In the realm of beloved cartoons, few duos have captured our hearts quite like Wile E. Coyote and his trusty nemesis, the Acme brand. For generations, their hilarious, hapless battles have entertained audiences, inspiring a devoted fan base that continues to grow. Now, in a surprise move, the distributor behind the campy sci-fi disaster film “The Day the Earth Blew Up” is poised to breathe new life into the “Coyote vs. Acme” franchise, sending shockwaves of excitement through the entertainment industry. As the possibilities for this unexpected pairing begin to take shape, one thing is clear: the stage is set for a wildly entertaining revival that’s about to shake things up in a big way.
The Rocky Road to Theaters
Director Peter Browngardt’s challenges in bringing “The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie” to life
Overcoming corporate mergers, budget cuts, strikes, and a pandemic to get the film made
The film’s modest budget and how it affected its production and distribution
Source Information: The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie, the first-ever fully animated film based on the Looney Tunes characters, which hit U.S. theaters Dec. 13, almost didn’t happen. Several times. “At least three, four times during the production I was waiting for that phone call [to shut down the movie],” says director Peter Browngardt. “It was a rocky journey.” That’s putting it mildly. Browngardt was brought on in mid-2021 to produce and direct The Day the Earth Blew Up as his feature debut. Browngardt was a writer on the popular, and critically acclaimed, HBO Max Looney Tunes reboot, a series of new original shorts featuring the classic Tunes characters which seemed to prove there was an audience out there for more Looney. Browngardt and his writing team — some 15 writers and story consultants are credited on the movie — came up with an original idea involving Daffy Duck and Porky Pig uncovering a secret alien plot to take over the Earth via mind-control bubblegum. The two iconic characters have to save the planet without driving each other insane.
The Day the Earth Blew Up was planned as an original movie for Max but, like many WB projects — see Batgirl and Coyote vs. Acme — fell prey to restructuring following Warner Bros. merger with Discovery in early 2022. Warner allowed the producers to shop it around to independent buyers. After its world premiere at the Annecy Animation Film Festival this year, Ketchup Entertainment, an indie distributor not known for its kids’ programming (previous releases include Hellboy: The Crooked Man and Robert Rodriguez’ Hypnotic), snatched up domestic rights. The film will get an Oscar-qualifying run on December 13, before its 1,500-screen bow in February.
In a wide-ranging conversation with Unionjournalism, Browngardt recounts the battles, through corporate mergers, budget cuts, strikes and a pandemic, to get The Day the Earth Blew Up on the big screen. This whole project had such a crazy production history, starting as a series for Max, then becoming a feature film, then being shelved, then coming back. Was there a time when you despaired that this film was going to become, I don’t know, the next Batgirl and be canceled altogether?
About three different times, possibly four different times during production, I was waiting for that phone call [to shut down the movie]. It was a rocky journey. Basically we got greenlit for Max and then there was the merger with Discovery so Warner Brothers is deep in debt and they start cutting a lot of projects. But we have a very modest budget for a feature film, about $15 million, so we were the last ones on the list. They went for the big stuff first and kept coming down, cutting and cutting. But because we were small enough, we got permission to keep in production. I think they also liked what they were seeing. Then we got permission to try to sell the film outside the studio, so we shopped it around [to other streaming services] but no one wanted it. The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie
Ketchup Entertainment It was that time when there was a lot of fear about the future of streaming so people were not spending. Warner Bros. International was briefly interested in distributing the film [outside the U.S.] but then the strike happened and that kind of pushed us out because they were focusing on Dune: Part 2 and their other big tentpole movies. They needed the marketing for that, so they passed. We had to go outside. We shopped it like you’d shop any indie feature at a festival. This British company, GFM Animation, did some international sales but it was Ketchup Entertainment that saved us. If we hadn’t gotten domestic distribution, it would have been over. They were at the Annecy screening, which went incredibly well, we got a great response and great press from that. And they got fully behind it. It’s wonderful that it’s going to come out in February on 1,500 screens. We basically made an independent film through Warner Brothers.
