Warner Bros. Pictures Animation
{{Short description|American theatrical animation studio}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{About|the animation division of Warner Bros. Pictures|the animation division of the Warner Bros. Television Studios|Warner Bros. Animation}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Warner Bros. Pictures Animation
| logo = Warner Bros. Pictures Animation 2024.svg
| logo_caption = Logo used since 2024
| logo_size = 150px
| type = Division
| former_name = Warner Animation Group (2013–2023)
| predecessor = Warner Bros. Feature Animation (1994–2004)
| founder = Jeff Robinov
| num_employees =
| foundation = {{start date and age|January 7, 2013}}
| location_city = 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California
| location_country = U.S.
| locations =
| key_people = Bill Damaschke (president)
Chris Leahy (Executive Vice President)
| industry = {{ubl|Animation|Motion pictures}}
| products = Animated films
| owner =
| parent = Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group
| website = {{URL|https://www.warnerbros.com/company/divisions/motion-pictures#warner-bros-pictures-animation|warnerbros.com}}
}}
Warner Bros. Pictures Animation{{Efn|Pronounced "Warner Brothers Pictures Animation"}} (WBPA), formerly known as the Warner Animation Group (WAG), is an American animation studio that serves as the animated feature film label of Warner Bros.' theatrical film production and distribution division, Warner Bros. Pictures. Established on January 7, 2013, by Jeff Robinov, the studio is the successor to the dissolved 2D traditional hand-drawn animation studio Warner Bros. Feature Animation, which shut down in 2004, and is also a sister to the regular Warner Bros. Animation studio.
The studio has produced 10 feature films, the first one being The Lego Movie, which was released on February 7, 2014, and the most recent being DC League of Super-Pets, which was released on July 29, 2022. Their upcoming slate of films includes The Cat in the Hat on February 27, 2026, Coyote vs. Acme in 2026, Bad Fairies on July 23, 2027, Margie Claus on November 5, 2027, Oh, the Places You'll Go! on March 17, 2028, Dynamic Duo on June 30, 2028, and Toto on an unspecified release date. Films produced by WBPA have grossed a total of $2 billion at the box-office.
History
On January 7, 2013, Jeff Robinov (then head of the studio's motion picture division) founded a screenplay development department, nicknamed a "think tank" for developing theatrical animated films, known as the Warner Animation Group.{{cite news|last1=Kit|first1=Borys|title=Warner Bros. Creates Animation Film Think Tank|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/warner-bros-creates-animation-film-409239|access-date=September 28, 2014|work=The Hollywood Reporter|publisher=Prometheus Global Media LLC|date=January 7, 2013|archive-date=April 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430034553/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/warner-bros-creates-animation-film-409239|url-status=live}} The group includes John Requa, Glenn Ficarra, Nicholas Stoller, Jared Stern, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Warner Bros. created the group with the hope that the box office reception of their films will be competitive with other animation studios' releases.
On February 7, 2014, Warner Animation Group released their first film, The Lego Movie, a film animated by Animal Logic, which also provided the animation for both spin-offs. It was met with critical praise and proved to be a box-office success. Due to the movie's success, a media franchise was created, with two spin-offs, The Lego Batman Movie{{cite news|last1=Kit|first1=Borys|title='The Lego Batman Movie' Gets Release Date|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lego-batman-movie-gets-release-790232|access-date=April 21, 2015|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=April 20, 2015|archive-date=April 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422184441/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lego-batman-movie-gets-release-790232|url-status=live}} and The Lego Ninjago Movie (both 2017),{{cite web|title=Warner Bros Dates Lego Spinoff 'Ninjago' For Fall 2016|url=https://deadline.com/2014/05/ninjago-movie-release-date-lego-spinoff-warner-bros-733796/|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=May 23, 2014|date=May 20, 2014|archive-date=May 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521042929/http://www.deadline.com/2014/05/ninjago-movie-release-date-lego-spinoff-warner-bros/|url-status=live}} and a sequel, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019). While The Lego Batman Movie proved to be successful at the box office, The Lego Ninjago Movie and The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part were both unable to recoup its budget, with Ninjago being the first film from the Warner Animation Group to be a box-office flop.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2019/03/11/lego-movie-fantastic-beasts-dc-films-shazam-godzilla-chris-pratt-warner-bros-box-office/|title=Why 'The LEGO Movie 2' Is A Franchise-Ending Box Office Failure|last=Mendelson|first=Scott|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=July 27, 2019|archive-date=July 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727182302/https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2019/03/11/lego-movie-fantastic-beasts-dc-films-shazam-godzilla-chris-pratt-warner-bros-box-office/|url-status=live}}
