Global Animation Giants Passion Paris and ADN Announce Co-Production of Hit Webtoon ‘Hero Killer’ at Annecy Festival

ANNECY, FRANCE — In a move that underscores the intensifying synergy between South Korean digital storytelling and European animation expertise, Passion Paris and the French streaming platform ADN (Animation Digital Network) have officially confirmed their co-production of an animated series adaptation of the globally acclaimed webtoon "Hero Killer." The announcement, made during the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival, marks a significant milestone in the cross-continental pipeline of intellectual property, bringing one of Naver Webtoon’s most successful action titles to the international television market.

Main Facts: A Powerhouse Collaboration for a Global IP

The project is set to be helmed by David Pagaille, a director whose reputation for atmospheric storytelling was solidified with the critically acclaimed "Moonlit Bamboo Forest." The collaboration brings together Passion Paris—a subsidiary of the multi-Academy Award-winning Passion Pictures—and ADN, a leading European distributor and producer dedicated to animation.

"Hero Killer" is an adaptation of the high-octane action-fantasy webtoon originally published by Jaedam Media. Created by the creative duo of writer Kkulbeol and illustrator Beolkkul, the series has become a cornerstone of the Naver Webtoon platform, South Korea’s largest digital comic ecosystem. Since its debut, the series has garnered a massive following for its subversive take on the superhero genre, focusing on a world where the line between "hero" and "villain" is blurred by corruption, power, and revenge.

The production will utilize the combined resources of Passion Paris’s high-end animation studio and ADN’s deep understanding of the anime and action-fantasy market. While a release date has not yet been finalized, the production has already launched its official digital presence, including a dedicated website and social media channels on X and Instagram, signaling that the project is moving into an active phase of development.

Chronology: From Tease to Transformation

The path to Wednesday’s announcement was carefully choreographed to maximize impact during the Annecy Festival, the world’s premier event for the animation industry.

• Monday, June 8, 2026: Passion Paris and Passion London issued a "teasing announcement" via industry trade publications, hinting at a major webtoon-to-anime pipeline. The teaser sparked immediate speculation among fans and industry analysts regarding which high-profile Naver titles might be moving into production.
• Wednesday, June 10, 2026: At a dedicated presentation during the Annecy Festival, the partners officially unveiled "Hero Killer" as the flagship project of their new co-production slate. The reveal was accompanied by the release of an exclusive illustration from the original creators, Kkulbeol and Beolkkul, as well as the first official teaser visual for the series.
• The Annecy Presentation: The project was presented as part of a "strong line-up" of Passion Pictures projects. The timing was strategic, allowing the producers to pitch the project to international distributors and streaming partners who congregate at the festival to secure high-quality content.
• Digital Launch: Simultaneously with the festival announcement, the production team went live with herokiller-anime.com, providing a central hub for the "Hero Killer" community and establishing a direct-to-consumer communication line early in the production cycle.

Supporting Data: The Rise of the ‘Hero Killer’ Phenomenon

To understand the weight of this announcement, one must look at the statistical success of the source material. "Hero Killer" is not merely a popular comic; it is a global digital phenomenon.

1. Scale and Reach: The webtoon has been translated into 10 languages, reaching audiences across Asia, North America, and Europe. This multi-lingual availability has allowed it to cultivate a diverse, international fanbase long before the animation was greenlit.
2. Longevity: With over 250 published episodes, the series offers a deep well of narrative content. For a production company, this longevity is a critical asset, providing enough "lore" and plot progression to sustain multiple seasons of an animated series.
3. Platform Dominance: On Naver Webtoon (and its international arm, Webtoon), "Hero Killer" consistently ranks among the top-tier action titles. In an era where streaming platforms are desperate for proven IP with built-in audiences, "Hero Killer" represents a low-risk, high-reward investment.
4. Creative Pedigree: The director, David Pagaille, is known for a visual style that emphasizes mood and fluid action. His previous work on "Moonlit Bamboo Forest" demonstrated an ability to handle complex emotional beats within a fantasy framework, making him a natural fit for the "Hero Killer" universe.