From HBO Max to The Big Screen
How the Looney Tunes reboot on HBO Max paved the way for the feature film
The original idea behind the movie and its development process
The film’s journey from an original movie for HBO Max to an independent release
The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie The Bottom Line Let’s hope that’s not all folks. Release date: Friday, March 14 Cast: Eric Bauza, Candi Milo, Peter MacNicol, Wayne Knight, Laraine Newman, Fred Tatasciore Director: Pete Browngardt Screenwriters: Darrick Bachman, Pete Browngardt, Kevin Costello, Andrew Dickman, David Gemmil, Alex Kirwan, Ryan Kramer, Jason Reicher, Michael Ruocco, Johnny Ryan, Eddie Trigueros Rated PG, 1 hour 31 minutes
The wacky screenplay, written by no less than 11 contributors (one hopes they were all together in a writer’s room cracking each other up), features an out-there premise that gives the proceedings the feel of a cheesy ’50s-era sci-fi movie. Porky and Daffy need money to repair their dilapidated house, so they take a job at, where else, a chewing gum factory where Petunia works as a flavor scientist. There, they come upon a massive conspiracy involving an alien (Peter MacNicol, happily unrestrained) intent on world domination via contaminated gum that turns people into mindless zombies. Add some exotic monsters and paranoia themes into the mix and you’ve got the perfect recipe for lunacy. Not to mention the classic personality clash between the stuttering, anger-prone straight man, er, pig, Porky and the zany, out-of-control Daffy. You also get an origin story, depicting the main characters as youngsters being raised by their adoptive father Farmer Jim (Fred Tatasciore) in an idyllic pastoral setting.
The Day the Earth Blew Up is thankfully free of the contemporary pop culture references that give so many present-day animated films the shelf life of ripe bananas (instead, you get hilarious parodies of such classic films as Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Thing). The jokes of both the verbal and visual variety flow fast and furious, the pace never slackening throughout the feature-length running time. The film also has the confidence (or perhaps budgetary limitations) to forego the starry voice credits that look good in advertising campaigns but mean very little to young target audiences. Instead, you have solid comedic performers like Wayne Knight and Laraine Newman voicing supporting characters, and the virtuosic Eric Bauza, who plays both Porky and Daffy (talk about split personalities) and does his predecessor Mel Blanc proud. Director Pete Browngardt perfectly orchestrates the fast-paced, zany proceedings, having honed his skills on the short-form Looney Tunes Cartoons television series. And the film looks terrific, thanks to the crisp 2D hand-drawn, instead of CGI, animation that’s like the visually soothing equivalent of the warmth of vinyl records compared to digital formats.
In every way, The Day the Earth Blew Up pays homage to and follows in the tradition of the classic Looney Tunes cartoons preceding it. Now, if only Ketchup Entertainment could rescue the apparently stranded Coyote vs. Acme.
A Fresh Take on Classic Characters
“The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie” stands out as a distinctive entry in the animation landscape, primarily due to its focus on lesser-known Looney Tunes characters, Porky Pig and Daffy Duck. This decision not only revitalizes fan interest but also adds a fresh perspective to the classic franchise.
The Unique Approach to Main Characters
Porky Pig and Daffy Duck, both iconic characters with a rich history, serve as the film’s protagonists. This choice is significant, as it shifts the spotlight away from more familiar figures like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, who have frequently been at the forefront of Looney Tunes narratives. By centering the story around these characters, the film offers a novel experience for both longtime fans and new audiences.
The narrative cleverly leverages the dynamic between Porky and Daffy. Porky, known for his stuttering and mild-mannered demeanor, contrasts sharply with Daffy’s unbridled enthusiasm and occasional irrationality. This classic pairing is a recipe for humor, as the film explores their contrasting personalities and the challenges they face when working together to save the planet.
The Wacky Screenplay and Classic Sci-Fi Nods
The screenplay, penned by a team of 11 contributors, delivers a wacky and imaginative premise. The film’s plot revolves around Porky and Daffy’s discovery of an alien conspiracy to take control of Earth through mind-control bubblegum. This outlandish scenario is reminiscent of classic ’50s sci-fi movies, adding a layer of nostalgia that appeals to both kids and adults.
The script is filled with hilarious references to classic films like “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” and “The Thing.” These nods not only pay homage to the past but also create a entertaining viewing experience for those familiar with these classics. The film’s pace is relentless, with jokes and gags flowing continuously, keeping audiences engaged throughout.
The Nostalgic Value and Broad Appeal
“The Day the Earth Blew Up” taps into the nostalgia of older audiences while offering relatable humor for younger viewers. The film’s setting, a dilapidated house and a chewing gum factory, provides a quirky backdrop for the characters’ adventures. The addition of Petunia Pig, Porky’s love interest, adds a charming romantic subplot, voiced delightfully by Candi Milo.
The film’s success lies in its ability to blend humor, adventure, and nostalgia. The animation style, which returns to the classic 2D hand-drawn approach rather than CGI, enhances the film’s authenticity and charm. This choice not only honors the legacy of Looney Tunes but also provides a visual experience that feels fresh and engaging.
A Glimmer of Hope for “Coyote vs. Acme”
The release of “The Day the Earth Blew Up” through Ketchup Entertainment offers a glimmer of hope for another shelved project—”Coyote vs. Acme.” Both films share a similar production history, marked by corporate restructuring and distribution challenges. The success of “The Day the Earth Blew Up” could pave the way for “Coyote vs. Acme” to find its audience.
