Historic Looney Tunes Shorts Removed From HBO Max on Looney Tunes Movie Opening Weekend

Warner Brothers' recent removal of its classic Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max has sent shockwaves through animation fans and critics alike. This decision, impacting nearly 40 years of iconic animation (1930-1969), represents a significant blow to the legacy of a franchise considered foundational to Warner Brothers' success. Deadline reports the removal is part of a corporate strategy to focus on adult and family programming, prioritizing viewership numbers over cultural significance. This prioritization is further evidenced by HBO's cancellation of its Sesame Street deal in late 2024, despite the show's longstanding contribution to children's education. While some newer Looney Tunes projects remain on HBO Max, the core of the franchise is now absent.

This action is particularly perplexing given the recent theatrical release of The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Story on March 14th. Initially an HBO Max project, the film was sold to Ketchup Entertainment following the Warner Bros. Discovery merger. The film's modest box office performance (just over $3 million opening weekend across 2,800 theaters) suggests limited marketing support. This contrasts sharply with the outrage surrounding the unreleased Coyote Vs. Acme, a situation that highlights the potential audience interest that may have been overlooked. Last year's decision to shelve Coyote Vs. Acme due to perceived high distribution costs fueled significant criticism from artists and animation enthusiasts. In February, star Will Forte famously voiced his frustration, calling the decision "f—king bulls—t" and expressing his anger at the inexplicable choice.