Tomorrow, March 14, marks a historic moment for animation fans as The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie finally arrives in theaters across the United States. This isn’t just another outing for Porky Pig and Daffy Duck—it’s the first-ever fully animated, feature-length Looney Tunes film crafted specifically for the big screen. After a rollercoaster journey through development hell, cancellations, and a last-minute rescue, this sci-fi comedy adventure is poised to deliver the slapstick chaos and vibrant visuals that have kept the Looney Tunes a household name for nearly a century. Here at Trevor Decker News, we’re reminding you not to miss this theatrical milestone—and to celebrate the resilience it took to get here.
Directed by Pete Browngardt in his feature debut, The Day the Earth Blew Up stars the iconic duo of Daffy Duck and Porky Pig, voiced by Eric Bauza, as they stumble into an alien invasion plot hatched at a bubblegum factory. With mind control threatening humanity, these unlikely heroes must team up—despite their knack for driving each other up the wall—to save the day. Joined by Petunia Pig (Candi Milo) and a supporting cast including Peter MacNicol, Fred Tatasciore, Wayne Knight, and Laraine Newman, the film promises a buddy-comedy packed with laugh-out-loud gags and a retro aesthetic inspired by Looney Tunes legend Bob Clampett. Critics who caught early screenings at festivals like Annecy have praised its hand-drawn animation and heartfelt nod to the franchise’s roots, making it a must-see for fans old and new.
The path to tomorrow’s premiere has been anything but smooth, a saga that could rival the zaniest Looney Tunes plot. The project kicked off in 2019 when Browngardt, fresh off his work on Looney Tunes Cartoons for Max, pitched a feature film to Warner Bros. Animation. By September 2021, it was officially in development as a sci-fi romp inspired by 1950s B-movies, originally slated for a streaming debut on HBO Max and Cartoon Network’s “ACME Night” block. A talented team, including writer Kevin Costello and a slew of storyboard artists turned co-writers, brought the vision to life, with animation handled by Warner Bros. and partners like Tonic DNA and Powerhouse Animation. But the Looney Tunes’ big-screen dreams hit a wall in 2022 when Warner Bros. Discovery began slashing projects for tax write-offs. Alongside casualties like Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt, The Day the Earth Blew Up faced cancellation, a fate that later befell another Looney Tunes film, Coyote vs. Acme. For a moment, it seemed Porky and Daffy’s latest adventure would be shelved indefinitely.
Yet, unlike its scrapped sibling, this movie got a second chance. After wrapping production in early 2024, Warner Bros. allowed the film to be shopped elsewhere. It premiered to rave reviews at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 11, catching the eye of indie distributor Ketchup Entertainment. Ketchup swooped in, securing North American theatrical rights and setting an initial release date of February 28. A brief delay pushed it to March 14—tomorrow—giving the film extra breathing room. To qualify for the Best Animated Feature Oscar race, it screened for a week in Los Angeles starting December 13, and made its North American premiere at the Animation Is Film Festival on October 19. Now, it’s ready for a nationwide rollout, a testament to the determination of its creators and the enduring appeal of these wacky characters.
At a time when animation fans are still reeling from the loss of Coyote vs. Acme, The Day the Earth Blew Up stands as a beacon of hope. It’s not just a nostalgia trip—it’s a bold, original story that proves the Looney Tunes can still thrive in a modern theatrical landscape. With its vibrant 2D animation and a scope that pushes the franchise beyond its short-form roots, this film is a love letter to the chaos and charm that defined generations of Saturday mornings. Posts on X have lamented the lackluster marketing, with fans urging others not to let this gem slip under the radar. As one user put it, “They did such a poor job advertising… Please don’t forget [it] releases this weekend!” So, grab your popcorn and head to the theater tomorrow. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or introducing the Looney Tunes to a new generation, The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie is a rare chance to see Porky, Daffy, and company where they belong—on the big screen, in all their animated glory. Check your local listings, and let’s make sure this underdog story gets the audience it deserves. That’s all, folks—until the credits roll!