WAG's second film, Storks, was released September 23, 2016.{{cite news|title=Warner Bros. Pictures Dives Into Animation Think Tank|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=98595|access-date=January 26, 2018|newspaper=ComingSoon.net|date=January 7, 2013|archive-date=October 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017084249/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=98595|url-status=dead}} It received mixed reviews from critics. On December 14, 2017, Warner Bros. announced Allison Abbate had been named Executive Vice President, and Chris Leahy has been named Senior Vice President.{{cite web |url=https://www.warnerbros.com/studio/news/warner-animation-group-names-senior-creative-team |title=WARNER ANIMATION GROUP NAMES SENIOR CREATIVE TEAM |date=December 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207013454/https://www.warnerbros.com/studio/news/warner-animation-group-names-senior-creative-team |archive-date=February 7, 2019}}
File:Warner Animation Group logo.svg
Smallfoot, released September 28, 2018, received mostly positive reviews from critics and became a box office success. In October 2019, Locksmith Animation formed a multi-year production deal with Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Animation Group, which will distribute Locksmith's films.{{cite news |last1=Clarke |first1=Stewart |title=Warner Signs Multi-Picture Deal With Elisabeth Murdoch's Locksmith Animation |url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/warner-bros-pact-elisabeth-murdoch-locksmith-animation-1203389453/ |access-date=November 1, 2019 |work=Variety |date=October 31, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=November 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125061131/https://variety.com/2019/film/news/warner-bros-pact-elisabeth-murdoch-locksmith-animation-1203389453/ |url-status=live }}
An animated reboot of the Scooby-Doo film series titled Scoob! was initially set for a theatrical release on May 15, 2020,{{cite news|last1=McNary|first1=Dave|title=Warner Bros. Developing Animated 'Scooby-Doo' Film (EXCLUSIVE)|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/warner-bros-developing-animated-scooby-doo-film-exclusive-1200589474/|access-date=June 14, 2015|work=Variety|date=August 26, 2013|archive-date=November 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110180012/https://variety.com/2013/film/news/warner-bros-developing-animated-scooby-doo-film-exclusive-1200589474/|url-status=live}} but then it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |last1=Galuppo |first1=Mia |title=Warner Bros. Delays Release of 'In the Heights,' 'Scoob!' Due to Coronavirus |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/warner-bros-delays-release-heights-scoob-due-coronavirus-1285773 |access-date=March 24, 2020 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=March 24, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=March 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324190924/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/warner-bros-delays-release-heights-scoob-due-coronavirus-1285773 |url-status=live }} On April 21, 2020, it was announced that it would instead go to video on demand in response to the pandemic.{{cite news |last1=Rubin |first1=Rebecca |title='Scoob' Will Skip Theaters and Debut on Digital Platforms in May |url=https://variety.com/2020/film/box-office/scooby-doo-movie-skips-theaters-on-demand-1203539529/ |access-date=April 21, 2020 |work=Variety |date=April 21, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110180012/https://variety.com/2020/film/box-office/scooby-doo-movie-skips-theaters-on-demand-1203539529/ |url-status=live }} It received mixed reviews from critics.
File:Warner Animation Group 2021 (with Wordmark).svg
A live-action/animated film based on Tom & Jerry was released internationally on February 11, 2021, and on February 26 in the United States in theaters and HBO Max simultaneously and also debuted the company's new logo to match with the design of the new shield logo that Warner Bros. debuted back in November 2019, and like the main WB logo, which was debuted that year with Locked Down, it is made by Devastudios, using Terragen for the sky and clouds, along with the studio's blueprints from the Warner Bros. Studio Facilities and the available photography and videography from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood and Google Maps, all to reconstruct it in CGI.{{Cite web|last=Rubin|first=Rebecca|date=December 14, 2020|title=Warner Bros. Shifts 'Mortal Kombat,' 'Tom and Jerry' Release Dates|url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/warner-bros-mortal-kombat-tom-jerry-release-dates-1234842476/|access-date=December 15, 2020|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=December 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215002815/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/warner-bros-mortal-kombat-tom-jerry-release-dates-1234842476/|url-status=live}} It received generally negative reviews from critics, and is the first film from the company to have met so.
