Álex de la Iglesia to Direct First Adult 3-D Animation, “Ages of Madness: The Howling of the Jinn”

The animated feature “Ages of Madness: The Howling of the Jinn,” by Canary Islands-based 3Doubles Producciones and Bizkaia-based Sumendi Uhartea, will begin production in late 2026. Marketed as an adult 3-D adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s universe, it centers on forbidden Necronomicon and was announced at Annecy Animation Festival.

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Álex de la Iglesia, known for “Day of the Beast,” “The Last Circus,” and “30 Coins,” began by drawing monsters and creating comic books. He directed the short “Mirandas asesinas,” which led to his 1993 feature debut “Mutant Action.” Lovecraft’s Necronomicon, a recurring forbidden tome, is famed for inducing madness or death in readers.

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Álex de la Iglesia – veteran Spanish director of grotesque fantasy.

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3Doubles Producciones – studio behind Goya-nominated “SuperKlaus” and “Norbert.”

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Sumendi Uhartea – Bizkaia house with recent titles “Heidi,” “Katamotzaren erreskatea,” “Lasai, Zeus!” and “KooKoo Corral,” selected for Cartoon Forum 2025.

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Darío Sánchez – CEO of 3Doubles, overseeing development.

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Adult animation is experiencing a surge. 3Doubles CEO Darío Sánchez calls the film a turning point that could place Spain’s animation sector on international map. By rendering Lovecraft’s cosmic horror in 3-D, the project aims to broaden adult-oriented animated market beyond niche audiences.

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De la Iglesia said he is thrilled to work in animation and sees the film as a chance to reconnect with his comic-book roots. Sánchez expressed excitement about the project’s ability to raise Spain’s adult-animation profile and called it a pioneering adaptation of Lovecraft’s Necronomicon. 3Doubles framed the work as a landmark effort to bring cosmic horror to a 3-D audience.

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• “Before making movies, I used to draw monsters,” — Álex de la Iglesia, Director

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• “‘Ages of Madness’ gives me the chance to reconnect with my roots alongside an incredibly talented team.” — Álex de la Iglesia, Director

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• “I am convinced that this is a turning point for our sector: adult animation is booming, and this project will put the Spanish industry on the global map.” — Darío Sánchez, CEO, 3Doubles

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All sources agree on the production schedule, the teams involved and the Lovecraft-based storyline. No contradictions appear; the final release date and distribution partners remain undisclosed.

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Production will begin in late 2026, with 3Doubles promising updates at upcoming festivals. The film targets a 2028 theatrical release, pending post-production and distribution arrangements.

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