Disney, Chouette Studios Share ‘Dragon Striker’ First Look

The Annecy Animation Festival is known for showcasing the best of international animation, and one series that has been generating buzz is “Dragon Striker,” a new project from Disney EMEA produced by Chouette Studios. In a recent Studio Focus session at MIFA, the creative team behind the series discussed the heavy anime influence that has shaped the show.

Co-creator and producer Sylvain Dos Santos was candid about the studio’s love for Japanese animation, stating that Chouette Studios was founded by individuals who were passionate about anime and manga. This love for Japanese animation is evident in all of Chouette’s work, including “Dragon Striker.”

“Dragon Striker,” which was announced in 2022, is a 2D animated series that draws inspiration from various sources. The show revolves around a unique version of soccer where players use magical abilities like time-altering force fields, clones, and spectral dragons to score goals. Set in a world where soccer is a national pastime, the series follows the journey of two main characters, Ssyelle and Key, as they navigate the competitive world of Dragon Striker.

The visual style of the show is reminiscent of action anime, with dynamic character designs and fast-paced gameplay. The team behind “Dragon Striker” revealed that they were inspired by the Japanese animation pipeline and adapted it to their production process in France. The show’s co-creator, Charles Lefebvre, shared that some team members had previously worked on popular anime like “My Hero Academia” and “One Piece,” bringing their expertise to the project.

One notable aspect of “Dragon Striker” is its music, with composer Kevin Penkin, known for his work on anime such as “Made in Abyss,” collaborating with an 80-person orchestra in Japan to create the series’ soundtrack. The team also discussed the evolution of the show’s concept, revealing that it started as a rugby-themed series set in an Arthurian world before transforming into the soccer-focused “Dragon Striker.”

As the team delved into the development process, they highlighted the show’s thematic depth and character arcs. Writer Paul McKeown emphasized the blend of humor and darker themes in the series, hinting at complex character dynamics and storylines. The team also emphasized the importance of world-building through visual storytelling, incorporating various influences from anime, video games, and real-world locations into the show’s design.

With plans for multiple seasons in the works, “Dragon Striker” promises to be a visually striking and narratively rich addition to the world of animation. The team’s dedication to blending diverse influences and creating a vibrant, lived-in world sets the stage for an exciting and immersive viewing experience for audiences of all ages. Dragon Striker, the highly anticipated new show, has captured the hearts of not only fans but also the players themselves. The attention to detail in the series has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among players, leading to the creation of fan art by talented artists in their spare time. From embroidery to dolls to stickers, the creativity inspired by Dragon Striker knows no bounds.

Concept artist Sun has become a fan favorite, earning the title of the “first president of the official Dragon Striker fan club” due to the hundreds of pages of comics and art she has produced about the show’s side characters. Her dedication and passion for the series are evident in every piece she creates, drawing fans even deeper into the world of Dragon Striker.

The show’s co-creator jokingly mentioned the possibility of 15 seasons, sparking the imagination of fans and artists alike. With such a rich and detailed world to explore, it’s no wonder that fans are eager to see where the story will take them next. The potential for endless creativity and storytelling within the Dragon Striker universe is truly exciting.

As the buzz around Dragon Striker continues to grow, fans can look forward to even more fan art, comics, and creative works inspired by the show. The passion and dedication of both players and artists are a testament to the impact that Dragon Striker has had on its audience. With such a dedicated fan base, the future looks bright for this groundbreaking new series.