Warner Bros. Animation Announces New Dark Shadows Animated Series at Annecy
The gothic soap opera cult classic is being reimagined as a new animated show, marking a genre expansion for the studio's adult animation slate.
“Warner Bros. Animation, hugely active this year at Annecy, unveiled Friday at Annecy a new Dark Shadows animated series, confirming the studio's push in adult animation into other genres beyond adult comedy.”
Warner Bros. Animation announced a new Dark Shadows animated series at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival on Friday. According to a report by Variety, the studio unveiled the project as part of its showcase, confirming a push into adult animation genres beyond comedy.
The show is a reimagining of the 1960s cult television series. It is currently in very early development, with no creative team, voice cast, or release window attached. The announcement signals Warner Bros. Animation's intent to diversify its adult-oriented output, which has historically leaned heavily on comedy franchises.
What is Dark Shadows?
Dark Shadows is an American gothic soap opera that aired on ABC from 1966 to 1971. The show followed the wealthy, mysterious Collins family in the fictional town of Collinsport, Maine, weaving a complex tapestry of supernatural drama. It famously introduced the vampire Barnabas Collins, played by Jonathan Frid, who became the show's breakout character and propelled it to massive popularity.
The original series amassed 1,225 episodes over six seasons. Its blend of gothic romance, horror, and serialized storytelling attracted a massive teenage audience and a dedicated cult following, making it ABC's highest-rated daytime series by 1969. The franchise has seen numerous revivals, including two feature films in the 1970s, a 1991 TV remake, a 2012 Tim Burton-directed film adaptation, and ongoing audio dramas produced by Big Finish Productions.
Why does this announcement matter?
This move represents a significant genre shift for Warner Bros. Animation's adult slate. The studio, known for hits like Harley Quinn and Teen Titans Go!, is now exploring gothic horror and supernatural drama. The enduring appeal of the original Dark Shadows lies in its rich mythology and beloved characters, which could translate well to an animated format.
An animated series allows for creative freedom with the show's signature supernatural elements—ghosts, witches, time travel, and parallel universes. It also opens the door to potentially involving original cast members in voice roles, as the Big Finish audio dramas have done for years. The project joins other recent Warner Bros. Animation announcements at Annecy, including a sneak peek of Get Jiro! and a tease for Gerry Anderson’s Hit Squad.
What happens next?
With the project in its earliest stages, fans can expect a long wait before seeing any footage. The next steps will involve assembling a writers' room, finding a showrunner with a vision for the property, and casting voice actors. The key challenge will be capturing the distinctive, melodramatic tone of the original while updating it for a modern audience.
The success of this venture could lead to further explorations of classic genre properties in animation. For now, the announcement has successfully revived interest in the Collins family's haunted legacy.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is creating the new Dark Shadows animated series?
No creative team has been announced yet. Warner Bros. Animation has only confirmed the project is in "very early development," so a showrunner, writers, and directors have not been named.
Will any original cast members be involved?
There is no information on casting at this time. Given the project's early stage and the advanced age or passing of many original cast members, involvement is uncertain, though voice cameos from surviving actors like David Selby or Kathryn Leigh Scott could be a possibility.
Where and when will the series be released?
No release platform or date has been set. The series lacks a distributor, so it could potentially land on Max, Adult Swim, or another Warner Bros. Discovery streaming service, but that decision is likely months or years away.
How will an animated series differ from the live-action versions?
Animation could allow for more visually ambitious and cost-effective supernatural sequences, from Barnabas's transformations to elaborate period settings. The tone may also shift, potentially leaning into the gothic horror more heavily than the soap opera format of the original.
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