NewBatmanprojects are heading to the Amazon Prime Video streaming platform than initially seemed to be the case. Warner Bros. Animation released a statement regarding plans for a content selection that cuts across demographics.
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It was recently announced that Amazon was closing a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery todevelop new animated content for DC, one of WB’s most lucrative IPs, despite the conglomerate owning and operating rival streaming service HBO Max. However, the partnership will seemingly be even more fruitful in the short term than first thought. “We are excited to partner with Amazon to begin an all-new animated chapter of ‘Batman,'" said the President of Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios, Sam Register. “From the cinematic noir storytelling of ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ to the comedic adventures of ‘Merry Little Batman’ and ‘Bat-Family,’ these new projects ensure that there will be an animated Batman story ready to excite fans of all ages.”
This announcement of theMerry Little Batmanholiday feature and its spin-offBat-Familyseries, which were formerly planned for release on HBO Max before being cut, is similar to the priorPrime Video announcement forBatman: Caped Crusader. The animated series was initially going to be released on HBO Max before being cut and acquired by Amazon Prime Video. WhileCaped Crusaderwill be a more mature animated series for diverse demographics, the newly announced projects are aimed squarely at a younger demographic and feature a far more child-like (and child-friendly) Damien Wayne living and growing up at Wayne Manor.
The deal is another vital step forward for Amazon, which also recently started developing aSpider-Man Noirlive-action seriesbased on Disney’s Marvel IP, a historic rival of WB’s DC works. These new acquisitions from significant players, in addition to the new and returning content that’s coming to the streamer and Amazon’s foray into QoL improvements using AI technology, could all work out to large growth for the platform, which already holds a substantial share of the market.
While there is a lot of potential with two market leaders cooperating on such a strong IP, the fact that both companies are rivals can’t be ignored going forward, as seen from WB’s recentMax ad that seemingly mocked Amazon’sRings of Powerseriesas part of the streamer’s rebranding campaign from the HBO Max name. How long this partnership will last in the face of competition and possible market share shakeups remains to be seen.
Batman: Caped Crusader,Merry Little Batman, and Bat-Family will be released on Amazon Prime Video.
