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Warner Brothers has made a controversial decision by removing its entire catalog of original Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max, a move that has left fans and animation enthusiasts reeling. These shorts, which were produced from 1930 to 1969, are considered part of the "golden age" of animation and played a pivotal role in establishing Warner Brothers' reputation in the entertainment industry.
According to Deadline, the removal aligns with Warner Brothers' strategy to focus on adult and family programming, as children's content reportedly does not draw significant viewership on the streaming platform. This decision appears to overlook the cultural significance of the Looney Tunes series. Notably, HBO also ended its deal with Sesame Street for new episodes at the end of 2024, despite its longstanding role in early childhood education since 1969. While some newer Looney Tunes spinoffs remain available on HBO Max, the essence of the franchise's legacy has been stripped away.
The timing of this decision is particularly striking, given the recent release of the new film, The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Story, which premiered in theaters on March 14. Originally greenlit by Max, the project was sold to Ketchup Entertainment following the Warner Brothers and Discovery merger. With a modest marketing budget from the smaller distributor, the film managed to earn just over $3 million during its opening weekend across more than 2,800 theaters nationwide.
The outcry over the handling of Coyote Vs. Acme last year, another Looney Tunes film that Warner Brothers Discovery decided not to release despite its completion, has fueled further discontent. The decision not to distribute Coyote Vs. Acme due to high distribution costs has drawn widespread criticism from the artistic community. Actor Will Forte, who starred in the film, publicly condemned the decision as "f—king bulls—t," expressing frustration and anger over the studio's choice to shelve the completed project.
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