Netflix has secured international rights to Phuong Mai Nguyen’s animated feature. The 2026 movie, which was a breakout success at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, features Oscar-nominated Stephanie Hsu and BAFTA winner Will Sharpe in the voice cast.
Netflix secures the global rights to In Waves
The streaming giant has grabbed the global rights for In Waves, an animated movie based on A.J. Dungo‘s 2019 graphic novel, reports Variety. At the Cannes Film Festival, the film received rave reviews.
Netflix managed to secure In Waves’ international rights following a tough bidding battle. The deal is rumored to be in the mid-seven-figure range. Anonymous Content, CAA Media Finance, and Charades handled the deal on behalf of the filmmakers. In Waves is produced by Silex Films.
The story of this animated feature is written by Fanny Burdino and Samuel Doux, primarily based on Dungo’s novel. The plot follows AJ, a shy teenager who is passionate about skateboarding and drawing. There’s another character of Kristen, who loves surfing. They fall in love while dreaming of a future together until Kristen is struck by a sudden illness. The story then shows the couple’s strong relationship amid adversity, backed by their friends’ support and a shared connection to surfing and the ocean.
In Waves has Priscilla Bertin and Judith Nora as the producers. David Levine, Yohann Comte, Carole Baraton, and Pierre Mazars serve as executive producers. Moreover, Sharpe, Hsu, Nick Shumaker, and David Levine are also executive producers.
“From the very start, we were energized by Mai’s unmistakable talent and the ability of AJ’s story to deeply move audiences,” said Levine and Shumaker on the voice cast’s talent. “This exciting partnership with Netflix will ensure that our romantic, coming-of-age story reaches people all over the world.”
Following the Netflix deal, producer Bertin revealed that it “gives us the opportunity to reach the broadest possible audience and share this deeply moving true love story with the world.”
In Waves is yet to receive a wide release date window.
Originally reported by Mintu Kumar Tomar on ComingSoon.net.