Space Jam: A New Legacy, starring LeBron James, was released on July 16, 2021, and was the first film from Warner Animation Group to incorporate traditional animation. It also received generally negative reviews from critics and is the second film from the company to have met so after Tom & Jerry, due to the film being heavy on product placement of the studio's intellectual properties.
An animated film based on the Legion of Super-Pets titled DC League of Super-Pets was released on July 29, 2022.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/05/dc-super-pets-movie-release-date-2022-1202620965/|title=Warner Bros' 'DC Super Pets' Animated Movie Moves To 2022|date=May 22, 2019|access-date=May 24, 2019|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523005842/https://deadline.com/2019/05/dc-super-pets-movie-release-date-2022-1202620965/|url-status=live}} It received generally positive reviews from critics.
A Christmas-themed spin-off prequel titled Scoob! Holiday Haunt, taking place in the gang's youth, with the actors who portrayed their younger selves reprising, was set for release in 2022 on HBO Max, but was cancelled following the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc. to form Warner Bros. Discovery in April 2022 by CEO David Zaslav on August 2, 2022, citing cost-cutting measures and a refocus on theatrical films rather than creating projects for streaming.{{cite web|last=Couch|first=Aaron|title='Batgirl' and 'Scoob!: Holiday Haunt' Scrapped at Warner Bros. Amid Cost-Savings Push|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/batgirl-shelved-at-warner-bros-hbo-max-1235191371/|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=August 2, 2022|date=August 2, 2022|archive-date=August 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802220032/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/batgirl-shelved-at-warner-bros-hbo-max-1235191371/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Scoob! Sequel Shelved By HBO Max |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/scoob-sequel-warner-bros-discovery-shelved-hbo-max/ |access-date=August 2, 2022 |archive-date=August 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803075008/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/scoob-sequel-warner-bros-discovery-shelved-hbo-max/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Burlingame |first1=Russ |title=Scoob!: Holiday Haunt First Look Revealed in HBO Max Teaser |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/scoob-holiday-haunt-first-look-revealed-in-hbo-max-teaser/ |website=comicbook.com |access-date=December 22, 2021 |date=December 22, 2021 |archive-date=December 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222191829/https://comicbook.com/movies/amp/news/scoob-holiday-haunt-first-look-revealed-in-hbo-max-teaser/ |url-status=live }} Later that month, it was reported that the film would still be finished, even though Warner Bros. Discovery had no present plans to release it.{{Cite web |title=Scoob!: Holiday Haunt Could Still Get Finished Despite Being Shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/scoob-holiday-haunt-could-still-get-finished-despite-being-shelved-by-warner-bros-discovery/ |access-date=December 6, 2024 |website=comicbook.com |archive-date=August 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827000424/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/scoob-holiday-haunt-could-still-get-finished-despite-being-shelved-by-warner-bros-discovery/ |url-status=live }} Although the film was used as a tax write-off, the film was finally finished on November 4 that year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckj1fFCJ1Og/|title=Well, we finished this thing today. A bittersweet conclusion for sure.|website=Instagram|date=November 5, 2022|author=Tony Cervone|access-date=December 6, 2024|archive-date=May 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503053434/https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckj1fFCJ1Og/|url-status=live}}
Following the merger, it was announced in August that Allison Abbate would be leaving the studio.{{cite news|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|title=Allison Abbate Departing As Warner Animation Group EVP|url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/warner-bros-animation-allison-abbate-exits-1235092508/|accessdate=December 6, 2024|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=August 17, 2022|archive-date=March 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321050250/https://deadline.com/2022/08/warner-bros-animation-allison-abbate-exits-1235092508/|url-status=live}}
File:Warner Bros. Pictures Animation logo.svg
