DC Studios Unveils New Animated Series at Annecy Festival
At the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation made waves by officially announcing three new animated series: Absolute Batman, Joker: Laugh Riot, and an untitled Krypto show. While Joker: Laugh Riot is confirmed as greenlit, the other two are currently in development. As of now, none of the series have secured a network for distribution.
Absolute Batman Reimagines the Dark Knight Legend
Absolute Batman, based on the critically acclaimed and best-selling DC comic series, is set to explore a fresh take on the Batman mythos. The series, written by Scott Snyder with art by Nick Dragotta, will be executive produced and showrun by Snyder, with Dragotta serving as producer. The plot centers on a working-class Batman who faces impossible odds, proving that even in a world rife with wealth and corruption, a single individual can make a difference. This version strips away the traditional trappings of the character, focusing on what remains when the manor, money, and advantages are taken away — a pure, unrelenting hero.
Joker: Laugh Riot Makes History as DC’s First Anime Series
Joker: Laugh Riot stands out as DC’s first-ever anime series, marking a bold new direction for the franchise. The project is executive produced by Jim Krieg, who previously worked on Batman: Knightfall Part 1: Knightfall, with Yasuhiro Aoki, known for Batman: Gotham Knight, stepping in as director. The collaboration involves Warner Bros. Animation, DC Studios, and SOLA Entertainment.
According to the official description, the series follows the Joker as he embarks on a ruthless quest through Gotham’s underworld to uncover who killed Batman. As his search intensifies, the Joker is forced to confront the unsettling reality that without his greatest adversary, he may not know who he truly is. This dark, introspective take on the character promises to delve into the chaotic psyche of one of DC’s most iconic villains.
Krypto Show Targets Young Audiences with Heartwarming Adventures
The untitled Krypto series is aimed at younger audiences, featuring the beloved super-dog as he navigates a world of misfit criminal wannabes. C.H. Greenblatt, known for his work on Dead Man, Jellystone, and SpongeBob SquarePants, will serve as executive producer. The show’s description highlights Krypto’s unique ability to bring out the best in those around him, even as he follows them into a series of misadventures and ill-conceived plans. His lovable yet destructive energy ultimately leads to redemption for the group, whether they want it or not.
The announcement was part of a larger showcase at the Annecy Festival, titled World’s Finest Animation, where DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation presented their latest projects. Key figures in the presentation included Peter Safran, Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of DC Studios, and Sam Register, President of Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe.
