A new, expansive comedy universe, dubbed the "Absurdaverse," is currently in development, spearheaded by Dan Houser, a co-creator of the hugely successful video game series Grand Theft Auto, alongside his writing partner Lazlow Jones. This ambitious project is envisioned as an interlinked universe of animated satire, featuring a diverse array of comedic talent.

The Absurdaverse will launch with a series of animated shorts, all set within the same fictional universe. These shorts are slated to make their debut at the Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival on May 7, 2026. Beyond the initial shorts, the Absurdaverse will expand to include an ongoing animated series and an open-world video game, both of which are actively in development. The festival event itself will not only showcase the shorts but also feature live stand-up performances by renowned comedians such as Patton Oswalt and several Absurdaverse cast members, including Dan Soder, Ari Matti, Yamaneika Saunders, Steph Tolev, and host Annie Lederman.

A solid lineup of comedic talent will lend their voices to the project, bringing a range of unique characters to life. The cast includes Rachel Dratch (known for Saturday Night Live), Dan Soder (from Billions), Yamaneika Saunders (Life and Beth), Steph Tolev (Shifting Gears), and rising stand-up comedians Ari Matti and Samantha Alton. Among the characters listeners can expect are a "Chief People Officer" who remarkably believes he is a DJ, voiced by Dan Soder, and a conspiracy-minded podcaster, brought to life by Rachel Dratch, alongside many other unique personalities.

Dan Houser's background is deeply rooted in the video game industry. A British writer and producer, he co-founded Rockstar Games with his brother, Sam Houser. He began his game-producing and writing career with Grand Theft Auto: London 1969, an expansion pack for the original Grand Theft Auto game. He subsequently became a primary creative force behind numerous iconic titles, including subsequent GTA games, the Western-themed Red Dead Redemption and its sequel, the private school satire Bully, and the noir-themed Max Payne 3. Although the Houser brothers generally avoided the spotlight, their story was dramatized in the BBC2 docudrama "The Gamechangers," where Dan was portrayed by Ian Attard and Sam by Daniel Radcliffe. In 2009, both brothers were recognized in Time magazine's list of the 100 Most Influential People. Dan Houser ultimately departed Rockstar in 2020. The animated shorts for the Absurdaverse are produced by Dave Newberg, with character designs by Kendra Melton, and animated by Cutting Class Media.

Alongside the news of the Absurdaverse, Collider presented an engaging "Action Hero Quiz" designed to help individuals discover their perfect action hero partner. This interactive quiz evaluates preferences and reactions to dangerous situations, travel styles, and enemy encounters, ultimately pairing users with one of five legendary action figures.

The legendary action heroes featured in the quiz and their partner profiles include:

Rambo: The ideal partner for those who value quiet ferocity and unmatched survival skills. Rambo is a man of few words, instinctively assessing threats and possessing an extraordinary capacity for endurance. He is intensely loyal and will never abandon a partner who deserves to come home, making him a formidable and dependable ally.

James Bond: For partners who appreciate professional danger wrapped in disarming charm and style. Bond operates with layers of deception and leverages every advantage without hesitation. He guarantees excitement and efficiency, surviving impossible situations with remarkable flair, proving invaluable when missions are on the line.

Indiana Jones: A brilliant yet reckless partner, offering irreplaceable knowledge of history, language, and culture combined with a brawler's instinct. While he might slow things down with his personal attachments to relics or his aversion to snakes, his resourcefulness and deep understanding make him an effective, adventurous, and unique companion.

John McClane: The quintessential accidental hero whose superpower is stubbornness and improvisation. McClane is defined by his refusal to accept defeat, his capacity to absorb punishment, and his sarcastic wit. Despite making situations more chaotic, he is unconditionally dependable in a crisis, always coming through when it counts.

Ethan Hunt: An exceptional partner who operates at the pinnacle of human capability, combining technical, physical, and intellectual prowess. Hunt runs countless scenarios and devises intricate plans, often involving the seemingly impossible. He carries the full weight of the mission, demanding trust from his partners, a trust that is consistently proven to be well-placed, ensuring impossible missions are completed.