Warner Brothers has made a heart-wrenching decision by removing its entire catalog of original Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max, leaving fans devastated. These iconic shorts, which spanned nearly four decades from 1930 to 1969, represent a "golden age" of animation and have been integral to the studio's legacy. It's undeniable that these shorts played a crucial role in shaping Warner Brothers into the powerhouse it is today.
According to Deadline, this move aligns with the company's strategy to focus on adult and family programming, as children's content reportedly doesn't pull in significant viewership numbers. This decision seemingly overlooks the immense cultural significance of the Looney Tunes. For instance, at the end of 2024, HBO opted out of its deal with Sesame Street for new episodes, despite the show's foundational role in childhood education since 1969. While some newer Looney Tunes spin-offs remain available on HBO Max, the essence of the franchise's history has been stripped away.
This move against the Looney Tunes legacy is particularly jarring given the recent release of the new film, The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Story, which hit theaters on March 14. Initially commissioned by Max, the film was sold to Ketchup Entertainment through the American Film Market following the Warner Brothers and Discovery merger. The modest marketing efforts by the smaller distributor have resulted in the film earning just over $3 million at the box office during its opening weekend across more than 2,800 theaters nationwide.
The timing is perplexing, especially considering the public outcry over the handling of last year's Coyote Vs. Acme. Warner Brothers Discovery chose not to release this completed Looney Tunes film, citing high distribution costs. The backlash from this decision was significant, with artists and animation enthusiasts expressing their frustration. In February, actor Will Forte labeled the decision as "f—king bulls—t," and admitted it was "inexplicable" and made his "blood boil."
The removal of the Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max, combined with the mishandling of recent films, raises concerns about the future of this cherished franchise. Fans are left wondering if Warner Brothers truly understands the value of its animated heritage.
