Welcome to the ‘Absurdaverse’: Dan Houser and Lazlow Unveil All-Star Comedy Cast for New Satirical Empire

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The masterminds behind the most iconic satirical worlds in gaming history are officially back—and they’re bringing the funniest people in the business with them. Absurd Ventures, the multimedia engine founded by Dan Houser (Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption), today announced a massive first wave of casting for the “Absurdaverse,” a sprawling, interconnected comedy-satire universe that will span both an original animated series and a AAA open-world video game.

In a move that highlights the project’s heavy emphasis on biting wit and stand-up energy, the first slate of voice talent features a “Who’s Who” of comedy veterans: Rachel Dratch, Dan Soder, Ari Matti, Annie Lederman, Yamaneika Saunders, and Steph Tolev.

A Pedigree of Parody

The Absurdaverse marks the latest evolution for Houser and his longtime writing partner Lazlow, the duo responsible for the legendary in-game radio stations and animated TV shows within the Grand Theft Auto series (think Republican Space Rangers or Princess Robot Bubblegum).

“The Absurdaverse is our evolution of that tradition,” said Lazlow. “Partnering with comedians to bring these ridiculous characters to life with stories that will cross over between animation and open-world games.”

Meet the “Maniacs”

Fans won’t have to wait long for a taste of this new reality. Absurd Ventures will debut several animated shorts at an exclusive live comedy event called “ABSURDAVERSE Presents…” on May 7 at The Hollywood Improv, as part of the Netflix Is A Joke Festival.

The shorts will introduce a cast of what Houser calls “maniacs,” including:

  • The Sovereign Citizen Podcaster: A chain-smoking conspiracy theorist voiced by SNL alum Rachel Dratch.

  • The Corporate DJ: A “Chief People Officer” who treats his HR duties like a 3:00 AM Ibiza residency, voiced by Dan Soder.

  • The Cage Fighter: An unhinged MMA combatant voiced by rising star Samantha Alton.

The Creative Powerhouse

To bring these “unhinged” designs to life, Absurd Ventures has recruited a team steeped in adult animation history. The shorts feature character designs by Kendra Melton (Rick and Morty, The Venture Bros) and are produced by Dave Newberg (#1 Happy Family USA), with animation handled by Cutting Class Media.

“Lazlow and I have collaborated to give form to all sorts of characters that have inhabited our worlds,” said Dan Houser. “I look forward to introducing some of our newest group of maniacs.”

The Multi-Platform Strategy

While the animated shorts are the first look, the Absurdaverse is designed as a dual-threat franchise. Both the untitled animated series and the AAA story-driven open-world game are currently in active development. By launching the universe through the comedy circuit rather than a traditional tech keynote, Houser and Lazlow are signaling that in the Absurdaverse, the joke is the primary mechanic.

Tickets for the May 7th screening and live stand-up show—featuring Patton Oswalt alongside the Absurdaverse cast—are now available online.

About John Schwarz

John is the Chief Editor and Founder of Bubbleblabber.com. While at first a part-time project, Bubbleblabber quickly grew into a full-fledged operation and officially became a company in 2014. When John isn't running a business full-time, he likes to go to concerts with your mother.