Outline:
A New Chapter for The Legendaries
Goodfellas Animation has made a significant splash at the Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Paris, revealing a series of international deals for Guillaume Ivernel’s animated feature, The Legendaries. This marks an important moment for the animated film market as the project makes its debut.
Global Acquisitions
The film has been acquired by several key distributors across Europe and beyond. In Germany, Wild Bunch Germany has secured the rights, while Greece’s The Film Group has taken on the distribution. Portugal’s Cinemundo, ex-Yugoslavia’s Blitz, Bulgaria’s ProFilms, the Czech Republic’s Bonton Films, the Baltics’ Garsu Pasaulio Irasai, Poland’s M2, and the CIS region’s Paradise have all signed on. Internationally, Canada’s Sphere Films, Israel’s Film House, the Middle East’s Teleview, French-speaking Africa’s Les Films 26, Taiwan’s Creative Century, and Mongolia’s Film Bridge have also acquired the film.
A Rich Literary Foundation
Based on Patrick Sobral’s best-selling French comic series Les Légendaires, which has sold nine million copies in France, Benelux, Switzerland, and Canada, the film brings to life a medieval fantasy kingdom called Alysia. The story follows five heroes who accidentally break the Stone of Jovenia, a magical artifact that grants eternal youth. When the stone shatters, it traps the kingdom’s inhabitants in their childhood bodies forever. Blamed for the catastrophe, the legendary warriors disband and go into hiding.
However, when the evil sorcerer Darkhell returns with a plan to steal the Gamera Tree and enslave the world, the Legendaries must reunite to save their realm.
A Talented Creative Team
Guillaume Ivernel, known for his work on Spycies and Dragon Hunter, has once again partnered with character designer Valérie Hadida, who previously worked on Spycies and Dragon Hunter. Additional collaborators include Patrice Garcia (Arthur and the Invisibles), Helene Giraud (Miniscule 1 and 2), and Alfred Frazzani (Iron Man: Armored Adventure).
Production and Distribution
Produced by France’s Pan Européenne, which holds the French rights, and Belgium’s Belvision (The Red Turtle), the film is also co-produced by Maybe Movies, known for titles such as Calamity and Ernest & Celestine. Pan Distribution will release The Legendaries in France on January 28.
Sales and Market Presence
The deals were managed by Jason Bressand, head of sales at Goodfellas Animation. The company, which rebranded from Gebeka International in 2025, is part of the Paris-based film company Goodfellas. Over the past year, Goodfellas Animation has gained attention for its diverse slate of films, including Ugo Bienvenu’s Arco and Maïlys Vallade’s Little Amélie.
Both films premiered at Cannes and later at the Annecy International Film Festival, where Arco won the top Cristal Award for best film. They are now enjoying a strong awards season, with multiple nominations, including at the Golden Globes and Annies, and have made the Bafta long-list for Best Animated Film. Nominations for the award will be announced on January 18.
Looking Ahead
As The Legendaries continues to gain momentum, it sets the stage for more exciting developments in the animated film landscape. With its compelling story, talented team, and global distribution, the film is poised to captivate audiences worldwide.