The transformations in the discovery of Warner Bros. do not seem to stop. Earlier this year, news of the merger rocked the entertainment scene, and headlines quickly broke when HBO Max announced some controversial changes at the end of the summer. Now, more news has come from the group, and it confirms that Cartoon Network Studios is now merging with Warner Bros. Animation.
according to collider, the news was shared in a company-wide meme where employees learned that Cartoon Network Studios and Warner Bros. Animation merging. The two studios will merge their animation teams as part of a “strategic realignment” of Warner Bros. Discovery.
This latest news comes shortly after trades announced another round of major layoffs at Warner Bros. Television Group. The company has laid off a total of 82 employees and has confirmed that 43 vacancies will not be filled in the future. These layoffs ranged from scripts to unrecorded TV shows as well as animation. And, of course, this announcement was the latest in several stinging moves by Warner Bros. Discovery for its catalog of animations.
In August, the Internet erupted when it learned that HBO Max was removing more than 30 animated series from its catalog including Infinity Train and other successful titles. These shows have been removed along with behind-the-scenes cancellations including Scoob: Holiday Haunt and Batgirl. Reports indicated that titles removed as part of cost-saving measures were being cut short, and animation creators were quick to criticize Warner Bros. Discovery for this unprecedented step.
Read more: A lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery accused of allegedly deceiving investors and lying about HBO Max Subs
Now, the company appears to be integrating its own animation studios, and netizens are rightly afraid of the move. The merger will inevitably reduce the company’s ability to create diverse animations. While Cartoon Network Studios focused on original projects like Primal and Steven Universe, Warner Bros. Don’t be shy about their interest in getting rid of pre-existing IP addresses. And by looking at what fans saw happen on HBO Max this summer, you can see why they were afraid of Cartoon Network’s merger while leaving the animation industry poorer overall.
What do you think of this latest behind-the-scenes transformation? Is this the right step for Cartoon Network’s future or…? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or follow me on Twitter @Megan Peters CB.
.
[ad_2]