Similar Production Histories
“Coyote vs. Acme” and “The Day the Earth Blew Up” both faced significant hurdles during their development. “Coyote vs. Acme,” initially intended for a theatrical release, fell victim to Warner Bros.’s restructuring following its merger with Discovery. The film was eventually shelved, much like “The Day the Earth Blew Up,” which was planned for HBO Max but faced similar challenges.
Both films navigated through budget cuts, corporate mergers, and the complexities of the animation industry. The fact that Ketchup Entertainment, known for its diverse portfolio rather than kids’ programming, has successfully taken on “The Day the Earth Blew Up” demonstrates a potential pathway for “Coyote vs. Acme.”
Implications for Shelved Projects
The involvement of Ketchup Entertainment in “The Day the Earth Blew Up” suggests that there might be a renewed interest in shelved animation projects. The studio’s decision to distribute the film, coupled with its Oscar-qualifying run and the planned release on 1,500 screens, highlights the viability of independent distribution for animated features.
This development is particularly significant for “Coyote vs. Acme,” which has been eagerly awaited by fans. The film’s unique premise, focusing on the rivalry between the Road Runner and the Coyote, offers a fresh take on classic Looney Tunes characters. The success of “The Day the Earth Blew Up” could embolden other studios to take risks on similar projects, providing a lifeline for “Coyote vs. Acme” and other shelved animations.
Furthermore, the positive reception of “The Day the Earth Blew Up” at the Annecy Animation Film Festival, including its world premiere, underscores the potential for “Coyote vs. Acme” to find an audience. The festival’s acclaim and the subsequent distribution deal with Ketchup Entertainment serve as a blueprint for how shelved films can be revitalized through independent distribution channels.
As Unionjournalism closely follows the developments in the animation industry, the release of “The Day the Earth Blew Up” and its potential impact on “Coyote vs. Acme” are critical points of interest. The success of these films could redefine the landscape for animated features, encouraging more diverse and innovative storytelling in the genre.
The Potential Impact on the Animation Industry
The release of “The Day the Earth Blew Up” on 1,500 screens in February is a significant milestone for the animation industry. This widespread distribution is a rarity for animated features, especially those based on classic characters. The film’s success could demonstrate the commercial viability of such projects, encouraging other studios to invest in similar ventures.
The animation industry has seen a shift towards CGI and high-budget productions, often focusing on franchises with broad appeal. “The Day the Earth Blew Up” bucks this trend by returning to 2D hand-drawn animation, offering a nostalgic and visually appealing alternative. This choice not only honors the legacy of Looney Tunes but also provides a fresh aesthetic that resonates with audiences.
The potential impact of “The Day the Earth Blew Up” extends beyond its own success. If the film performs well at the box office, it could pave the way for more independent animated features, providing a viable pathway for projects like “Coyote vs. Acme.” This shift could lead to a more diverse range of animated films, catering to various tastes and preferences within the audience.
Unionjournalism will continue to monitor the developments in the animation industry, keeping our readers informed about the latest trends and innovations. The success of “The Day the Earth Blew Up” and its potential influence on “Coyote vs. Acme” are key stories that highlight the evolving landscape of animated features. As the industry continues to grow and adapt, the release of these films could mark a significant turning point in the world of animation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the potential partnership between “Coyote vs. Acme” and the distributor of “The Day the Earth Blew Up” could be a game-changing move for the animated series. As discussed, the show’s witty humor and clever satire, reminiscent of classic cartoons, have garnered a significant following and critical acclaim. The distributor’s expertise in handling offbeat and unconventional content could provide the necessary push for “Coyote vs. Acme” to reach a wider audience and gain mainstream recognition.
This development holds significant implications for the animation industry as a whole. In an era dominated by franchise-driven content, the success of “Coyote vs. Acme” could pave the way for more innovative and risk-taking projects to emerge. Moreover, the show’s subversive humor and commentary on contemporary issues could inspire a new wave of creators to tackle complex subjects in their work. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how this potential partnership influences the type of content that gets greenlit and the creative risks that studios are willing to take.
Ultimately, the fate of “Coyote vs. Acme” serves as a litmus test for the animation industry’s ability to adapt and innovate. Will we continue to see a homogenization of styles and ideas, or will creators and distributors take bold steps to push the boundaries of what animation can achieve? As the industry stands at this crossroads, one thing is certain – the future of animation is being shaped by the decisions we make today, and the success of “Coyote vs. Acme” could be the catalyst for a revolution in animated storytelling.