DC Announces Batman: Knightfall Animated Premiere in 2026

DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation have announced that the first installment of an animated adaptation of the iconic Batman: Knightfall comic saga will premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France from June 21 to 27, 2026. Titled Batman: Knightfall Part 1 - Knightfall, the film marks the beginning of a multipart project bringing the 1993-1994 storyline to life, directed by Jeff Wamester and written by Jeremy Adams.

The story centers on the villain Bane, who frees Batman's entire Rogues Gallery from Arkham Asylum, pushing the Caped Crusader to his mental and physical limits. Drawing directly from the source material, the narrative features the infamous moment when Bane breaks Bruce Wayne's back and the subsequent replacement of Batman by Jean-Paul Valley, known as Azrael, who adopts a more violent approach. Once recovered, Wayne reclaims his role as the Dark Knight. The film also includes Tim Drake as Robin, staying faithful to the comics' portrayal of the character. With a runtime of one hour and 18 minutes, it promises an intense exploration of one of Batman's most beloved arcs, previously echoed in Christopher Nolan's 2012 live-action film The...