On February 9, 2023, it was reported that former DreamWorks Animation chief creative officer Bill Damaschke was in talks to lead the studio.{{cite web|last=Kit|first=Borys|title=Bill Damaschke in Final Talks to Head Warner Animation Group (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/warner-bros-animation-group-bill-damaschke-1235321772/|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=February 10, 2023|date=January 9, 2023|archive-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209231713/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/warner-bros-animation-group-bill-damaschke-1235321772/|url-status=live}} On May 5, 2023, it was confirmed in a Warner Bros. Discovery earnings call by Zaslav that Damaschke had been hired, and was hard at work with Warner Bros. Pictures Group co-CEOs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy on developing a new slate of films.{{cite web|last=Szalai|first=Georg|title=David Zaslav: "We Have Lost a Lot of Money," But Now It's Time to Rebuild Warner Bros.|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/warner-bros-glory-loss-dc-david-zaslav-1235480556/|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=May 5, 2023|date=May 5, 2023|archive-date=May 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505160019/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/warner-bros-glory-loss-dc-david-zaslav-1235480556/|url-status=live}} On June 9, 2023, Damaschke announced the rebranding of the division into Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and stated that they planned to follow the creative lead of Abdy and De Luca.{{cite web|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|title=Newly Appointed Warner Bros. Pictures Animation Boss Bill Damaschke On Group Rebrand, New Mission, 'Flintstones' Pic & More|url=https://deadline.com/2023/06/warner-bros-animation-bill-damaschke-flintstones-1235412865/|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=June 9, 2023|date=June 9, 2023|archive-date=June 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609204336/https://deadline.com/2023/06/warner-bros-animation-bill-damaschke-flintstones-1235412865/|url-status=live}}
=Upcoming releases=
In January 2018, the studio began a strategic partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to produce musical films based on Seuss' work.{{Cite web |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=2018-01-24 |title=New ‘Cat in the Hat’ Movie in the Works From Warner Bros. |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/new-cat-hat-movie-works-warner-bros-1077973/ |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} The first film under this collaboration is an adaptation of The Cat in the Hat, written and directed by Alessandro Carloni and Erica Rivinoja and starring Bill Hader as the titular character.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2024-03-18 |title=Revamped Warner Bros Animation Sets ‘Cat In The Hat’ With Bill Hader, Quinta Brunson, Bowen Yang & More; Eyes Spring 2026 Release |url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/cat-in-the-hat-bill-hader-bowen-yang-quinta-brunson-release-date-1235861339/ |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} It is scheduled to release on February 27, 2026, becoming the first film under the WBPA label.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2025-03-20 |title=Warner Bros. Sked Shakeup: ‘Weapons’ Armed For August, Paul Thomas Anderson Moves To Fall, ‘The Bride’ Walking Down Aisle In 2026 & So Much More… |url=https://deadline.com/2025/03/weapons-paul-thomas-anderson-the-bride-warner-bros-release-date-changes-1236331441/ |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} A spin-off based on the characters Thing One and Thing Two is also in development.{{Cite web |last=Breznican |first=Anthony |date=2020-10-01 |title=Dr. Seuss’s ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!’ Is Headed to the Big Screen |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/09/dr-seuss-movies-oh-the-places-youll-go |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=Vanity Fair |language=en-US}}
In August 2018, the studio began development on a live-action/animated hybrid film based on Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies character Wile E. Coyote, titled Coyote vs. Acme.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2018-08-28 |title=Warner Bros’ Wile E. Coyote Movie Finds Its Scribes In The Silberman Brothers |url=https://deadline.com/2018/08/warner-bros-wile-e-coyote-movie-finds-its-scribes-in-the-silberman-brothers-1202453704/ |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} The project was directed by Dave Green from a script by Samy Burch, with Chris DeFaria and James Gunn acting as producers.{{Cite web |last=Donnelly |first=Matt |date=2019-12-17 |title=Warner Bros.’ Wile E. Coyote Movie Sets Dave Green to Direct (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/looney-tunes-coyote-v-acme-director-dave-green-warner-bros-1203440879/ |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} Initially, the film was scheduled for July 21, 2023, a date it would later lose to Greta Gerwig's Barbie.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=December 23, 2020 |title=Warner Bros. Dates Three Pics For 2023 Theatrical Release (Not HBO Max): 'Furiosa', 'Coyote Vs. Acme' & 'The Color Purple' |url=https://deadline.com/2020/12/warner-bros-dates-three-pics-for-2023-theatrical-release-not-hbo-max-furiosa-coyote-vs-acme-the-color-purple-1234661184/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223230907/https://deadline.com/2020/12/warner-bros-dates-three-pics-for-2023-theatrical-release-not-hbo-max-furiosa-coyote-vs-acme-the-color-purple-1234661184/ |archive-date=December 23, 2020 |access-date=December 23, 2020 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=April 26, 2022 |title='Barbie' Heads To Summer 2023 – CinemaCon |url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/barbie-coyote-vs-acme-release-date-1235010330/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426234202/https://deadline.com/2022/04/barbie-coyote-vs-acme-release-date-1235010330/ |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |access-date=April 26, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} In November 2023, parent company Warner Bros. Discovery announced that the project would not be released despite its completion, with the studio preferring to take a tax write-off instead.