Full Breakdown
Warner Bros. Animation Highlights at Annecy Animation Festival
4/2/2026, 8:34:18 PM
Major Announcements for the Festival
Warner Bros. Animation, in collaboration with DC Studios and Warner Home Entertainment, will premiere “Batman: Knightfall” at the Annecy Animation Festival in France. Directed by Jeff Wamester, this film is the first part of a multi-part animated event that adapts a significant storyline from Batman comics, focusing on the character's struggle against the formidable villain Bane. This premiere is expected to attract considerable attention from both animation enthusiasts and Batman fans, as it marks a pivotal moment in the franchise's animated offerings.
In addition to “Batman: Knightfall,” Warner Bros. will also showcase “Daffy Season,” a new Looney Tunes short featuring Daffy Duck and Elmer Fudd. This short, which continues the studio's longstanding relationship with the Annecy Festival, is set to debut during the festival's opening ceremony. Daffy Duck's antics are expected to resonate with audiences as he navigates a humorous scenario involving soccer, coinciding with the character's upcoming 90th anniversary in 2027.
Insights into New Adaptations
The festival will also feature a new adaptation of the iconic manga “Ghost in the Shell,” produced by Science Saru Inc., Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc., and Kodansha Ltd. The series, directed by Mokochan, will explore the story of Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg leading a crime-prevention unit while grappling with her identity and purpose. The creative team will provide insights into the series' development, including its world-building and character design, during the festival. This adaptation is set to premiere in July 2026, highlighting the enduring relevance of the cyberpunk genre.
Honoring Animation Legends
The festival will also pay tribute to the late Richard Williams, a renowned animator known for his work on “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” Eleven years after his Academy Award-nominated short “Prologue,” Annecy will screen “Lysistrata,” Williams' final work, which addresses themes of war and peace through the lens of Aristophanes’ comedy. This six-minute short showcases Williams' exceptional talent, as he hand-drew over 9,000 animation frames, and is produced by his widow, Imogen Sutton.
Festival Schedule and Expectations
The full program for the Annecy Animation Festival will be unveiled on April 28, with the event scheduled to take place from June 21 to June 27. The festival promises to be a significant gathering for animation professionals and fans, featuring a variety of shorts, TV shows, and commissioned films, alongside the highly anticipated premieres from Warner Bros. Animation.
