Warner Bros. Animation is making a bold move in the streaming wars. Insiders say it will reshape YA animation.
Sam Register, president of WB Animation, announced a major partnership with Webtoon Entertainment designed to produce animated content aimed at Gen Z and millennial audiences. The two executives unveiled the partnership at the Vancouver Web Summit, laying out a slate of co-developed shows.
"We are blessed with an amazing library of content," Register told Deadline. With Webtoon's expertise in digital storytelling and Warner Bros.' animation capabilities, the two companies are combining resources to develop streaming content.
David J. Lee, Webtoon Entertainment's CFO, announced the new projects alongside Register. Streamers are actively seeking YA content that appeals to younger audiences, and this partnership aims to fill that demand.
The collaboration will blend Webtoon's serialized storytelling approach with Warner Bros.' animation teams. The shows are already in development.
The move reflects a shift in how traditional animation studios approach streaming. Rather than relying solely on legacy IP, they are targeting the YA space where younger audiences consume content. If successful, other studios may pursue similar partnerships.
More details on the new shows are expected to be announced soon.
