Warner Bros. Revives Dark Shadows, Joker Anime at Annecy
- Warner Bros. developing adult animated 'Dark Shadows' series
- 'Absolute Batman' comics sold 6 million copies since 2024
- Joker: Laugh Riot turns villain into vigilante
- Robot Chicken to mock Adult Swim and Cartoon Network
- Netflix announces 'Alley Cats' and 'Steps' for late 2026
Warner Bros. Animation is bringing the gothic soap opera Dark Shadows back to life, this time as an adult animated series.
The studio announced the project at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, currently underway in France.
Officials confirmed the show is currently in development, targeting a mature audience with a fresh take on the classic horror tale.
The series will center on Barnabas Collins, a character the studio describes as TV's original anti-hero and the father of the modern-day vampire.
This move highlights Warner Bros.' strategy to mine its library for intellectual property that can be reimagined for modern streaming audiences.
The original Dark Shadows, which aired in the late 1960s, became a cultural phenomenon featuring the late Jonathan Frid as the tormented vampire.
By transitioning the property to adult animation, the studio aims to capture the atmospheric horror and complex character dynamics that defined the original series while utilizing the creative freedom of the medium.
Industry analysts noted that the gothic genre has seen a resurgence in popularity, making the timing of this announcement particularly strategic.
Sources familiar with the project suggest the visual style will lean into the macabre, distinguishing it from the lighter fare typically associated with animated superhero fare.
- Dark Shadows was originally a gothic soap opera airing from 1966 to 1971.
- The series focuses on Barnabas Collins, described as the father of the modern-day vampire.
- Warner Bros. Animation announced the project at the 2026 Annecy festival.
The announcement was part of a broader presentation by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Studios, signaling a commitment to diverse storytelling.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the emphasis on Barnabas Collins suggests a character study of a vampire struggling with his nature.
This approach aligns with current trends in adult animation that prioritize narrative depth and psychological complexity.
Executives believe the property has untapped potential that live-action remakes have not fully explored.
The 2012 film adaptation, starring Johnny Depp, took a comedic route, but this animated series promises to return to the darker roots of the source material.
Insiders indicated that the creative team is looking to balance horror elements with the soap opera drama that made the original a daytime staple.
This revival is part of a larger wave of nostalgia-driven content, but the adult animation angle offers a unique twist that could set it apart from other reboots.
Absolute Batman and Joker: Laugh Riot Join DC Slate
In addition to Dark Shadows, Warner Bros. unveiled a robust lineup of DC-based animated projects at Annecy.
The standout announcement was Absolute Batman, an animated series based on the best-selling comic book line of the same name.
Scott Snyder, the acclaimed writer behind the comic, is set to serve as showrunner.
The Absolute Batman comics have been a commercial juggernaut, selling more than 6 million copies since their initial release in 2024.
Industry data indicates the series was named one of the 10 best-selling comics of 2025, proving there is a massive appetite for this gritty interpretation of the Caped Crusader.
However, sources confirmed the animated series is not yet attached to a network or streaming platform, leaving its distribution destination a subject of speculation among industry watchers.
The success of the comic series provides a strong foundation for the show, with a built-in fanbase eager for the adaptation.
- Absolute Batman comics have sold over 6 million copies since 2024.
- Scott Snyder will serve as showrunner for the animated adaptation.
- The series has no confirmed network or streaming platform yet.
Alongside Absolute Batman, Warner Bros. announced Joker: Laugh Riot, an adult anime series that offers a radical new perspective on the Clown Prince of Crime.
The series draws inspiration from a specific narrative premise: the Joker transforms into a vigilante searching for Batman's killer.
This plotline echoes the 1993 Batman: The Animated Series episode 'The Man Who Killed Batman,' where an unremarkable criminal seemingly kills the Dark Knight.
In that episode, the Joker refuses to believe Batman is dead and commits a museum robbery solely to lure him out.
When Batman fails to appear, the Joker returns the stolen goods, lamenting that without Batman, crime has no punchline.
Warner Bros. Animation has not provided a specific timeline or network for this release, but the concept has already generated significant buzz on social media.
The decision to produce this as an anime suggests a stylistic departure from traditional Western superhero animation, potentially appealing to a global audience.
Analysts pointed out that the Joker remains one of the most profitable characters in the DC roster, and experimenting with his role in the narrative keeps the brand fresh.
The festival presentation also included a brief mention of a new untitled Krypto show.
According to the official description, the series focuses on Superman's dog hanging out with a gang of misfit criminal wannabes.
Krypto is described as a ball of destructive, lovable energy worse than the criminals themselves, and his pure nature slowly redeems them.
This project aims to capture a younger demographic, balancing the adult-oriented offerings like Dark Shadows and Joker: Laugh Riot.
The diverse slate demonstrates Warner Bros.' intent to cover all age groups and genres within the animation space.
Robot Chicken Roasts Adult Swim in New Specials
Warner Bros. Animation also used the Annecy platform to reveal new content from the long-running stop-motion series Robot Chicken.
Creators Seth Green and Matthew Senreich announced two new specials that will take aim at their own home networks, Adult Swim and Cartoon Network.
This meta-approach marks a shift for the show, which has historically parodied major pop culture franchises like Star Wars, The Walking Dead, and DC Comics.
Since its launch on Adult Swim in 2005, Robot Chicken has built a reputation for its sharp, satirical take on beloved icons.
However, turning the camera inward to mock the networks that air the show is a bold new direction.
- Two new Robot Chicken specials will parody Adult Swim and Cartoon Network.
- Seth Green and Matthew Senreich continue as creators of the stop-motion series.
- Robot Chicken has previously lampooned Star Wars, DC Comics, and The Walking Dead.
