New Gerry Anderson Productions Showcased at Annecy 2026

A pair of forthcoming Gerry Anderson productions were recently showcased at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Festival, the world's largest festival of its kind. The annual event showcases new and upcoming productions in animation from across the world, and the worlds of Gerry Anderson were in excellent company alongside new works based on Batman, Dark Shadows and more.

Among the announcements revealed during the festival was the exclusive global preview of Hit Squad, a darkly comic spy-fi adventure series co-produced between Anderson Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation and Hannah-Barbera Studios Europe. Previously announced last year, this reimagining of a concept of Gerry's from the late 1970s is being developed using state-of-the-art puppets, blended practical and digital effects and a dark sense of humour.

Extensive footage of Hit Squad was previewed at the festival's Friday adult animation showcase, which received an enthusiastic response from audiences. Peter Girardi, executive VP of alternative programming at Warner Bros. Animation, is in high spirits about Hit Squad's development: “We’re truly happy to bring this brand new series, written by Gerry Anderson in the late 1970s, to the screen,” said Giraldi. ”With upgrades on the puppetry, and a blend of CG and practical effects, ‘Hit Squad’ blends action with dark humour, brought forth by both Hanna-Barbera Europe and Warner Bros. Animation teams.”

The other major announcement during the festival is that Simone Giampaolo has been revealed as the director for Anderson Entertainment and Space Age Films' forthcoming festive animated adventure, Merry Christmas Earthlings!. Giampaolo's previous directorial credits include the children's animated TV series Stand & Gran, Obki and Bad Dinosaurs.

Speaking of his involvement in one of Gerry's final concepts he began developing before his passing, Giampaolo says: "This story has everything a director could ever want to play with: spectacular action, imaginative sci-fi elements, genuine humour, and a whole lot of heart; plus Santa Claus. I am absolutely thrilled to breathe life into this intergalactic Christmas adventure for audiences of all ages. This is going to be something special. Watch this space, Earthlings!"

Producer Robert Chandler highlighted the film's appealing blend of genres: "Are you kidding? An opportunity to produce a movie based on an original story by Gerry Anderson, embellished by his son, Jamie, and with a screenplay by my favourite screenwriters, Keiron Self and Giles New. This is a science-fiction Christmas movie writ large... with flying saucers, alien creatures, Santa, and a boy looking for something he may never find. But in the great tradition of E.T. and The Iron Giant, he does find it, just not in the place he expects. Prepare for lift-off..."

Producer and Gerry Anderson's son, Jamie Anderson, highlights the importance of breathing fresh life into one of his father's unrealised works: “There’s something rather special about bringing this idea of Dad's to life, especially one that’s so full of imagination, adventure and heart. It was one of his final projects, and one he was always keen to complete. Dad always believed science fiction should inspire a sense of wonder, aspiration and positivity, and Merry Christmas Earthlings captures that spirit absolutely perfectly. Working with Keiron, Giles, Robert and Simone has been an absolute joy, and I can’t wait for audiences to discover this funny, emotional and gloriously festive adventure.”

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