David Zaslav, the head of Warner Bros. Discovery, has become a controversial figure after cancelling two feature-length Looney Tunes projects – the live-action "Coyote vs. Acme," and the animated movie "The Day the Earth Blew Up.” Fortunately, despite these setbacks, "The Day the Earth Blew Up" was premiered at the Annecy Animation Festival and is set to be released in Germany this summer.
In the animated feature, characters Porky and Daffy are reinvented for the 21st century, as they face an alien plot to turn earthlings into zombies using goo-infected chewing gum. Peter Browngardt's direction and the eleven writers’ humorous plot refashions the iconic Looney Tunes characters with a fresh take, harking back to the franchise’s original comedic roots while showcasing this generation's animation influences.
There is an evident imprint of Cartoon Network's and Nickelodeon’s stylistic influence, in particular, "SpongeBob SquarePants." This is not surprising considering that several of the script's writers have worked on Nickelodeon's famous franchise. The film also presents a more emotional side of the Looney Tune characters, underscoring their longtime friendship and the impending threat to their home.
Part of the storyline focuses on Porky's budding romance with Petunia, a behavioral change in the Looney Tunes universe. At its heart, however, the film remains deeply faithful to the franchise, complete with touches of the original humor and nostalgic references. Regardless of any future intentions Warner Bros. Discovery might have regarding Looney Tunes projects, "The Day the Earth Blew Up" ultimately embodies the enduring charisma of these beloved characters.
