One of the most iconic Batman sagas in comic book history is finally getting the full animated treatment. Warner Bros. Animation has announced that a multi-part animated film adaptation of Batman: Knightfall is officially in production. The first installment is set to premiere in 2026, with a specific release date to be revealed later.
Originally published between 1993 and 1994, Batman: Knightfall is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most impactful Batman storylines ever written. The epic storyline unfolded across three major arcs and was crafted by some of the most influential Batman creators of the era, including Doug Moench, Chuck Dixon, Alan Grant, Dennis O’Neil, Peter David, Jo Duffy, Jim Aparo, Graham Nolan, Norm Breyfogle, and Jim Balent. Its influence has remained a part of Batman lore for decades, shaping how audiences view both Bruce Wayne and some of his most fearsome adversaries.
The official logline for the animated film sets the stage for a dark and intense narrative: “When the mysterious behemoth known only as Bane frees Batman’s entire Rogue’s Gallery from Arkham Asylum, the Caped Crusader is pushed to his mental and physical breaking point.” Fans familiar with the original comics know that Knightfall is the story that pushed Batman beyond his limits, culminating in one of the character’s most famous defeats and one of the most unforgettable confrontations with the villain Bane.
“Batman: Knightfall Part 1: Knightfall” will be directed by Jeff Wamester and written by Jeremy Adams, with Rick Morales serving as supervising producer. Jim Krieg and Kimberly S. Moreau are also on board as producers, while Sam Register and Michael Uslan—both longtime Batman stewards—will executive produce.
Interestingly, while the storyline has never been adapted directly before, elements of Knightfall have appeared in various Batman projects. Most notably, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises drew heavily from the arc, featuring Christian Bale’s Batman facing Tom Hardy’s calculating and physically imposing Bane. References to the comic have also surfaced in animated series, games, and other Batman media, but this marks the first faithful, multi-part adaptation.
Warner Bros. Animation has produced several acclaimed Batman animated features over the years, including Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Batman: Under the Red Hood, and Batman: Death in the Family. With Knightfall joining their lineup, fans can expect a gritty, powerful exploration of one of the Dark Knight’s most defining battles—one that reshaped the Batman mythos and tested the hero in ways few stories ever have.
