Warner Bros. Discovery’s foray into anime production has been met with resounding success, prompting a significant expansion of their anime output. James Gibbons, the president of Asia-Pacific for Warner Bros. Discovery, revealed in an interview with Variety that their Japanese anime studio will now produce more than 10 titles annually, a notable increase from their previous output of five to 10 titles per year.
Gibbons emphasized the growing appeal of anime, particularly among the elusive 18 to 30-year-old demographic, making it a prime avenue for reaching audiences globally. Warner Bros. Japan, the company’s anime studio established in 2011, has already amassed an impressive portfolio of over 80 titles, including beloved series like JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and Record of Ragnarok.
Moreover, Warner Bros. Japan’s involvement in anime extends beyond adaptations of existing IPs. The studio is exploring the reinvention of familiar characters from the DC universe in the anime format, a strategic move that requires collaboration with the right studios to ensure authenticity and resonate with fans.
In addition to anime, Warner Bros. Japan is also actively engaged in live-action adaptations of Japanese properties, further diversifying its content offerings. Projects such as the upcoming Suicide Squad ISEKAI anime, which transports notorious DC criminals into an otherworldly realm, underscore the studio’s commitment to innovative storytelling.
Looking ahead, Warner Bros. Discovery is not only eyeing expansion in the anime sphere but also exploring collaborations in other Asian content categories. This includes Japanese scripted content, Korean dramas, and Chinese-language productions, each presenting unique opportunities and challenges in accessing and engaging audiences.
The conglomerate’s plans extend beyond content production to include the expansion of its streaming platform, Max, into East Asia. This move will provide audiences with deeper access to existing content libraries, including factual programming and expanded offerings for children. Moreover, Warner Bros. Discovery aims to enhance the platform’s tech infrastructure to deliver a seamless and immersive viewing experience.
Overall, Warner Bros. Discovery’s ambitious initiatives underscore its commitment to tapping into the burgeoning Asian content market while leveraging the immense popularity and cultural significance of anime to captivate audiences worldwide.