WB Discovery Makes News With Adult Animation From Adult Swim And DC Studios Via Annecy 2025

Warner Bros. Animation and DC Studios have announced the greenlighting of Mister Miracle, a new adult-animated series based on the critically acclaimed and Eisner Award-winning 12-issue comic-book series by Tom King and Mitch Gerads. The announcement signifies a further expansion into adult animation for both studios, building on the success of the first season of Creature Commandos, which is currently in production for its second season on HBO Max. The broadcast or streaming platform for Mister Miracle is yet to be determined.

Based on characters from DC Comics, this new series will delve into the complex world of Scott Free, the son of Highfather from New Genesis, who was traded to Darkseid as part of a peace treaty. Raised in the hellish pits of Apokolips, Scott Free eventually escaped and became Mister Miracle, a world-renowned escape artist.

The official logline teases a compelling and emotionally resonant narrative: “And so begins the odyssey of Scott Free, Mister Miracle: a harrowing, hilarious, heart wrenching journey across the pitfalls of the ordinary and extraordinary as the son of God raised by the devil tries to save his family, his world, and maybe even himself.” This hints at a series that will explore not only the fantastical elements of the DC universe but also the personal struggles and inner turmoil of its protagonist.

This announcement marks the second adult-animated series from the collaboration between Warner Bros. Animation and DC Studios, following the positive reception of Creature Commandos. The move indicates a strategic push towards diversifying their animated offerings and catering to a more mature audience, alongside their traditional superhero fare.

Celebrated animator Genndy Tartakovsky, the creative mind behind iconic animated projects like Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack, and the Emmy-winning Primal, is set to return to Adult Swim with a brand new series. Titled Heist Safari, the upcoming 2D-animated action-comedy is currently in development and promises to deliver Tartakovsky’s signature blend of dynamic action and unique visual style, this time with a comedic and musical flair.

The project was initially pitched by Tartakovsky to Michael Ouweleen, the president of Adult Swim, during last year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival. At the time, Heist Safari was described as a “robbery comedy with the feel of a musical,” centered around three estranged frog brothers who embark on a bank heist to inherit their father’s fortune.

Details from the initial pitch reveal the colorful nature of the characters and the chaotic scenario they find themselves in. The three frog brothers are James, the control freak; Issac, the neurotic one; and George, the little brother who believes he’s brilliant but is anything but. Their father’s will stipulates that they can only inherit his wealth if they successfully steal the contents of a specific bank vault, numbered 88.

Adding to the comedic mayhem are the side deals each brother makes for assistance with the heist. These deals involve a Japanese yakuza tiger, a Russian mafia hippo, and an Italian gorilla mobster. The law enforcement in this quirky world is represented by wildebeests, promising some unusual and humorous confrontations.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Heist Safari is its planned execution. Reportedly, every episode will be presented as a single continuous shot, and the episodes will not necessarily follow a chronological order. This unconventional approach to storytelling, combined with an EDM (electronic dance music) score, suggests that Heist Safari will be a visually and audibly distinctive animated series.

Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe, known for its contemporary hits like The Amazing World of Gumball and The Heroic Quest of the Valiant Prince Ivandoe, is diving into a nostalgic yet distinctly adult realm with its latest project. The studio has announced the development of Hit Squad, a new animated series aimed at a mature audience that draws its inspiration from the iconic works of British producer Gerry Anderson, the creative force behind classics such as Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet.

This exciting venture is being developed in close collaboration with Anderson Entertainment, spearheaded by Gerry Anderson’s son, Jamie Anderson, who will also serve as an executive producer on the series. This partnership ensures that the spirit and style of Anderson’s productions will be authentically captured in this modern reimagining.

Hit Squad is described as an espionage action-comedy set in 1990s London. The series will follow a team of highly skilled international spies who are determined to succeed, no matter the cost, as they navigate the shadowy world of hidden enemies and dangerous villains.

What makes Hit Squad particularly noteworthy is its animation style. The series will be a full puppet show, utilizing next-generation Supermarionation techniques tailored for an adult audience. Supermarionation was a signature of Gerry Anderson’s earlier works, featuring marionette puppets with intricate mechanisms for movement. Hit Squad promises to bring this classic technique into the 21st century with updated technology and storytelling suitable for adults.

The creative team behind Hit Squad boasts experienced talent in the animation industry. The series will be directed by British writer-director-animator Darren Walsh, known for his work on Angry Kid, LEGO City Adventures, and Shaun the Sheep. Emmy winner Russell McLean, whose credits include Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and Cat Burglar, will serve as the producer, with Jamie Anderson executive producing. The series is a co-production between Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe, Warner Bros. Animation, Mr Morris Productions, and Anderson Entertainment.

Ninja Kamui has been renewed for two additional seasons by Adult Swim.

“Ninja Kamui” features original character designs by Takashi Okazaki (“AFRO SAMURAI”) and a new song from Japanese band coldrain. It is produced by E&H production (“MONSTERS 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation”) and SOLA ENTERTAINMENT (“Lord of The Rings: War of The Rohirrim,” “Blade Runner: Black Lotus”).

An explosive story of revenge, “Ninja Kamui” follows a former ninja clan member who is haunted by the brutal murders of his family. Meanwhile, an FBI agent and his rookie partner also work to investigate the murders and uncover a vast global conspiracy.

Season two will be called Ninja Kamui: Red Vendetta and will follow Higan as he uncovers a new conspiracy of cataclysmic proportions

One of the most intriguing announcements is Keeping Up With The Joneses, a half-hour adult animated comedy created by Hugh Davidson, Rachel Ramras, and Larry Dorf.

Keeping Up With The Joneses will follow the Newberry family as they hilariously attempt to keep up with their outrageously wealthy Dallas neighbors. Adding a unique twist, one of these neighbors is none other than Jerry Jones, the iconic owner of the Dallas Cowboys. Given Adult Swim’s penchant for satire and pop culture commentary, this setup promises plenty of comedic potential. Davidson also has a history with Adult Swim, having written for Mike Tyson Mysteries and Robot Chicken, for which he won an Emmy Award. The series is being produced for Adult Swim by Warner Bros. Animation.

In addition to the new series, Adult Swim also announced a special project titled The Elephant. This multi-part special will bring together a powerhouse collection of celebrated creators who have shaped some of the most beloved animated series of our time. The impressive lineup includes Rebecca Sugar (creator of Steven Universe), Ian Jones-Quartey (creator of OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes), Patrick McHale (creator of Over the Garden Wall), and Pendleton Ward (creator of Adventure Time). While specific details about The Elephant are currently scarce, the combined talent of these creators suggests a unique and groundbreaking animated experience is in store.

HBO MAX has announced a July 3rd stream date for Batman Ninja vs Yakuza League.

Adult Swim’s Haha You Clowns will debut this fall. Haha You Clowns follows three jacked, surprisingly kindhearted brothers who are accompanied by their loving and similarly swole father as they engage in a series of adventures to bond after their mother’s passing.