The story follows Ihwa, a young woman seeking vengeance in a world where "Heroes" are the ruling elite. However, these heroes are far from altruistic; they are often corrupt, self-serving, and brutal. Ihwa’s journey to hunt down the hero who killed her sister places her in the crosshairs of a massive conspiracy, forcing her to become the very thing the world fears: a hero killer.

Official Responses: Vision and Ambition

Leadership from both Passion Paris and ADN expressed profound enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the "cinematic" potential of the adaptation.

Caroline Audebert, Managing Director of Passion Paris, highlighted the narrative depth that drew the studio to the project. "‘Hero Killer’ immediately captured our imagination," Audebert stated. "It’s a bold, emotionally charged story with a fascinating heroine at its center. At Passion, we’re always looking for projects that push us forward creatively, and ‘Hero Killer’ offers a rare combination of cinematic action, compelling characters, and an expansive universe. We’re thrilled to be working with ADN and our partners to bring this remarkable property to the screen and introduce it to audiences around the world."

Bastien Guetta, Head of Content Development at ADN, echoed these sentiments, focusing on the visual and market appeal of the title. "To us, ‘Hero Killer’ stands out as one of the most exciting and visually striking action webtoons of its generation," said Guetta. "Beyond its spectacular battles and unique visual identity, it features a compelling heroine and a rich cast of characters that have already captivated millions of readers worldwide."

Guetta’s comments suggest that ADN views "Hero Killer" as a cornerstone of its strategy to move beyond mere distribution and into the creation of "prestige" animated content that can compete with high-budget Japanese anime and American adult animation.

Implications: The Future of the Webtoon-to-Anime Pipeline

The co-production of "Hero Killer" is indicative of several broader trends currently reshaping the global entertainment landscape.

1. The "Hallyu" Expansion into Animation
While South Korean live-action dramas (K-Dramas) and music (K-Pop) have dominated global charts for years, the "A-Webtoon" (Anime based on Webtoons) trend is the next frontier. Successes like "Solo Leveling," "Tower of God," and "The God of High School" have proven that Korean digital comics can be successfully translated into the anime format, attracting millions of viewers on platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix. "Hero Killer" is the latest—and perhaps one of the most stylistically ambitious—entries in this movement.

2. The European-Korean Production Model
Traditionally, webtoon adaptations have been handled by Japanese studios (such as MAPPA or Ufotable). The decision to house the production of "Hero Killer" at Passion Paris in France represents a shift. It suggests that European studios are increasingly seen as viable hubs for high-action, "anime-style" content. This partnership allows for a unique creative fusion: Korean narrative sensibilities paired with French animation artistry, which has long been regarded as some of the best in the world.

3. The Battle for "Mature" Action IP
There is a growing market for animation that targets older teenagers and adults—audiences who grew up on "shonen" anime but are looking for more complex, morally gray storytelling. "Hero Killer," with its themes of revenge, systemic corruption, and its "anti-hero" protagonist, fits perfectly into this niche. By securing this IP, ADN and Passion Paris are positioning themselves to capture a demographic that is currently underserved by traditional "all-ages" Western animation.

4. Strategic Transmedia Storytelling
The simultaneous launch of social media channels and a dedicated website suggests a "transmedia" approach. The producers are not just making a show; they are building a brand. In the modern media environment, the community surrounding an IP is as important as the content itself. By engaging with the existing millions of webtoon readers early, the production team is ensuring a "warm" launch for the series.

Conclusion

As the Annecy International Animation Film Festival continues, the "Hero Killer" announcement remains one of its most talked-about highlights. By combining the narrative engine of a top-tier South Korean webtoon with the directorial vision of David Pagaille and the production muscle of Passion Paris and ADN, the project is poised to be a significant contender in the global animation market. For fans of the original webtoon, the promise of seeing Ihwa’s brutal quest for justice rendered with cinematic quality is a long-awaited dream. For the industry, it is a clear signal that the future of animation is increasingly collaborative, borderless, and bold.