WEBTOON Phenomenon Lumine Heads to Animation: Franco-American Co-Production Brings 550M+ View Global Fantasy Is Coming

WEBTOON Productions and Paris-based independent animation studio OuiDo! Productions have officially announced the joint development of an animated series adaptation of Emma Krogell’s globally beloved WEBTOON series Lumine in 2026Annecy International Animation Film Festival MIFA Market . This project represents another strategic milestone in WEBTOON Entertainment’s global push for IP adaptation, and marks a pivotal moment for North American original webcomics in the global animation value chain.

The Work Itself: A Modern Fantasy Fable of Belonging and Bonds

Set in a world where weredogs, witches, and humans coexist, Lumine follows a down-on-his-luck weredog boy who, with nowhere else to turn, is hired by Kody—an antisocial witch boy—as his bodyguard. One causes trouble wherever he goes; the other attracts trouble like a magnet. Without realizing it, Lumine stumbles paws-first into a family full of secrets. Kody is plagued by shadows, and his motivations for hiring Lumine are far from simple. Things are more dangerous than Lumine bargained for—and this is only the beginning.

Serialized on WEBTOON from 2017 to 2024 (with a hiatus), the series has amassed over 550 million views. It has been translated from English into French, Spanish, German, and Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), and published in four graphic novel volumes by Penguin Random House and WEBTOON Unscrolled. Its core appeal lies in a warm story about “belonging” and “found family,” wrapped in a visually imaginative blend of fantasy, humor, and mystery—the very elements that have enabled it to transcend cultures and resonate with readers worldwide.

The Significance of Adaptation: From “Platform” to “Studio”—A Strategic Leap

The Lumine adaptation is far more than a simple “comic-to-screen” conversion. It carries the weight of WEBTOON Entertainment’s long-term global IP strategy, in motion since its rebranding from “Wattpad Webtoon Studios” in 2017.

First, WEBTOON’s “studio transformation” accelerates. In recent years, WEBTOON Productions has built a formidable animation development network: the January 2026 greenlight of the Lore Olympus animated series with Prime Video and The Jim Henson Company; a co-production deal with Warner Bros. Animation for ten fan-favorite WEBTOON adaptations; GOSU with Toei Animation and Studio Mir; Eleceed with DandeLion Animation Studio; and Apocalyptic Horseplay helmed by Workaholics co-creator Dominic Russo. The addition of Lumine completes this lineup—demonstrating WEBTOON’s ability to transform not only Asian IP but also North American original IP into global animation products.

Second, the Franco-American partnership sets an industry precedent. The choice of French studio OuiDo! Productions carries deep strategic significance. With 25 years of animation expertise, OuiDo!’s portfolio includes Disney Jr.’s Magicampers and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, the SEGA co-production Sonic Boom, and ALVINNN!!! and The Chipmunks co-produced with Bagdasarian Productions. In 2025, OuiDo! repurchased its shares from Technicolor Animation Productions and transformed into a full media group covering production, distribution, and licensing—with a dedicated studio for teen and adult animation. Lumine is the flagship project of this new strategy.

This is a two-way synergy: WEBTOON brings deep insight into global fan communities and creator-led ecosystems; OuiDo! brings European animation craftsmanship and cross-cultural storytelling expertise. At a time when Asian animation is on the rise, this “North American IP + European production” model offers a new template for diversified collaboration across the global animation industry.

Third, the value realization of the creator economy. Emma Krogell started as an independent webcomic creator, built a global readership through WEBTOON, saw her work published by Penguin Random House, and now has it adapted by an international animation studio. This path clearly demonstrates how the “fan-driven” creator economy can unlock value across the entire industry chain. Alongside creators like Lore Olympus’s Rachel Smythe, Krogell is redefining how IP moves from digital-native content to mainstream media.

The Creative Team: Experience Meets Passion

The series will be helmed by screenwriter Bryan Q. Miller (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Smallville) as showrunner and co-writer, working alongside OuiDo! Productions CEO Sandrine Nguyen and her creative team. WEBTOON Productions President David Madden and Head of Global Animation Sydney Bright will executive produce alongside OuiDo!’s Nguyen and President Boris Hertzog.

Sandrine Nguyen, CEO of OuiDo! Productions, commented: “Lumine is exactly the kind of project we love to champion at OuiDo!: a beloved world, memorable characters, and a story with true emotional resonance. We are so excited to partner with WEBTOON Productions, whose deep understanding of creator-led franchises and global fan communities is invaluable. Having Bryan Q. Miller on board is another tremendous strength for the adaptation, bringing exceptional experience in crafting compelling character journeys. Together, we look forward to bringing Emma Krogell’s extraordinary world to animation for audiences worldwide.”

David Madden, President of WEBTOON Productions, added: “WEBTOON has transformed visual storytelling, and there is an enormous opportunity for us to adapt these incredible stories into new animated TV and film projects. Fans around the world have connected with Lumine because of its incredibly lovable characters, emotional friendships, and unique blend of fantasy, humor, and mystery. At its core, it’s a story about belonging and found family wrapped in a visually imaginative world, which makes it especially exciting to bring to animation alongside OuiDo!, who brings expertise in developing animated entertainment from tentpole IP.”

Looking Ahead: A More Inclusive Era of Global Animation

The Lumine adaptation offers a glimpse into an emerging landscape—one where a work’s “origin” is no longer a barrier to global reach. A comic created by a North American author on a digital platform can be produced into a series by a top European animation studio and ultimately reach audiences in every corner of the world. WEBTOON is building the infrastructure for this vision through its fan-driven production model.

When Lumine eventually reaches screens, audiences will see not just a fantasy tale of a weredog and a witch boy, but a vivid example of how digital-era content globalization can work—and thrive—across borders, cultures, and creative traditions.