Annecy Animation Festival 2024: First Look At ‘Arcane’ Season 2
by Tito W. James
Arcane Season 2 has been one of the most highly anticipated animated series coming out this year. The Behind-The-Scenes Panel for the series at Annecy 2024 had a long line of animation students — some of whom slept on mattresses overnight just to get in line earlier. For those who were unable to attend, I have a full summary of the panel.
During the panel we got a look at the premier trailer for Season 2 — which looked even more epic on the big screen, proving Fortiche’s animation is really meant to be seen in theaters!
The panel gave a technical breakdown of Fortiche’s signature animation style which blends 3D characters with 2D backgrounds, textures, and SFX. The studios goal is to create elevated animation that blends hand-drawn aesthetics with the grounded acting and camerawork of live-action cinema.
We also got to see Vi sporting a new look as she throws punches in an underground fighting pit. She was dressed in black, with ashen hair, and her face covered in dark war-paint. The fighting pit sequence evoked the grittiness of films like Snatch, Fight Club and Trainspotting while also having the punk rock attitude of Nirvana. This intense “goth” look of Vi in the fighting pit is sure to become an instant favorite of fan artists and cosplayers.
Vi’s darker look later in the season is to symbolize her lowest point when she’s lost everyone she’s cared about. Lead writer Amanda Overton wanted to really test Vi, asking “How does a character who’s been a protector react when she has no one left to protect?” Overall, fans can expect an emotionally harrowing second season. Panelists also teased a potential artbook for the beloved animated series.
While Season 2 may signify the conclusion of Arcane, this is only the beginning of exploring the League of Legends world. Studio Fortiche’s partnership with Riot Games remains strong and fans can expect more League of Legends champions being brought to life in animated form. Who knows, we may get a K/DA animated film or series in the future.
The whole world will be watching Arcane Season 2 when it debuts on Netflix in November.
