Warner Bros. Discovery Unveils Massive Animation Slate: Webtoon Acquisitions and ‘Rick and Morty’ Expansion Amid Franchise Turbulence

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In a major strategic shift to capture both the digital-first generation and the dedicated cable audience, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) have unveiled an ambitious multi-platform programming slate. The reveal highlights a massive expansion into the world of South Korean webcomics alongside a continued—though controversial—push for the Rick and Morty franchise.

The Webtoon Revolution: From Mobile Screens to Premium Animation

Warner Bros. Animation has officially optioned four global hit series from WEBTOON for development. This deal aims to leverage the massive built-in audiences of the “vertical scroll” format, diversifying WBA’s portfolio beyond its traditional DC and Looney Tunes legacies.

“WEBTOON has become the modern equivalent of the Saturday morning comic strip, but with a global, deeply engaged community,” said Sam Register, President of Warner Bros. Animation.

The four titles currently in development include:

  • The Remarried Empress: A high-stakes Regency drama following Empress Navier’s defiant quest for a divorce and remarriage.
  • Everything is Fine: A chilling horror-thriller set in a surveillance dystopia where everyone wears oversized, unblinking cat masks.
  • LUMINE: A fantasy-adventure centered on a runaway werewolf and a young witch navigating a world of magical conspiracies.
  • Cursed Princess Club: A subversive, body-positive comedy about a princess who finds sisterhood in a secret club for those “snubbed” by fairy-tale standards.

Rick and Morty: Expansion Amidst a Fading Luster

As part of the WBD cable portfolio reveal—which promised over 3,000 hours of premiere content—Adult Swim confirmed it is doubling down on the “Sanchez-verse.” However, the news comes at a time when many industry analysts suggest the franchise has lost its cultural luster.

The Upcoming Content:

  • Adult Swim’s new adult animated comedy President Curtis, starring Emmy® Award-winning actor Keith David and set in the Rick and Morty universe.President Curtis follows the Commander-in-Chief and his eccentric staff as they tackle the kind of crises that Rick Sanchez could never be bothered with – from interdimensional diplomacy to paranormal investigations and unexplained phenomena. Co-Created by Dan Harmon and James Siciliano and headlined by Keith David, the new animated comedy also stars Stephanie Beatriz and Jim Rash.
  • Rick and Morty is back, baby! Season Nine is all certified bangers. No AI slop! Just Grade A organic slop, made by real humans with real human traits like back hair and cysts. Please watch, or we’ll have neglected our families for nothing. Premieres Sunday, May 24, at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT

The “Post-Roiland” Struggle: Despite the expansion, the brand is facing significant headwinds following the firing of co-creator and lead voice actor Justin Roiland. Fans and critics alike have noted several points of decline.

 Since the transition to new voice actors Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden, the show has seen a steady decline in traditional cable viewership and increasingly polarized reviews. Fans have criticized the “voice-matching” as lacking the improvisational soul and comedic timing of the original lead.

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.