Rumor: Warner Brothers may sell Looney Tunes

According to multiple sources, Warner Bros. Discovery is reportedly considering selling the entire Looney Tunes brand, a surprising move that follows the studio’s widely criticized decision to shelve Coyote vs. Acme in 2023 for a $30 million tax write-off. While that decision sparked backlash, the completed film may now be released through a pending deal with Ketchup Entertainment, potentially bringing it to theaters in 2026.

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However, Coyote vs. Acme might only be the beginning. Insider Jeff Sneider suggests that Warner Bros.’s willingness to sell the film now rather than seeking another tax break could be part of a broader plan to divest from Looney Tunes entirely.

For fans watching at home, the signs of this shift are already evident. Earlier this year, the original Looney Tunes shorts from 1930 to 1969 were quietly removed from Max, Warner Bros. Discovery’s flagship streaming service. Deadline reports that this decision reflects a change in strategy, with Max reportedly no longer prioritizing Looney Tunes as it shifts its focus towards adult and family programming with more contemporary appeal.

On the other hand, newer content like the 2020s Looney Tunes Cartoons remains available on Max… for now.

In another significant move, Warner Bros. also sold The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie to Ketchup Entertainment following corporate restructuring. The film, which was released in U.S. theaters on March 14, received positive critical acclaim but modest box office returns.

So, what comes next?

If Warner Bros. Discovery completes the sale of the Looney Tunes brand, it could ignite a bidding war among streaming platforms and media companies yearning to acquire one of pop culture’s most iconic intellectual properties. Consequently, the future streaming destination for beloved characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and the rest of the gang remains uncertain.

For avid streamers accustomed to having these classic shows conveniently available in a single platform, the prospect of a potential sale raises a pertinent question: Where will our cherished childhood favorites reside next? Moreover, will we be compelled to subscribe to yet another service to access them?

Stay tuned for further developments.

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