The fate of one of animation’s most iconic franchises is suddenly up in the air and for cordcutters, it could spell big changes on the streaming landscape.
According to a report from The InSneider, Warner Bros. Discovery is reportedly looking to sell off the entire Looney Tunes brand, a surprising move that follows the studio’s widely criticized shelving of Coyote vs. Acme in 2023 for a $30 million tax write-off. While that decision sparked backlash, the completed film may now see the light of day through a pending deal with Ketchup Entertainment, which could bring the film to theaters in 2026.
But Coyote vs. Acme may only be the beginning. Insider Jeff Sneider suggests that WB’s willingness to offload the film now, rather than taking another tax break, may be motivated by a broader plan to divest from Looney Tunes altogether.
What’s Really Up, Doc?
For fans watching at home, the signs are already visible. Earlier this year, the original Looney Tunes shorts from 1930 to 1969 were quietly pulled from Max, Warner Bros. Discovery’s flagship streaming service. According to Deadline, the decision stems from a shift in strategy, with Max reportedly no longer viewing Looney Tunes as a priority as it pivots toward adult and family programming with more current appeal.
That said, newer content like the 2020s Looney Tunes Cartoons remains available on Max… for now.
In another telling move, Warner Bros. also sold The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie to Ketchup Entertainment following corporate restructuring. The film, which hit U.S. theaters on March 14, was met with positive critical reception but modest box office returns.
What Comes Next?
If Warner Bros. Discovery fully sells the Looney Tunes brand, it could trigger a bidding war among streamers and media companies eager to own one of pop culture’s most recognizable IPs. For viewers, that means the future streaming home of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and the rest of the gang is far from certain.
For eager streamers used to finding these classics all in one place, the potential sell-off raises a familiar question: Where will our favorite childhood shows land next? More importantly, will we have to subscribe to yet another service to watch them?
Stay tuned.