The Walt Disney Studios is preparing a major showcase at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Festival, signaling the company’s continued dominance in global animation and strategic emphasis on franchise-driven storytelling. Spanning theatrical, streaming, and television, Disney's lineup reflects a deep investment in both original content and legacy IPs, with exclusive reveals from Pixar, Marvel Animation, Lucasfilm, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and 20th Television Animation.
Central to Disney’s Annecy slate is the first-look presentation of "Zootopia 2", helmed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard. Slated for theatrical release on November 26, 2025, the sequel continues the story of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, this time unraveling a mystery that upends their bustling metropolis. Bush, now Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Animation Studios, will make his Annecy debut to lead the showcase.
Pixar also comes in strong with Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter unveiling content from "Elio", "Toy Story 5", and the newly announced "Hoppers", positioning 2025 and 2026 as major years for the studio. With "Toy Story" celebrating its 30th anniversary, Annecy attendees will get exclusive insights into its legacy and the future of the franchise. "Elio", set for release in summer 2025, explores identity and intergalactic diplomacy through the eyes of a young space enthusiast mistakenly declared Earth’s leader.
Marvel Animation is expanding its footprint with the premiere of "Eyes of Wakanda", a four-part series debuting on Disney+ on August 6, 2025. The series traces elite Wakandan warriors recovering Vibranium artifacts across time and continents. It’s a bold new extension of the Black Panther universe, combining action with deep lore. Director and EP Todd Harris will be on site for a Q&A and behind-the-scenes discussion.
Lucasfilm continues to lean into animation as a storytelling vehicle, with world premieres of "Star Wars: Visions" short "Black" and the latest episode from "Tales of the Empire". These additions highlight Lucasfilm’s expanding anime-inspired content slate, aimed at global audiences seeking alternative perspectives within the Star Wars canon.
On the television front, Disney Television Animation will preview "Dragon Striker", an anime-inspired original blending sports and fantasy. Creators Sylvain Dos Santos and Charles Lefebvre will lead a studio focus session, shedding light on the project’s creative and production evolution. Additionally, "Kiff", Disney’s animated buddy comedy, will compete as an official TV Films selection.
Capping the week, Disney will celebrate its legacy with honors for animation legends. "The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening will receive the prestigious Honorary Cristal and participate in multiple fan and industry sessions alongside producers Matt Selman and David Silverman. Ron Clements, the director behind Disney classics like "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin", and Pete Docter will also be inducted into Annecy’s Walk of Fame, recognizing their transformative roles in the animation industry.
Disney’s robust Annecy presence not only spotlights its creative depth across multiple subsidiaries but also reinforces its long-term strategy: delivering premium storytelling across formats, while continuously leveraging its franchise ecosystem. From theatrical releases to streaming exclusives and animation heritage, Disney's message is clear—its commitment to shaping the future of animation is as ambitious as ever.