{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=November 9, 2023 |title='Coyote Vs. Acme': Finished Live/Action Animated Pic Shelved Completely By Warner Bros As Studio Takes $30M Tax Write-off |url=https://deadline.com/2023/11/coyote-vs-acme-shelved-warner-bros-discovery-writeoff-david-zaslav-1235598676/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109221910/https://deadline.com/2023/11/coyote-vs-acme-shelved-warner-bros-discovery-writeoff-david-zaslav-1235598676/ |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2023 |work=Deadline}} Following extensive backlash from the public and the industry, Green and his collaborators were allowed to shop the film to potential distributors, with Netflix, Amazon MGM Studios, Paramount Pictures and Apple Studios taking interest on the project.{{cite web |last=Belloni |first=Matthew |date=November 13, 2023 |title=Warners Reverses Course in 'Coyote vs. Acme' Fight |url=https://puck.news/warners-reverses-course-in-coyote-vs-acme-fight |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114044454/https://puck.news/warners-reverses-course-in-coyote-vs-acme-fight |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |access-date=November 13, 2023 |website=Puck News}}{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2023-11-13 |title=‘Coyote Vs. Acme’: Warner Bros Setting Up Screenings For Streamers Of Axed Looney Tunes Film; Amazon A Prime Candidate – The Dish |url=https://deadline.com/2023/11/coyote-vs-acme-amazon-apple-streamer-acquisition-1235601190/ |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} After several unsuccessful negotiations, the film remained in limbo.{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Drew |date=2024-02-09 |title=The Final Days of ‘Coyote vs. Acme': Offers, Rejections and a Roadrunner Race Against Time {{!}} Exclusive |url=https://www.thewrap.com/coyote-vs-acme-update-offers-warner-bros/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=TheWrap |language=en-US}} In March 2025, Ketchup Entertainment acquired worldwide rights to the film, setting the project for a 2026 release.{{cite web |last=Wiseman |first=Andreas |date=March 19, 2025 |title=Warner Bros Negotiating Big Sale Of Shelved 'Coyote Vs. Acme' Movie — The Dish |url=https://deadline.com/2025/03/coyote-vs-acme-movie-deal-sale-warner-bros-ketchup-1236329381/ |access-date=March 19, 2025 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}{{cite web |last=Wiseman |first=Andreas |date=31 March 2025 |title=Warner Bros Completes Worldwide Sale Of 'Coyote Vs Acme' |url=https://deadline.com/2025/03/coyote-vs-acme-warner-bros-sale-complete-ketchup-1236354552/ |access-date=31 March 2025 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}
In June 2023, following the studio's rebranding to WBPA, a first-look deal with independent British studio Locksmith Animation was announced.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2023-06-09 |title=Warner Bros Pictures Animation Inks First-Look Deal With Locksmith Animation; First Pics Are ‘Bad Fairies’ & ‘The Lunar Chronicles’ |url=https://deadline.com/2023/06/warner-bros-animation-locksmith-bad-fairies-lunar-chronicles-1235413420/ |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} The first film under this partnership is a musical-comedy titled Bad Fairies, directed by Megan Nicole Dong from a script by Deborah Frances-White. The film is scheduled to release on July 23, 2027.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2024-07-16 |title=‘Bad Fairies’: Animated Musical Sets ‘Six’s Toby Marlow & Lucy Moss As Songwriters, Isabella Summers As Composer & Song Producer; July 2027 Release Set |url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/bad-fairies-release-date-toby-marlow-lucy-moss-isabella-summers-1236011620/ |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}
A Christmas film titled Margie Claus is scheduled to be released on November 5, 2027, with Melissa McCarthy to star and produce (under her On the Day Productions company) alongside Ben Falcone and Pilar Flynn. Falcone also co-wrote the script with Damon Jones.{{cite web |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Anthony |date=May 14, 2024 |title=Warner Bros. Dates 'Mortal Kombat 2' & 'Companion' For 2025; Zach Cregger's 'Weapons' For 2026 |url=https://deadline.com/2024/05/mortal-kombat-2-companion-weapons-release-dates-1235916567/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515034804/https://deadline.com/2024/05/mortal-kombat-2-companion-weapons-release-dates-1235916567/ |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |access-date=May 14, 2024 |website=Deadline}} The project was previously set up as a live-action feature at New Line Cinema.{{cite web |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Anthony |date=June 8, 2017 |title=Melissa McCarthy Christmas Comedy 'Margie Claus' To Deck Theaters November 2019 |url=https://deadline.com/2017/06/melissa-mccarthy-margie-claus-christmas-comedy-2019-1202109962/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120112233/https://deadline.com/2017/06/melissa-mccarthy-margie-claus-christmas-comedy-2019-1202109962/ |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |access-date=May 14, 2024 |website=Deadline}}
