Warner Bros. Discovery is set to significantly expand its investment and production of Japanese anime through its existing local studio in Japan. The company's president of Asia-Pacific revealed plans to increase anime series production from five to ten per year to more than ten. The Japanese anime studio, operational since 2011, has delivered over 80 titles, including popular series like 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure,' 'Record of Ragnarok,' and 'Batman Ninja.'
Anime has proven to be a successful way to engage the elusive 18 to 30-year-old audience, particularly in markets like the U.S., parts of Europe, and Latin America. Shows like 'JoJo's' and 'Record of Ragnarok' have performed well on platforms like Netflix, consistently ranking in the global top ten.
Warner Bros. Discovery is also exploring the adaptation of DC universe characters into anime, with the upcoming release of 'Suicide Squad ISEKAI.' This original anime series, produced in collaboration with WIT Studio, known for hits like 'Attack on Titan,' will debut in Japan in July before entering international markets later in the year.
Aside from anime, the company is eyeing opportunities in other Asian content categories, including Japanese scripted series, Korean dramas, and Chinese-language content. Plans are in place to introduce the Max streaming service to East Asia, offering a broader content selection and operational enhancements compared to the current HBO Go service.
Max is scheduled to launch in 20 European countries on May 21, coinciding with the Summer Olympic Games. The service aims to provide a more comprehensive library, including factual programming and expanded kids' content, along with a focus on Asian content offerings.
Warner Bros. Discovery's strategic expansion into the anime market and broader content categories reflects its commitment to meeting the evolving entertainment preferences of audiences in Asia and beyond.
Watch the trailer for 'Suicide Squad ISEKAI' for a glimpse into the exciting new anime series.
