Batman returns to animation with a massive project. In 2026, the animated feature film Batman: Knightfall Part 1: Knightfall launches a new saga centered on the cult comic book arc of the 90s where the Dark Knight faces the merciless Bane.
Announced as a “multi-part animated event” by DC Studios And Warner Bros. Animationthis first film will have its world premiere next month at Annecy International Animated Film Festival 2026. It will serve as a gateway to a Knightfall animated trilogy already highly anticipated by fans.
Batman Knightfall: what do you need to know about this new Batman animated film?
Batman: Knightfall Part 1: Knightfall is an animated feature film produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC Studios And Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. This is the first part of a three-part adaptation of the arc Batman: Knightfallpublished in 1993 1994 and often split into Knightfall, Knightquest and KnightsEnd.
The implementation is ensured by Jeff Wamesteralready at the helm of several DC animated films, while the screenplay is signed Jeremy Adamsregular pen at DC. This animated trilogy will evolve in parallel with live action projects like The Batman Part II Or The Brave and the Boldwithout a direct link of continuity.
Knightfall trilogy: how will this first Batman film put Bane to the test of canon?
In the comics, Knightfall tells how Banestrategist on Venom steroids, takes on Batman by freeing the inmates of Arkham Asylum. The knight of Gotham must then exhaust his strength against his entire rogue’s gallery before facing a fresh Bane ready to break him.
The official synopsis of the film follows this pattern, indicating that Bane frees “Batman’s entire rogue’s gallery at Arkham Asylum”, pushing the hero to his limits. This first part is expected to cover the rise of Bane and the fall of Batman, while the following two films are expected to explore the consequences of this historic defeat.
Batman: Knightfall Part 1 in Annecy: when and how to see the animated film in France?
Batman: Knightfall Part 1: Knightfall will be screened as a world premiere at Annecy International Animated Film Festivalwhich takes place from June 21 to 27, 2026. The feature film is included in the “World’s Finest Animation: DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation” showcase, presented by Peter Safran And Sam Register alongside series like Mister Miracle Or Batman: Caped Crusader season 2.
Today, no screening date or time is yet listed, but the accredited public of Annecy will be the first in the world to see this new Batman film in theaters. For the rest of the spectators, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is aiming for release in 2026, probably first on video on demand and Blu ray, before broadcast on partner streaming platforms.