Oh, the Places You'll Go!, the second film of WBPA's partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, is scheduled for a March 17, 2028 release. Jon M. Chu and Jill Culton are directing from a script by Rob Lieber. J.J. Abrams (through his company Bad Robot Productions) and Gregg Taylor will produce.{{cite web |date=October 1, 2020 |title=J.J. Abrams To Produce 'Oh, The Places You'll Go!' Movie In Works At Warner Bros Amid Dr. Seuss Ramp-Up |url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/oh-the-places-youll-go-movie-bad-robot-dr-seuss-thing-one-thing-two-warner-bros-1234589561/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007011847/https://deadline.com/2020/10/oh-the-places-youll-go-movie-bad-robot-dr-seuss-thing-one-thing-two-warner-bros-1234589561/ |archive-date=October 7, 2020 |accessdate=October 3, 2020}}{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2025-01-28 |title=Jon M. Chu & Jill Culton’s Dr. Seuss Pic ‘Oh, The Places You’ll Go!’ Gets Release Date |url=https://deadline.com/2025/01/dr-seuss-oh-the-places-youll-go-release-date-1236270049/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}
In collaboration with sister company DC Studios and puppet animation studio Swaybox, WBPA is developing Dynamic Duo, directed by Arthur Mintz and written by Matthew Aldrich.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2024-10-01 |title=The Robins’ Origin Story ‘Dynamic Duo’ In The Works With DC Studios, WBPA & 6th & Idaho; Movie To Be Made With Puppetry Animation |url=https://deadline.com/2024/10/dynamic-duo-movie-robins-dc-1236105077/ |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} An origin story for the characters Dick Grayson (Nightwing) and Jason Todd (Red Hood), the film is "a mix of animation, puppetry and CG". The project has been scheduled to open on June 30, 2028.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2024-12-13 |title=DC Studios Dates ‘Clayface’ For Fall 2026; Animated ‘Dynamic Duo’ For 2028 |url=https://deadline.com/2024/12/clayface-release-date-1236203321/ |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}
A musical feature adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's children's book Toto: The Dog-Gone Amazing Story of the Wizard of Oz began animation production in February 2021. It was directed by Alex Timbers from a screenplay by John August, and produced by Derek Frey.{{cite web |last=Grater |first=Tom |date=February 9, 2021 |title=Warner's 'Toto' Animation Gears Up; Federation Adds To Doc Slate; New BASE UK Chair – Global Briefs |url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/warners-toto-animation-federation-doc-slate-base-uk-chair-1234690274/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209145554/https://deadline.com/2021/02/warners-toto-animation-federation-doc-slate-base-uk-chair-1234690274/ |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |access-date=February 9, 2021 |work=Deadline}} It was originally scheduled to be theatrically released in the United States on February 2, 2024.{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=December 16, 2021 |title=Warner Bros. Dates 'Blue Beetle', 'Last Train To New York' & 'Toto' For 2023 & Beyond |url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/blue-beetle-last-train-to-new-york-toto-warner-bros-dates-movie-release-dates-1234893356/ |access-date=May 7, 2025 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} On April 5, 2023, it was taken off the release schedule, with Barry Levinson's The Alto Knights taking its place before vacating the date.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=April 5, 2023 |title='Aquaman 2' Shifts Five Days Earlier, Warner Bros Dates 'The Wise Guys', 'Minecraft' |url=https://deadline.com/2023/04/aquaman-2-minecraft-wise-guys-color-purple-release-dates-1235318958/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405210709/https://deadline.com/2023/04/aquaman-2-minecraft-wise-guys-color-purple-release-dates-1235318958/ |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |access-date=April 5, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}{{Cite magazine |last=Murphy |first=J. Kim |date=October 27, 2023 |title='Aquaman 2' Bumped Two Days, Robert De Niro's 'Wise Guys' Renamed 'Alto Knights' in Move to November 2024 |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/aquaman-2-two-day-delay-robert-de-niro-wise-guys-alto-knights-1235770189/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027171639/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/aquaman-2-two-day-delay-robert-de-niro-wise-guys-alto-knights-1235770189/ |archive-date=October 27, 2023 |access-date=December 28, 2024 |magazine=Variety}} No updates on the project have been disclosed since.
