Fantasy fans, get ready to enter the world of feral clans, supernatural powers, and epic battles—because Warrior Cats is finally getting the screen adaptation it deserves. The beloved book series, which has sold over 90 million copies worldwide since its debut in 2003, is being developed as an animated TV series by Chinese media giant Tencent Video and publisher Coolabi Group.
Leading the charge is A.C. Bradley, best known for her work as head writer on Marvel's What If…? She'll serve as showrunner, while Rodrigo Blaas, a veteran of Trollhunters, will direct. The series will adapt the first story arc, The Prophecies Begin, which introduced readers to the five warring clans of feral cats: ThunderClan, WindClan, RiverClan, ShadowClan, and SkyClan.
This isn't the first attempt to bring Warrior Cats to the screen. A decade ago, Harry Potter producer David Heyman optioned the rights for a hybrid live-action/computer-animated film, but that project never materialized. Now, with the fantasy TV boom in full swing—and hits like Arcane and X-Men '97 proving animated fantasy can dominate streaming—the timing feels perfect.
What Is Warrior Cats About?
Written under the collective pseudonym Erin Hunter (a group of authors), the Warrior Cats books follow the lives of feral cats organized into five clans, each with unique supernatural abilities. The cats face internal power struggles, rogue predators, and even a terrifying mountain lion. Heroes who die in battle join the StarClan, a spirit realm that guides the living, while villains are condemned to the hellish Dark Forest. The series boasts a massive cast, deep lore, and a fiercely dedicated fanbase that has already spawned manga, graphic novels, and video games.
For those new to the franchise, think of it as Game of Thrones with whiskers—political intrigue, clan warfare, and a rich mythology that spans nine multi-book arcs. The series has been a staple in middle-grade and young adult fantasy for over two decades, and its social media following remains enormous.
Production and Release Details
The animated series is a co-production between Tencent Video and Coolabi Group. Coolabi has also partnered with Bonkers Toys for the first-ever Warrior Cats toyline, signaling a major push to expand the brand. The show is expected to debut on streaming in 2028, initially within Tencent's Asian markets. A global streaming partner has not yet been announced, but given the franchise's international popularity, a wider rollout seems likely.
While we wait, fans can revisit other standout animated fantasy series. For example, Netflix's Castlevania set the gold standard for gothic fantasy adaptations, and Galavant remains a cult favorite for those who love fantasy with a comedic twist.
With A.C. Bradley's proven ability to juggle complex narratives and Rodrigo Blaas's animation expertise, this adaptation has the potential to be the definitive version of Erin Hunter's sprawling saga. The clans are gathering—and the prophecy is finally coming to life.
