Image: Netflix
For essentially the most half, Netflix’s huge Annecy Animation Movie Competition slate was targeted on brand-new initiatives reasonably than returning collection (there’s a distinct lack of them, to be honest), however one exception was Blue Eye Samurai season 2. Throughout its Netflix Collection Animation: Get Prepared for What’s Subsequent! Presentation, audiences on the competition had been handled to some early first appears to be like at season 2 along with some recent new teases from the artistic workforce spearheading the brand new episodes.
The collection was introduced as a part of Netflix’s Grownup Spectacle lineup, which additionally included previews for Magic: The Gathering and the announcement of its new studio, plus a primary take a look at Splinter Cell: Deathwatch forward of its launch later this yr.
We kicked off the phase with a jaw-dropping sizzle reel and commentary from co-creators Michael Inexperienced and Amber Noizumi, alongside government producer Jane Wu, all of whom dialed in nearly to share what’s in retailer after being launched by Dylan Thomas, director of Grownup Animation for Netflix. Thomas stated, “Whereas I can’t say a lot, I’ll say that by some means the scripts and the storyboards are crazier, they’re greater, and much more heart-wrenching than season one.
They actually outdid themselves.”
The workforce behind the present expressed their gratitude to followers of the present, which allowed them to get a renewal. “After we began Blue Eye Samurai, we had no concept if anybody would care,” stated Amber Noizumi. “We simply needed to inform this story. However the followers confirmed up, thanks.” That renewal got here in late 2023 for a second season consisting of 6 episodes and the present has since picked up a slew of awards.
The theme of season 2? Revenge continues to be very a lot the secret as our hero (and season 1 antagonist) heads to London. “Being a samurai is a demon’s path, affected by loss of life,” says Mizu within the new clip. “Revenge doesn’t hesitate. And I’ll have it.”
A number of clips and first look photographs from the brand new season, but to be launched to the general public, debuted to audiences within the Annecy tent. Some behind-the-scenes clips showcased numerous stunt actors offering live-action references for the upcoming season, doubling down on its roots in live-action stunt choreography. Government producer Jane Wu described the motion as being staged with the identical philosophy as live-action struggle sequences, pushing the animation medium additional than ever.
Staff Hints at Returning Characters, Together with Somebody Sudden?
Staying with reference to what to anticipate from season 2, the workforce confirmed your favorites will all be returning, like Taigen, Ringo, Akemi, and The Swordmaker.
“There are additionally going to be perhaps some individuals you thought died… who perhaps are nonetheless alive,” hinted co-creator Noizumi with a smirk, with Inexperienced questioning whether or not she simply dropped a serious spoiler. Who may that be referring to? There was a lot of death in season 1, so there’s a large internet to solid. May any of Mizu’s earlier adversaries be again like Chiaki, Kinuyo, Mikio, or Okiyama? Maybe Noizumi is referring to Seki? What about Heiji Shindo? There are a variety of choices.
Blue Eye Samurai. Maya Erskine as Mizu in Blue Eye Samurai season 1 – Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2023
In different Blue Eye Samurai information, we just lately reported two main castings for the upcoming season, together with the inclusion of Freddie Fox and Eve Ridley.
For a full checklist of all the brand new bulletins that got here out of the Annecy Movie Competition, take a look at our full Annecy recap right here. Are you excited for the return of Blue Eye Samurai? Tell us within the feedback down under.
