Sam Register, the longtime president of Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe, is leaving the company next week as his contract expires. The departure was announced internally by Channing Dungey, chair and CEO of Warner Bros. Television Group and U.S. Networks, who said the two sides “mutually agreed not to renew his contract.”
Register’s exit marks the end of a three-decade tenure at the company, where he oversaw some of the most recognizable animated franchises in entertainment. During his leadership, Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios produced a wide range of series and films, from beloved classics to modern hits, cementing the studios’ place in the animation industry. His role also included stewardship of Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe, which has been behind recent productions like “The Heroic Quest of the Valiant Prince Ivandoe.”
Dungey’s memo, sent to staffers, did not name a successor, leaving the future leadership of the animation units uncertain. Register’s departure comes at a time when the animation industry is navigating shifts in streaming demand, production costs, and the consolidation of media properties. His exit is one of several high-profile changes in the entertainment landscape, as companies adjust to evolving audience habits and corporate restructuring.
Register joined Warner Bros. in the 1990s and rose through the ranks, becoming president of Warner Bros. Animation in 2007 and later expanding his oversight to Cartoon Network Studios and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe. He was instrumental in reviving classic characters and launching new franchises, including “Teen Titans Go!,” “Adventure Time,” and the recent “Looney Tunes Cartoons.” His work earned multiple Emmy nominations and wins, and he was widely respected for his creative vision and collaborative approach.
The news has resonated across the animation community, with many industry insiders noting the impact of his leadership on both the creative and business sides of the studios. Register’s departure is seen as a significant moment for Warner Bros. Discovery, which has been streamlining its operations under CEO David Zaslav. The company has faced criticism for shelving completed projects and cutting costs, but Register’s exit appears to be a personal decision, as both he and Dungey described it as mutual.
As the studios prepare for a transition, questions remain about the direction of their upcoming slate, which includes new “Batman” and “Superman” animated projects, as well as the continuation of popular series like “Rick and Morty” and “Harley Quinn.” Register’s successor will inherit a portfolio that spans television, streaming, and theatrical releases, with a legacy of innovation and fan engagement.
Staffers were informed of the change in the memo, which praised Register’s contributions and wished him well in his future endeavors. Register has not announced his next move, but given his track record, he is likely to remain a prominent figure in the animation world. For now, the industry watches to see who will step into his shoes and how the studios will evolve under new leadership.