DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation unveiled a new wave of animated projects during their first joint presentation at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, according to Variety. The event took place on June 15, 2026, and highlighted a series of upcoming animated adaptations including “Joker: Laugh Riot” and “Absolute Batman.”[3]
What happened
At the Bonlieu theater in Annecy, Peter Safran, co-chairman of DC Studios, and Sam Register, president of Warner Bros. Animation, introduced three new projects that excited fans. “Batman” and animation enthusiasts reacted with enthusiasm, as the executives shared initial insights into these anticipated series. Warner Bros. Animation and DC Studios are collaborating with Sola Entertainment for “Joker: Laugh Riot,” designed to appeal to both U.S. and international audiences.
The anime series, directed by Yasuhiro Aoki, will follow the Joker on a relentless quest to find Batman’s killer. “As his violent quest for answers pushes him closer towards vigilante than villain, Joker is forced to confront the truth that without Batman, he doesn’t know who he is,” according to the announcement. Similarly, the adaptation of the best-selling comic book series “Absolute Batman,” written by Scott Snyder, received raucous applause from the audience.[1]
Why it matters
The launch of these series marks a significant expansion of DC’s animated offerings, reflecting the growing demand for anime in both the U.S. and global markets. The stakes include not only appealing to hardcore fans but also engaging newer audiences through innovative storytelling and animation styles.[2]
Background
On May 20, 2026, DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation began teasing their plans for new animated adaptations at industry events, hinting at a robust future for their animated characters. A previous collaboration between Warner Bros. Animation and Sola Entertainment yielded positive results, setting the stage for this broader push into anime-inspired content.
What’s next
Production for “Joker: Laugh Riot” and “Absolute Batman” is slated to begin later this year, with additional announcements expected during the next Comic-Con in July 2026. Fans can anticipate further details on release dates and additional projects aimed at various age groups.
