stevie and Elliot’s dreamscape, showcasing the delightful Breakfast Town where sweet morning delicacies come to life, and the peculiar yet endearing Baloney Tony, amongst other whimsical and unsettling dream figures like a laser-farting giraffe.
However, the pièce de résistance was the divine sequence unveiling The Sandman’s lair – a radiant sand castle sparkling under a kaleidoscope of light, evoking the aesthetic prowess of Pixar’s finest.
Prepare for enchantment as In Your Dreams debuts on November 14. Cinematic opulence awaits at the Annecy Film Festival, ongoing until June 14.
