Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar Games, has unveiled the initial voice cast for his eagerly anticipated TV and video game franchise, “Absurdaverse.” This announcement precedes a formal first look at the project slated for next month at the Netflix Is A Joke Festival. Described as an “interconnected comedy satire universe,” the “Absurdaverse” is currently developing an untitled animated series and an untitled original AAA story-driven open-world video game project.

The first round of voice castings features notable comedic talent, including Rachel Dratch, Dan Soder, Ari Matti, Annie Lederman, Yamaneika Saunders, and Steph Tolev, who are set to lend their voices across various projects within the franchise. Absurd Ventures, Houser’s media company, anticipates a “cast of hundreds” for both the animated series and video game, with additional actors to be announced at a later date. This initial lineup of comedy veterans and standup stars will be prominently featured in the “Absurdaverse” animated shorts.

These animated shorts will debut at an exclusive live comedy event on May 7 at The Hollywood Improv in Los Angeles, as part of the Netflix Is A Joke Festival. Attendees will be introduced to an ensemble of "eclectic and unhinged characters," such as a Chief People Officer who manages his job like a DJ residency (voiced by Dan Soder), a chain-smoking sovereign citizen podcaster (voiced by Rachel Dratch), and an insane MMA fighter (voiced by Samantha Alton). The event will also feature live standup performances from Patton Oswalt and Absurdaverse cast members Dan Soder, Ari Matti, Yamaneika Saunders, Steph Tolev, with Annie Lederman hosting.

The "Absurdaverse" project is a creation of Dan Houser and his long-time writing partner, Jeffrey “Lazlow” Jones. Houser launched Absurd Ventures after his departure from Rockstar Games in 2020, where he and Jones collaborated extensively on iconic franchises like “Grand Theft Auto” and “Red Dead Redemption.” Houser's previous work within the “GTA” universe includes fan-favorite satirical animated TV shows and cartoons such as “Princess Robot Bubblegum,” “Kung Fu Rainbow Laser Force,” “Republican Space Rangers,” and ”The Loneliest Robot in Great Britain.”

Production of the “Absurdaverse” animated shorts is helmed by Dave Newberg, with character designs by Kendra Melton, known for her work on “Rick & Morty” and “The Venture Bros.” Animation is provided by Cutting Class Media. Both Houser and Lazlow emphasized their commitment to comedy, satire, and immersive media universes. Lazlow stated, “We always loved making those animated shows starting with GTA4 and expanding through all the games that followed. The Absurdaverse is our evolution of that tradition, partnering with comedians to bring these ridiculous characters to life with stories that will cross over between animation and open world games.” Houser added his anticipation for introducing the new characters from their next universe through these shorts.

Absurd Ventures has indicated that release windows and platform partners for both the untitled animated series and the AAA open-world action-adventure game will be revealed at a subsequent date.