InThis Week in Animation News, I’ll take a look at the previous week in the world of animation in order to get you caught up on everything you might have missed. It’s your one-stop shop for news regarding cartoons, anime, and animated web series. We’re talking movies, TV shows, digital shorts, and everything in between!
Another busy week in animation news! For the youngsters out there, we have good news: some preschool animated series are on the way, includingMarvel Super Hero AdventuresandTop Wing. We also have word on some new animated series that are in the works, includingConstantine,Paddington,Ron’s Gone Wrong, andWatchdog. Plus, a thrilling new character trailer for Rooster Teeth’sRWBYVolume 5 arrives along with the new season’s debut, and the announcement of new, limited editionAttack on Titananime episodes!
On the movie side of things,Teen Titans Go! to the Moviesconfirms its super-heroic voice cast,Samurai Jackreturns to theaters ahead of the Season 5 and Complete Series Blu-ray release next week, and the awards contender/animated shortFox and the Whalegoes online for your viewing pleasure. And that’s just scratching the surface on this week’s insane amount of animation news.
For the latest animation stories we’ve already covered on the site this week, take a look at the following links. Then, check out a selection of new stories below. Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments!
New ‘RWBY’ Trailer Focuses on Yang
You know that Ruby is unstoppable with her scythe, but Yang knows the true power of hand-to-hand combat. In the midst of a weapon-free training session, can Yang convince her sister of the importance of fighting without a weapon? Watch to see what happens, and tune in TODAY with your FIRST membership to see Chapter 1 of RWBY Volume 5!
Keep an eye out for my review of the premiere coming soon! In the meantime, here’s when/where you canwatch moreRWBY:
RWBY Volume 5 - Premieres July 25, 2025 on FIRST
Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang are each entangled in journeys of their own, but they all share one destination: Haven Academy. Whether it’s the promise of ancient relics, mystical maidens, or simply more power, it’s clear that the stage for the next great battle for Remnant has been chosen. The question is, with so many players in this game, who’s going to come out on top?
RWBY REWIND - Premieres Live, June 25, 2025 only on FIRST
In RWBY Rewind,Rooster Teeth hosts Yssa Badiola (Fan Servicehost and Lead 2D Animator at Rooster Teeth Animation) and Chad James (Producer at ScrewAttack and voice of Boomstick inDeath Battle) catch up with the stars and crew behind RWBY, react to the series with fans, and provide exclusive sneak-peeks at upcoming episodes. RWBY REWIND airs live exclusively on FIRST the Tuesday after the premiere broadcast of new episodes of RWBY.
CRWBY: Behind the Episode - Premieres August 11, 2025 only on FIRST
Have you ever wondered how RWBY is made? Each week,CRWBY: Behind the Episodewill give you a peek at the magic, highlight the animation process, and introduce you to the animators, engineers, producers and artists who work tirelessly to bring the World of Remnant to life.CRWBY: Behind the Episodeairs exclusively on FIRST immediately following the premiere broadcast of new episodes of RWBY.
New ‘Attack on Titan’ Anime Episodes Coming Soon
AsCrunchyrollreports, new episodes of the hit animeAttack on Titanare on the way sooner than expected. No, it’s not a new season but rather a trio of OAD (original animation DVDs) adapting the “Lost Girls” manga issues. Series creatorHajime Isayamawill supervise the stories about Mikasa Ackerman and Annie Leonhart. These limited editions OADs will be bundled with the upcoming manga releases. The latest issue ofBessatsu Shōnen Magazineoffered up the latest chapter of the manga along with the schedule of the planned episodes (Japanese release dates):
Get Your First Look at CW Seed’s ‘Constantine’ Animated Series
First Look! New York Comic Con attendees received a first look of Constantine, an all-new animated digital series from Warner Bros. Animation and Blue Ribbon Content following DC’s popular comic book character John Constantine (voiced by the live-action series starMatt Ryan), a seasoned demon hunter and master of the occult.
Armed with an arcane knowledge of the dark arts and a wicked wit, he fights the good fight. With his soul already damned to hell, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect the innocent. With the balance of good and evil on the line, Constantine uses his skills to face the supernatural terrors that threaten our world and send them back where they belong. After that, who knows…maybe there’s hope for him and his soul after all.
Executive produced byDavid S. Goyer,Greg BerlantiandSarah Schechter, the series, which will premiere on CW Seed, is produced byButch Lukic, written byJ.M. DeMatteisand directed byDoug Murphy.
