Studio Orange's panel at Anime Expo 2024 served primarily as a teaser and setup for future developments. While there was mention of the future Trigun project and a confirmed release date for BEASTARS season three, the main focus was on Studio Orange's next project, Leviathan.
Qubic Pictures CEO Justin Leach took to the stage to explain more about the project, which is clearly where Studio Orange is focusing its attention after revealing a never-before-seen trailer.
The trailer focuses on Alek, a young boy who embarks on a journey throughout the series, evading capture by traveling through various locations on the Leviathan, a spaceship built from a giant whale.
The film features stunning visuals that highlight two key artistic elements of the series: unique creature designs, appearing as enhanced versions of existing animals or animals combined with technology, and detailed behind-the-scenes artwork that captures the fantastic creature designs featured in Scott Westerfield's original novels, illustrated by Keith Thompson.
Studio Orange Reveals Stunning World War I Anime Coming to Netflix
Leach and Studio Orange also emphasized the importance of the show's setting, a key element in portraying the story taking place in an alternate World War I era across multiple locations.
Judging from the trailer, anime enthusiasts can expect a visual treat in the way these environments are depicted—some of the studio's most impressive work to date. As someone new to the series before this panel, I likened the experience to witnessing a modern version of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.
The panel left me more excited than I expected for the upcoming series from Studio Orange. The team clearly knew where to focus, highlighting elements they were proud of. If the final product can live up to the quality of the trailer, viewers will be in for a thrilling experience when the anime debuts on Netflix.