Warner Bros. Pictures Animation Presents “Bad Fairies” at Annecy 2026

On June 12, 2026, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation (WBPA) and Locksmith Animation introduced the original animated musical “Bad Fairies” during a showcase at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Directors Megan Nicole Dong and Olivier Staphylas announced a theatrical launch for May 21, 2027 and confirmed that the film is the first feature released under WBPA’s new first-look agreement with Locksmith.

Variety Magazine

“Bad Fairies” is built on an original screenplay by Deborah Frances-White. The musical score is composed by Grammy-nominated Isabella “Machine” Summers, while Tony-Award winners Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss provide original songs. Executive music producer Ian Eisendrath oversees the soundtrack. Production is led by producer Carolyn Soper, editor Sim Evan-Jones, and cinematographer James C.J. Williams, with DNEG Animation supplying digital animation services from London studios.

Deadline Hollywood

The announced voice ensemble now includes Serrana Su-Ling Bliss as Fei, James Acaster as Stickers, and Dee Bradley Baker as Groundbeef, joining previously confirmed stars Cynthia Erivo and Ncuti Gatwa. The film is slated for worldwide theatrical release on May 21, 2027. Under the first-look pact, the follow-up feature “The Lunar Chronicles” is scheduled for November 3, 2028, and WBPA’s 2026-2028 slate lists seven theatrical motion pictures and one short.

Variety Magazine

The partnership with Locksmith marks WBPA’s first-look collaboration that explicitly targets creator-driven properties, building on Vivienne Medrano’s independent-animation success and the studio’s established franchise expertise. By pairing a subversive narrative with a Broadway-style musical team, the film reflects WBPA’s stated commitment to collaborating with bold, creator-driven voices and tapping into emerging talent with strong direct-to-fan connections. The expanded voice roster, featuring performers with film, television, and stage experience, aligns with the studio’s emphasis on leveraging talent with strong direct-to-fan connections.

Variety Magazine

WBPA President Bill Damaschke said the studio is “committed to bold, creator-driven voices” and described the first-look deal with Locksmith as a means to “tap into emerging talent with strong direct-to-fan connections.” He also noted that collaborations such as the Swaybox project are “pushing the medium of animation forward.”

Variety Magazine

• “Under Arthur Mintz’s leadership, the Swaybox team is pushing the medium of animation forward, building on the pioneering puppetry of visionaries like Jim Henson while redefining what’s possible with today’s tools and techniques.” — Bill Damaschke, President of Warner Bros. Pictures Animation.

Variety Magazine

“Bad Fairies” will open worldwide on May 21, 2027, followed by “The Lunar Chronicles” on November 3, 2028. WBPA also previewed Vivienne Medrano’s original musical “Prehistoria,” a Dr Seuss adaptation of “The Cat in the Hat” slated for a November release, and the hybrid puppetry-technology project “Dynamic Duo,” featuring DC characters Red Hood and Batman. Production on all titles continues in London with DNEG Animation as the digital partner.

Hollywood Reporter