Meet the Flintstones, an origin story for the Hanna-Barbera characters, was announced to be in development along with the studio's rebranding to WBPA. It is being directed by Todd Wilderman and Hamish Grieve from a screenplay by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, directors of Illumination's The Super Mario Bros. Movie.{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=June 9, 2023 |title=Newly Appointed Warner Bros. Pictures Animation Boss Bill Damaschke On Group Rebrand, New Mission, 'Flintstones' Pic & More |url=https://deadline.com/2023/06/warner-bros-animation-bill-damaschke-flintstones-1235412865/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609204336/https://deadline.com/2023/06/warner-bros-animation-bill-damaschke-flintstones-1235412865/ |archive-date=June 9, 2023 |access-date=June 9, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}{{Cite web |last=DeVore |first=Britta |date=2024-10-27 |title=Book Your Trip to Bedrock, 'The Flintstones' Are Getting a New Movie |url=https://collider.com/new-flintstones-movie-animated/ |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=Collider |language=en}}
A feature adaptation of Marissa Meyer's fantasy book series The Lunar Chronicles was announced as the second film in development under the Locksmith Animation deal. Noëlle Raffaele is directing from a screenplay by Kalen Egan and Travis Sentell.
A photorealistic animated feature film adaptation of the Animal Planet series Meerkat Manor was announced to be in development in April 2024, with Seth Green and Tracy Falco set to produce the film, and series creator Caroline Hawkins and Clare Birks from Oxford Scientific Films to serve as executive producers.{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Alexander |date=April 16, 2024 |title=Warner Bros Pictures Animation To Adapt Animal Planet Series 'Meerkat Manor' For Big Screen |url=https://deadline.com/2024/04/warner-bros-animation-animal-planet-meerkat-manor-1235887095/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416172506/https://deadline.com/2024/04/warner-bros-animation-animal-planet-meerkat-manor-1235887095/amp/ |archive-date=April 16, 2024 |access-date=April 16, 2024 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}
A "super-secret project" based on Looney Tunes is in development. Todd Wilderman and Hamish Grieve are attached to direct.{{Cite web |last=Kelley |first=Aidan |date=2024-10-26 |title=Warner Bros. Animation Is Working on a "Super Secret 'Looney Tunes' Project" |url=https://collider.com/warner-bros-secret-looney-tunes-project-explained-lightbox-expo/ |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=Collider |language=en}}
A feature adaptation of Emily the Strange is in development with Pamela Ribon set to write the screenplay. Bad Robot will co-produce the film, with Rob Reger, the character's creator, serving as executive producer alongside Trevor Duke-Moretz.{{Cite web |last=Grobar |first=Matt |date=2024-10-30 |title=‘Emily The Strange’ Animated Feature In Works From Bad Robot, Warner Bros Pictures Animation |url=https://deadline.com/2024/10/emily-the-strange-animated-feature-bad-robot-warner-bros-in-works-1236161716/ |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}
A new feature based on Tom and Jerry is in the works, with Rashida Jones, Will McCormack and Michael Govier penning the script.{{Cite web |last=Jr |first=Mike Fleming |date=2024-12-12 |title=‘Tom And Jerry’ Turned Loose By Warner Bros Pictures Animation: Rashida Jones, Will McCormack & Michael Govier Set To Write Script |url=https://deadline.com/2024/12/tom-and-jerry-new-film-warner-bros-pictures-animation-rashida-jones-will-mccormack-michael-govier-1236201698/ |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}
Process
