The 2026 edition of Cartoon Next unspooled in Marseille, Provence, from 8-10 April. Here, we present details of three transmedia projects that were pitched at this year’s gathering.

Orphan Yakuza – Juha Fiilin (Finland)
This anime-inspired animated feature targeting young-adult and adult audiences is currently in story development and teaser production, and is conceived as part of a wider transmedia IP including webtoon, manga, digital-first shorts and a narrative-driven game. Set in a harsh, morally ambiguous world, the story follows young protagonists navigating survival, identity and belonging while being shaped by a system that pushes them towards violence and codes of loyalty.

“Orphan Yakuza is a coming-of-age action-drama set inside a world where survival replaces morality,” explains Fiilin. “It follows kids trying to build identity, loyalty and a fragile sense of home inside a system that keeps pushing them to become the very thing they fear.”

The project drew strong reactions from industry experts at Cartoon Next, particularly for its character design, clarity of concept and detailed world-building. The team held follow-up discussions with French animation producers, game studios and potential broadcasters and platforms, with the aim of expanding its multi-format potential. The creators are currently seeking co-producers as well as financing and distribution partners. The project, produced by Fiilin Good Films, also builds on previous collaborations initiated at Cartoon Next, following earlier pitches such as those for Echo Chamber and Joy Eternal, the latter having evolved into a released animated young-adult series and a broader transmedia property. The team includes key creatives Ana Ivanovic and Jan Anderssson alongside screenwriter Adam Cullen.

Cosmic Loom by Simone Rea

Cosmic Loom – Simone Rea (Italy)
Conceived by the independent creative collective NBI (No Bad Ideas), Cosmic Loom is an animated series currently in development. The project is set inside a dysfunctional cosmic call centre responsible for managing destiny, using this high-concept premise to explore themes of bureaucracy, control and existential uncertainty through dark humour and stylised storytelling.

The creators are positioning the project as a digital-first series with strong potential for European co-production, and are currently seeking development partners, animation studios and creative advisors to support the creation of a teaser and pilot. The project reflects an approach that combines conceptual world-building with scalable production strategies tailored to contemporary distribution ecosystems. Key creatives are Elena Benedetti and Martin Spigola, whilst Francesca Gargiulo is attached as the project's scriptwriter.

Concept art for The Wing-Ed Freaks by Dave Minogue (© Jeremy Hughes)

The Wing-Ed Freaks – Dave Minogue (Ireland)
Targeting teenage audiences, The Wing-Ed Freaks is an original Irish transmedia IP that explores growing up in a world shaped by social media, new technologies and the climate crisis. Produced by Adventurverse Studios, the story follows Sean and Steve, two thrill-seeking teenage YouTubers who become nocturnal eco-vigilantes after uncovering a trash-laundering conspiracy poisoning their hometown.

“The story explores the chaos and consequences of youthful rebellion, rewilding damaged land and challenging corrupt systems when institutions fail,” reads the Cartoon Next catalogue. “Rooted in Irish culture yet globally resonant, The Wing-Ed Freaks combines action, humour and heart in a shared universe where becoming a hero is far messier than it looks.”

“It is an original Irish transmedia IP for teenagers that explores growing up in the modern world dominated by social media, new technology and a climate crisis,” adds Minogue.

The project is currently seeking co-production and distribution partners across its various formats. It includes a two-season podcast in pre-production; a YouTube series, an animated series and a feature film in development, all of them in receipt of Screen Ireland backing; and a VR game. Notable stylistic references are Arcane, the Spiderverse franchise and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

By combining coming-of-age storytelling with topical themes and interactive extensions, it aims to position itself within the growing market for multi-platform, youth-orientated content.