Webtoon Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) have officially formed a major co-production partnership to develop and distribute 10 popular webcomics into animated films or series globally.
This landmark agreement is a significant step in expanding Webtoon Entertainment’s animation pipeline, demonstrating a commitment to growing its digital franchises into global entertainment phenomena.
The Stellar Swordmaster Anime Adaptation Confirmed
The first title officially announced for animation is “The Stellar Swordmaster” based on the popular webtoon by Hong Dae Ui & juno.
The fantasy story centers on Vlad, an orphan from the crime ridden trading town of Schoarra. After a life altering tragedy, Vlad turns to the “path of the blade,” dedicating himself to becoming a powerful swordmaster.
A Major Deal for Webtoon Creators
The collaboration marries the world class artistry of Warner Bros. Animation with Webtoon’s robust library of IP, which is beloved by approximately 155 million monthly active users globally.
Yongsoo Kim, Webtoon Entertainment’s Chief Strategy Officer, highlighted the deal’s impact, stating: “Our creators are building franchises that Gen Z audiences love, and working with Warner Bros. Animation gives us an incredible opportunity to take those stories further.”
Crucially, the original creators who own the IP will receive a share of the revenue generated from these animation projects, reinforcing Webtoon’s creator-first model.
Initial Development Slate Revealed
While all 10 projects are in early development with no targeted release dates yet, the partnership has revealed four titles on the initial slate:
“The Stellar Swordmaster” (by Hong Dae Ui, juno, and Q10)
“Hardcore Leveling Warrior” (by Sehoon Kim): The action-packed story of Ethan, the world’s No. 1 player in the game Lucid Adventure, who must fight his way back from Level 1 after a mysterious defeat.
“Down to Earth” (by Pookie Senpai): A charming story about Kade, whose ordinary life changes when a cute alien girl crash-lands in his backyard.
“Elf & Warrior” (by AC Stuart, Victor Rosas II): Follows a young half-elf learning the meaning of heroism while traveling with a band of outlaws and miscreants.
This partnership further expands Webtoon’s presence in the animation space, alongside existing adaptations on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Crunchyroll.
