Vivienne Medrano to Direct Original Animated Feature 'Prehistoria' for Warner Bros. Pictures Animation
Online animation luminary Vivienne Medrano, widely recognized as "VivziePop," is embarking on an exciting new chapter, having secured a deal with Warner Bros. Pictures Animation to write and direct her inaugural theatrical feature film, titled Prehistoria. This groundbreaking project signals a pivotal moment for Medrano, whose unique storytelling and distinctive animation style have captivated a vast global audience through her web series Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss, both of which successfully transitioned from YouTube to Amazon Prime Video. Prehistoria is poised to be an original animated musical, envisioned as a "fossil fantasy" that will exist independently of Medrano's established "Hellaverse" universe, showcasing her versatility and innovative vision.
Vivienne Medrano's Feature Debut Unveiled at Annecy International Animation Festival
On June 22, 2026, a significant announcement reverberated through the animation world at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Festival. Warner Bros. Pictures Animation President Bill Damaschke officially revealed that Vivienne Medrano would be at the helm of an original animated musical film, Prehistoria. This collaboration underscores WBPA's forward-thinking strategy of partnering with influential online creators, particularly those like Medrano who have cultivated robust, direct connections with their fan bases, to draw in fresh audiences. Medrano expressed profound excitement about this venture, stating that bringing an original story she has cherished for years to life with a studio whose characters and narratives have deeply influenced her is a true dream come true. She eagerly anticipates sharing this imaginative "fossil fantasy" world with cinema-goers.
The film is being developed for a theatrical release, with additional details regarding its production and distribution anticipated as the project progresses. Prehistoria is a cornerstone of WBPA’s revamped slate of original animated features. This slate also includes the forthcoming original musical Bad Fairies, featuring the talents of Cynthia Erivo and Ncuti Gatwa, and The Lunar Chronicles, an adaptation of Marissa Meyer’s acclaimed book series. Both Bad Fairies and The Lunar Chronicles are collaborative efforts with Locksmith Animation. Medrano's representation for this venture includes CAA, Redefine Entertainment, and RLG.
This development is a testament to the evolving landscape of entertainment, where digital creators are increasingly bridging the gap between online platforms and traditional cinematic releases. Medrano's journey from a successful online animator to a feature film director at a major studio like Warner Bros. offers a compelling blueprint for how talent and unique vision, nurtured in the digital realm, can achieve mainstream recognition and impact. It highlights the growing importance of engaging diverse audiences through innovative storytelling approaches and validates the creative power of independent artists. Her entry into feature filmmaking is not just a personal milestone but also a significant moment for the animation industry, signaling a broader embrace of fresh voices and unconventional narratives.