Studiocanal to Bring an Animated ‘Paddington’ Series to Bear
AsVarietyreports, Studiocanal is forging ahead with their plan to bring newPaddingtonprojects into the world. The next ambitious phase, following the European production and distribution studio’s launch ofPaddington 2next month (arriving in the States early next year), involves an animated series totaling 52 episodes, at 11 minutes each, scheduled for release late next year or early in 2019. Based on authorMichael Bond’s stories, the target audience will be preschoolers, though it’s expected to have broad appeal. The company’s looking for franchise-building opportunities, especially concerning TV tie-ins to movie releases. WithPaddingtonbeing their flagship title, expect more to come in the near future!
‘DuckTales’ Premiere Tops Disney XD Viewership Records
The launch of Disney XD’s comedy adventure seriesDuckTalesin two back-to-back episodes ranked as the network’s #1 animated series launch in 2½ years in Total Viewers (662,000) and Kids 2-11 (311,000/0.8 rating), and its #1 animated launch in over 2 years in Kids 6-11 (164,000/0.7 rating) – since 3/20/15 (“Star vs. The Forces of Evil”) and 6/20/16 (“LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures”), respectively. 40% of all Kids 2-14 watched the premieres with an Adult 18-49.
The two episodes ranked #1 in the hour among Boys 2-11 (198,000/1.0 rating), Boys 6-11 (121,000/1.0 rating) and Boys 6-14 (144,000/0.8 rating), and was the #1 original entertainment cable TV telecast in Total Viewers.
To date,DuckTaleshas amassed nearly 50 million Total Views including reaching 26 million Total Viewers via linear TV, generating 20 million video views across key social media platforms led by YouTube with 14 million, and over 2 million views to date across Disney XD VOD, the Disney XD App and the Disney Channel App.
Sia and the Mane Six Sing “Rainbow” from ‘My Little Pony: The Movie’
Sing along with Sia and the Mane Six! Get “Rainbow” featured on the ‘My Little Pony: The Movie’ Official Soundtrack!
‘Teen Titans Go’ Movie Cast Revealed
Greg Cipesreturns as Beast Boy,Scott Menvilleas Robin,Khary Paytonas Cyborg,Tara Strongas Raven,Hynden Walchas Starfire, withWill ArnettandKristen Bell.Teen Titans Go! to the Movieson June 17, 2025.
‘Samurai Jack’ Movie and Complete Series Blu-ray Details
Fathom Events and Adult Swim bring the Emmy™ nominated series,Samurai Jack, to cinemas nationwide for a special premiere movie event featuring an interview with the creator on the beginnings ofSamurai Jack, and what the show means to him.
Be the first to see the remastered premiere movie from acclaimed Season 1, when “Samurai Jack: Premiere Movie Event” hits movie theatres for only one night.
Created by animation directorGenndy Tartakovsky,Samurai Jackfollows a young Samurai after he is sent to the future by the evil wizard, Aku. With the determination to defeat the wizard and undo his destruction, Jack sets off on a daring journey to return to the past and defeat Aku once and for all.
For tickets and participating theaters, visithttp://bit.ly/2wv6Gu7.
Samurai Jack: The Complete SeriesandSamurai Jack: Season Fiveboth arrive on Blu-ray onOctober 17, 2017.
The Complete Series special features include:
Halloween Safety Tips Courtesy of ‘Skylanders Academy’
Halloween is upon us! And everyone’s favorite evil genius, Kaos, is here to share his best tips to help you have a fun and safe Halloween.
‘Marvel Super Hero Adventures’ Series Launches for Preschool Audiences
Marvel has launched the first two of ten brand newMarvel Super Hero Adventuresshorts on Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and Marvel HQ, Marvel’s new kids and family YouTube destination. In Marvel’s first preschool audience-focused content, the shorts follow our favorite crime-fighting teenager, Spider-Man, as he reveals some of the most important things he’s learned while on action-packed adventures with other Marvel super heroes.
The first twoMarvel Super Hero Adventuresshorts appear below:
Marvel Super Hero Adventures- “One Big Mess”
When Ultron steals Tony Stark’s brand-new, high-tech garbage truck, Iron Man shows Spidey how to use problem-solving skills and inventiveness to stop the ravaging robot and clean up the city.
Marvel Super Hero Adventures- “Uh-Oh, it’s Magic”
Thor and Spidey enjoy a summer day at the pier until everyone’s fun is frozen over by the evil Loki. While our heroes try to break the icy spell, Thor reminds Spidey to always look out for the little guy.
The animated shorts mark Marvel’s first preschool audience-focused content. Each short is 3.5 minutes in length and there will be 10 shorts total premiering throughout the next month on multiple platforms. Classic iconic heroes likeIron Man, Thor, Hulk, Captain AmericaandAnt-Man, as well as emerging favorites likeBlack Panther, Captain Marvel, Wasp and Ms. Marvelwill make appearances in the episodes.
