Speedy Gonzales Movie: Warner Bros. Revives Looney Tunes Icon

Speedy Gonzales Movie: Warner Bros. Revives Looney Tunes Icon

The lights dim. A hush falls over the crowd. But then, a blur of motion and a mischievous giggle pierce the silence – it could only be Speedy Gonzales. Warner Bros. is betting that audiences are ready for a solo outing with the fastest mouse in Mexico.

The Mouse of Tomorrow

Remember Saturday mornings? The chaotic energy of Looney Tunes was a constant, but even within that menagerie, some characters felt destined for something more. Now, Speedy Gonzales is getting his shot, with Jorge R. Gutiérrez (The Book of Life, El Tigre) spearheading the project, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Gutiérrez hinted at the film’s development in December. As of now, a writer isn’t attached, so the plot remains a mystery.

Speedy, conceived by Robert McKimson and Fritz Freling, first zipped onto screens in 1953’s “Cat-Tails for Two,” before officially claiming his spotlight two years later. He’s no Bugs Bunny in terms of recognition, but Speedy’s undeniable appeal resonates, particularly within the Latin American community, who celebrate his clever victories over Sylvester and Daffy.

Is Speedy Gonzales offensive?

The road to this movie wasn’t exactly a straight shot. Think of Hollywood development as a minefield, with sensitivities and cultural representation acting as hidden triggers. Speedy has appeared in various external media, such as video games, Virgin Media spots, Volkswagon commercials, and 2021’s Space Jam: A New Legacy. Back in 2010, Warner Bros. considered a film starring George Lopez as the voice of Speedy, but the project stalled. Eugenio Derbez, who was to voice Speedy in 2016, suggested that apprehension about potentially offending Hispanic audiences put the brakes on the film, despite the character’s popularity within the community.

A Chance to Shine

Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, and Wile E. Coyote have recently starred in solo projects, which may have paved the way for Speedy. With these characters finding new life, this could be Speedy’s chance to capture a wider audience.

What is Jorge Gutierrez working on next?

Gutiérrez, known for his visually striking and culturally rich storytelling, brings a unique perspective to the project. His past work on El Tigre and The Book of Life demonstrates his capability to balance humor with deeper cultural themes. The El Guapo vs. The Narco Vampires project also promises to bring diversity to the screen.

Given the landscape of modern animation, one wonders, will this new Speedy Gonzales movie capture the original’s zany charm while sidestepping potential pitfalls?

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