The announcement was met with enthusiasm from festival attendees, who appreciate the show's irreverent humor.
Industry insiders noted that self-parody is a difficult feat, but if anyone can pull it off, it is the Robot Chicken team.
The specials promise to poke fun at the programming blocks, scheduling decisions, and perhaps even the executives behind the scenes.
This move reflects a broader trend in comedy where creators are comfortable critiquing the very institutions that support them.
Polygon reported on the announcement, highlighting the irony of the show biting the hand that feeds it.
The partnership between Warner Bros. Animation and the creators remains strong, suggesting the network has a good sense of humor about itself.
These specials are expected to air in the coming year, though no specific dates were released at the showcase.
The Robot Chicken updates served as a comedic palate cleanser amidst the heavier genre announcements, reminding the audience that animation can also be purely silly and fun.
The enduring popularity of the show, now in its third decade on air, speaks to the creators' ability to evolve their comedy while staying true to their stop-motion roots.
Netflix Reveals Star-Studded Animation Lineup
While Warner Bros. dominated the DC conversation, Netflix used the Annecy festival to unveil its own slate of upcoming animated features and series.
The streaming giant announced three distinct projects that showcase its range in the animation sector.
First on the list is Alley Cats, an adult animation show centered on cats, created by and featuring Ricky Gervais.
The series is set to premiere on August 7, giving viewers a short wait for this comedy.
Gervais' involvement signals a high-profile entry into the adult animation space, following his success in live-action comedy.
Next, Netflix revealed Steps, a feature-length reimagining of the Cinderella story.
This film takes a unique angle by focusing on the princess's sisters, offering a fresh perspective on a classic fairy tale.
The voice cast for Steps is impressive, featuring Ali Wong, Amanda Seyfried, Stephanie Hsu, Nikki Glaser, and Bette Midler.
- Alley Cats, featuring Ricky Gervais, premieres on August 7.
- Steps, a Cinderella reimagining, arrives on November 20 with a star-studded cast.
- In Waves, a romance film, debuts on December 11.
Steps is scheduled for a November 20 release, positioning it as a potential holiday hit.
Finally, Netflix announced In Waves, a film that tells a love story between a surfer girl and a skateboarding guy.
The movie features the voices of Will Sharpe and Stephanie Hsu, marking Hsu's second major announcement for Netflix at the festival.
In Waves is set to debut on December 11, rounding out a strong year for the streamer's animation output.
These announcements highlight Netflix's strategy of using recognizable star power to drive interest in animated projects.
By casting well-known actors and comedians, the streamer ensures that its animated content appeals to adults as well as children.
Analysts observed that the animation category is becoming increasingly crowded, and star-studded casts are a key differentiator in attracting subscribers.
The variety of genres—from cat comedy to fairy tale retellings to romance—demonstrates Netflix's commitment to original storytelling.
The timing of these releases, clustered in the second half of the year, suggests a strong push for awards consideration and holiday viewing numbers.
Annecy Highlights Booming Adult Animation Market
The 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival has served as a clearinghouse for major industry announcements, reflecting the booming state of the animation market.
The sheer volume of reveals from Warner Bros. and Netflix underscores the importance of animation in current streaming strategies.
Industry experts pointed out that adult animation, in particular, has moved from the fringes to the mainstream.
Shows like Dark Shadows and Joker: Laugh Riot are no longer niche experiments but central pillars of programming lineups.
The success of Absolute Batman comics, with over 6 million copies sold, provides a roadmap for how intellectual property can cross mediums successfully.
Sources at the festival noted that the lines between cinema and television animation are blurring, with feature-quality talent and budgets being applied to series.
This trend is evident in the casting of A-list actors like Bette Midler and Ali Wong in voice roles.
The festival also highlighted the global nature of the animation business, with productions and audiences spanning multiple continents.
Warner Bros.' decision to produce Joker: Laugh Riot as an anime is a nod to the global influence of Japanese animation styles.
Meanwhile, the revival of a western property like Dark Shadows shows that local IP has international appeal when reimagined correctly.
Financial analysts predict that the investment in adult animation will yield high returns, as these shows tend to have long tail viewership on streaming platforms.
The announcements at Annecy are just the beginning of what is expected to be a landmark year for the industry.
As studios compete for eyeballs, the creativity and diversity of the animated slate are likely to expand even further.
The festival atmosphere in Annecy was electric, with insiders buzzing about the potential of these newly announced projects.
For journalists and fans alike, the event provided a clear signal that animation is currently experiencing a golden age.
FAQs on the Annecy Animation Announcements
What is the Dark Shadows animated series about?
Warner Bros. Animation is developing an adult animated series based on the gothic soap opera Dark Shadows.
The show focuses on Barnabas Collins, who is described as TV's original anti-hero and the father of the modern-day vampire.
The series is currently in development and was announced at the 2026 Annecy festival.
Who is involved in the new Absolute Batman series?
Scott Snyder, the writer of the Absolute Batman comic books, is set to serve as the showrunner for the animated adaptation.
The comic series has been a massive success, selling over 6 million copies since 2024.
However, the series has not yet been attached to a specific network or streaming platform.
The concept is inspired by the 1993 Batman: The Animated Series episode 'The Man Who Killed Batman,' where the Joker struggles with the possibility of a world without his nemesis.
What other projects did Netflix announce at Annecy?
Netflix unveiled Alley Cats, a Ricky Gervais-led show premiering August 7; Steps, a Cinderella reimagining featuring Ali Wong and Bette Midler on November 20; and In Waves, a romance starring Will Sharpe and Stephanie Hsu on December 11.
These releases highlight Netflix's focus on star-driven adult animation.