French animation studio Fortiche, which helped redefine animated storytelling with Arcane, is diving into a fresh, original story. Teaming up with French-German broadcaster Arte, Fortiche has announced Miss Saturne, a coming-of-age miniseries set in the 1980s, rooted in the emotional rhythms of adolescence and the sonic pulse of New Wave music.
Based on Barbara Israël’s novel of the same name, Miss Saturne follows 16-year-olds Mercy and Tom as they flee the French Riviera on a night train. Along the way, a mixtape of New Wave tracks becomes their emotional roadmap through memory and trauma, guiding them back through the highs and heartbreaks of youth.
This marks Fortiche’s second new project since wrapping Arcane Season 2, and it’s a different, more grounded project for the studio. Still stylish, still emotionally charged, but more intimate in scope.
Fortiche founder Jérôme Combe said in a statement: “With Miss Saturne, we’ve found a team with the perfect artistic sensibility. Louise Silverio brings her already known flair for coming-of-age stories, having worked on the award-winning series Happiness and Ceux qui rougissent.
“Anne Raffin, who worked on Arcane and music videos, fully shares our desire to explore a strong aesthetic for today’s youth. This project is an opportunity for us to explore indie animation designed for the new generation.”
The 2D-animated series is being developed with ARTE France and Les Storygraphes, with Silverio writing and Raffin directing. It’s being shaped into ten short episodes, each 10 minutes long.
According to co-producer Annelyse Vieilledent of Les Storygraphes: “At a time when young people are rediscovering the retro musical repertoire of that decade, I’m convinced that this free, visceral and resolutely pop tale will resonate strongly with them.”
That generational thread is exactly what Fortiche hopes to tap into. The studio says the series aligns with their deep connection to music as a narrative tool.
Production is aiming for 2026 with a release in 2027. Fortiche is currently in talks with international platforms and partners to broaden the show’s global reach.
Meanwhile, the team is at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival this week for a special Arcane exhibition. Curated with Riot Games and the festival itself, the exhibit offers fans a peek behind the curtain with concept art, props, and exclusive production materials.