Similar to Paramount Animation and Sony Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation outsources their computer-animated films' production to other studios such as Animal Logic (The Lego Movie franchise, DC League of Super-Pets and Toto), Sony Pictures Imageworks (Storks and Smallfoot), Reel FX Creative Studios (Scoob!), Framestore (Tom & Jerry) and Industrial Light & Magic (Space Jam: A New Legacy). However, Space Jam: A New Legacy did also include hand-drawn animation, which is done in-house and also outsourced from Company 3 Animation,{{Cite web|url=https://www.company3animation.com/en/work/|title=Work|website=www.company3animation.com|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213050309/https://www.company3animation.com/en/work/|url-status=live}} and Tonic DNA.{{Cite web|url=https://tonicdna.com/en/work/space-jam/|title=Space Jam : A New Legacy|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213050307/https://tonicdna.com/en/work/space-jam/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=James |date=March 15, 2020 |title=Space Jam 2 Is Being Worked On By Director Of Original Mulan |work=GameSpot |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/space-jam-2-is-being-worked-on-by-director-of-orig/1100-6474784/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628183550/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/space-jam-2-is-being-worked-on-by-director-of-orig/1100-6474784/ |archive-date=June 28, 2020}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-bancroft/dan-haskett-Unp_6KCvYVH/ |title=Dan Haskett |date=July 3, 2020 |type=Podcast |publisher=The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast}}{{Cite web |title=Tweet by Matt Williames |url=https://twitter.com/MattWilliames/status/1293628372031926272 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812192035/https://twitter.com/MattWilliames/status/1293628372031926272 |archive-date=August 12, 2020 |access-date=August 12, 2020}}{{Cite web |title=Williames at RCC |url=https://go.roguecc.edu/department/community-education/matt-williames |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908015321/https://go.roguecc.edu/department/community-education/matt-williames |archive-date=September 8, 2020 |access-date=August 13, 2020}}{{Cite web |title=Tweet by Ole Loken |url=https://twitter.com/OleLoken/status/1266624700869992448 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530144953/https://twitter.com/OleLoken/status/1266624700869992448 |archive-date=May 30, 2020 |access-date=August 15, 2020}}
The budgets for their films tend to range from $60–80 million. Their most expensive films to date are The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part ($99 million), Scoob! ($90 million), Space Jam: A New Legacy ($150 million), and DC League of Super-Pets ($90 million).
The screenplay department is reportedly somewhat similar to Pixar Animation Studios' "brain trust" in terms of how its members consult with one another and give feedback on each other's projects. The group is nicknamed the "think tank".{{cite news|last1=Shaw|first1=Lucas|title='The Lego Movie' Snaps a Bright, Colorful Franchise Into Place for Warner Bros. Animation|url=https://www.thewrap.com/lego-movie-gives-warner-bros-animation-needs-new-franchise/|access-date=September 28, 2014|work=The Wrap|date=February 9, 2014|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006175609/http://www.thewrap.com/lego-movie-gives-warner-bros-animation-needs-new-franchise/|url-status=live}}
Filmography
{{main|List of Warner Bros. Pictures Animation productions}}
=Franchises=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Title
! Films ! Short films ! Release dates |
|---|
| The Lego Movie
| style="text-align:center;"| 4 | style="text-align:center;"| 11 | 2014–2019 |
| DC
| style="text-align:center;" |2 | rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |0 | 2017–present |
| Tom & Jerry
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |1 | 2021–present |
| Looney Tunes
| 2021–present |
See also
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Facebook|WarnerAnimationGroup|Warner Animation Group}}
{{commonscat}}
{{Warner Bros. Discovery}}
{{Warner Bros.}}
{{Warner Bros. Pictures Animation}}
{{Warner Bros. animation and comics}}
{{Film Studio}}
{{Animation industry in the United States}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Warner Bros. Pictures Animation
Category:2013 establishments in California
Category:American animation studios
Category:American companies established in 2013
Category:Companies based in Burbank, California
Category:Film production companies of the United States
Category:Mass media companies established in 2013
Category:Warner Animation Group