Warner Bros. Axes Looney Tunes Shorts from HBO Max as New Film Struggles

The iconic Looney Tunes shorts have vanished from HBO Max, leaving fans reeling. Warner Brothers removed its entire collection of original shorts, spanning 1930 to 1969, a golden era that defined the studio’s legacy.

Deadline reports the move aligns with a strategy to focus on adult and family content, sidelining children’s programming despite its cultural weight. HBO’s 2024 decision to end its Sesame Street deal echoes this shift. While newer Looney Tunes spinoffs linger on the platform, the franchise’s core is gone.

The timing stings as The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Story hit theaters on March 14. Initially a Max project, it was sold to Ketchup Entertainment post-WB/Discovery merger. With a limited marketing push, the film earned just over $3 million opening weekend across 2,800 theaters.

Fan frustration mirrors last year’s Coyote Vs. Acme fiasco, where Warner Brothers shelved a completed film citing distribution costs. Awareness of the new movie’s release could have driven audiences, but the opportunity feels missed.

The decision has sparked outrage among animators and fans. In February, star Will Forte slammed the Coyote Vs. Acme cancellation as “utter nonsense,” expressing fury over the studio’s choice.