Adult Swim, the acclaimed programming block known for its boundary-pushing animation and irreverent humor, ignited the 2024 Annecy International Animation Film Festival with a series of significant announcements, solidifying its commitment to creator-driven content and celebrating key anniversaries. The network pulled out all the stops, unveiling a slate of new projects, offering sneak peeks at upcoming seasons, and paying homage to its own storied legacy.
Genndy Tartakovsky’s "Heist Brothers" Greenlit
At the forefront of the network’s revelations was the official greenlighting of "Heist Brothers," a new high-octane animated action-comedy from the visionary Emmy Award-winning creator Genndy Tartakovsky. This announcement marked a significant moment, as Tartakovsky originally pitched the concept live onstage to Adult Swim President Michael Ouweleen during the network’s 2024 Studio Focus Panel. This real-time unveiling of a new series concept provided festival attendees with a rare and captivating glimpse into the creative process.
The project, previously known as "Heist Safari" during its development phase at last year’s Annecy, has now received a full-season order. "Heist Brothers" is currently in production at Cartoon Network Studios and will comprise 10 quarter-hour episodes. The premise, centered on three frog brothers attempting a bank robbery, is described with an almost ineffable excitement, hinting at the signature visual dynamism and comedic timing that have become hallmarks of Tartakovsky’s celebrated career. His previous works, including "Dexter’s Laboratory," "Samurai Jack," "Star Wars: Clone Wars," "Sym-Bionic Titan," and the critically lauded "Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal," have consistently pushed the boundaries of animated storytelling, earning him a devoted global following and numerous accolades. The addition of "Heist Brothers" to the Adult Swim lineup signals a continued investment in bold, auteur-driven animation.
Michael Ouweleen, President of Adult Swim, expressed his enthusiasm for the festival and the network’s creative philosophy. "Annecy is always a great reminder of what happens when you give talented people the space to take big risks," he stated. "That’s what we like to think we are doing at ‘Adult Swim’ – whether it’s working with Genndy on the absolute bonkers ‘Heist Brothers,’ to working with Joe Pera and Dan Licata on their first animated series, or showcasing the pure cinema which is the upcoming season of ‘Common Side Effects,’ we’re continuing our 25-year legacy of giving creators space to make something great and surprising. We love where we’ve come from, we love even more where we are going."
"Robot Chicken" Celebrates Milestones with Special Episodes
Adult Swim’s enduring Emmy Award-winning stop-motion comedy, "Robot Chicken," co-created by Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, is set to return with two highly anticipated new specials. These specials are not only a treat for fans but also serve as a celebration of significant anniversaries for both Adult Swim and Cartoon Network.
The first special, titled "Robot Chicken Adult Swim Special," is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, August 30, at ET/PT on Adult Swim, with subsequent streaming available the following day on HBO Max. This half-hour episode will commemorate Adult Swim’s 25th anniversary by satirizing the network’s rich and often eccentric legacy through "Robot Chicken’s" signature rapid-fire sketch format. The narrative will place beloved Adult Swim characters aboard a cruise ship chartered for the network’s quarter-century celebration. However, as is often the case with the show’s chaotic brand of humor, the celebratory event is destined to devolve into a disaster of epic, "titanic" proportions. Fans can expect appearances from a vast array of characters from fan-favorite series such as "Smiling Friends," "Aqua Teen Hunger Force," "Metalocalypse," "Assy McGee," and "Venture Bros.," among dozens of others, promising a nostalgic and hilariously disruptive journey through the network’s history.
Adding another layer to the anniversary celebrations, "Robot Chicken" is also in production on a second special dedicated to Cartoon Network’s 35th anniversary. This particular special is slated for a 2027 debut and will explore the interconnected histories of both networks, which have often shared creative talent and a spirit of innovation. Throughout its illustrious 20-year run, "Robot Chicken" has garnered an impressive 23 Emmy nominations and secured six wins, most recently taking home the award for Outstanding Short Form Animated Program in 2022. The series continues to be produced for Adult Swim by Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, a testament to its enduring creative force.
Cartoon Network’s 35th Anniversary Docuseries
In tandem with the "Robot Chicken" special celebrating its milestone, Cartoon Network itself will mark its 35th anniversary next year with a comprehensive five-part docuseries. This in-depth exploration will chronicle the network’s remarkable journey, tracing its origins from a repository of classic animation to its evolution into a pioneering hub for bold, creator-driven original storytelling.
The docuseries aims to chart the network’s trajectory from its earliest days to its present-day standing. It will delve into the creative forces behind its iconic series, highlighting the artists and storytellers in Burbank who shaped its visual identity, as well as the teams in Atlanta who were instrumental in forging its irreverent and genre-defying brand voice. The project promises a rich tapestry of archival footage, newly filmed interviews, and intimate reflections from influential figures within the animation industry and those who played a pivotal role in building the Cartoon Network legacy. This initiative underscores the network’s profound impact on animation history and its commitment to honoring its roots while embracing future innovation.
"President Curtis" Set to Debut in the Rick and Morty Universe
Adult Swim also leveraged the Annecy platform to announce the upcoming debut of "President Curtis," a new series set within the expansive "Rick and Morty" universe. Headlined by the distinguished Emmy Award-winning actor Keith David, and co-created by the acclaimed minds of Dan Harmon and James Siciliano, the series is slated to premiere on July 26 at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes will be available for streaming the following day on HBO Max.
"President Curtis" stars Keith David as President Andre Curtis, alongside a talented cast including Stephanie Beatriz and Jim Rash. The series centers on the President and his eccentric staff as they navigate the complexities of their office, tackling crises that fall outside the typical purview of interdimensional adventurers like Rick Sanchez. The show’s premise promises a unique blend of political satire, paranormal investigations, and explorations of unexplained phenomena, all filtered through the distinctive comedic lens that fans have come to expect from the "Rick and Morty" creative sphere. The announcement generated considerable buzz, given the enduring popularity of the "Rick and Morty" franchise and the promise of a fresh perspective within its established canon.
Sneak Peeks at "Common Side Effects" and "My Two Cars"
Further enriching the Annecy presentation, Adult Swim offered a work-in-progress panel for the highly anticipated second season of "Common Side Effects." This session provided festival attendees with an exclusive early look at the next chapter of the Peabody and Annie Award-winning series. The panel featured key members of the creative team, including co-creators Joe Bennett and Steve Hely, supervising director Benjy Brooke, and director Camille Bozec, who shared insights into the artistic and narrative directions for the upcoming season. The visual glimpses offered suggested a continued commitment to the show’s distinctive aesthetic and compelling storytelling.
Additionally, Annecy played host to the world premiere screening of "My Two Cars." This new project, co-created by Joe Pera and Dan Licata, was unveiled by its creative team, including supervising director Joe Bennett, director Chase Trotto, and Adult Swim Head of Development Cameron Tang. The pilot episode was screened exclusively for the festival audience, followed by the reveal of the series’ opening credits. "My Two Cars" is now officially in production, marking another exciting addition to Adult Swim’s diverse roster of animated offerings. The involvement of Pera and Licata, known for their unique comedic voices, signals a potentially distinctive and offbeat addition to the network’s programming.
The announcements made at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival underscore Adult Swim’s strategic commitment to nurturing creative talent, celebrating its own rich history, and continuing to deliver innovative and engaging animated content to a global audience. The slate of upcoming projects, from Genndy Tartakovsky’s ambitious new series to the anniversary-themed specials and the expansion of the "Rick and Morty" universe, points to a vibrant and dynamic future for the network.
