Crunchyroll has grown exponentially in the past year. Following its three million subscriber milestone, the company gained another million in just six months. This milestone has been met with more than just celebration. The company has also announced a brand new animated series that is created by Idris and Sabrina Elba.
The working title, Dantai, is an afro-futuristic dark fantasy series that looks to stand out by telling a unique and wholly original idea. Crunchyroll General Manager Joanne Waage stated, “For more than a decade, through anime and anime-inspired Originals, Crunchyroll has been leading the charge for the popularization of adult dramatic animation and we are fast becoming the epicenter for the next generation of animation fans, as is evidenced by our incredible growth in registered users and subscribers. Gens Y and Z have experienced superhero fatigue and are hungry for the new stories and ideas that our creators tell. This development deal with Sabrina and Idris Elba is another example of how we’re working with best-in-class partners to bring in new audiences and tell fresh and compelling stories through a medium that transcends genres and generations.”
Sarah Victor, Crunchyroll Head of Development, also commented, “We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Idris and Sabrina to develop this anime-inspired sci-fi epic, it is a privilege to work with such talented, creative partners and we look forward to bringing this exciting project to life.” The Elbas are also huge fans of the genre and expressed their interest by saying, “We’re really excited to be announcing this deal on our first anime. We’re both fans of the genre and see a huge opportunity to create something unique for a powerhouse like Crunchyroll. The story of ‘Dantai’ is our first collaboration as producers together and is one that is close to our hearts.”
Rarely, a project comes along that so many people seem invested in. That excitement is contagious and is sure to help deliver the best possible version of the series that is available. Dantai (Working Title) won't be coming for some time, but fans can still celebrate by subscribing to Crunchyroll and enjoying thousands of hours of content.
We would love to hear thoughts from the fans about this new content and the milestone. Make sure to share your thought in the comments below!
Currently in development, the Afro-futuristic science fiction series will be set in a city where the rise of biotechnology has created an ever-widening gap between the haves and have-nots. Two rising stars from either side of this divide are pitted against each other in a story that will ultimately explore equality and kinship within a corrupt society.
Dantai (working title) is in development for Crunchyroll!