'Tiny Toons Looniversity' & Genndy Tartakovsky's 'Unicorn: Warriors Eternal' Lead HBO Max Animated Slate
The Animaniacs revival doesn't come out for another month, but its generated enough excitement and goodwill based on the previews to safely say that it's going to be a hit. Given that, and the success of reboots of Duck Tales, She-Ra and Voltron, it's unsurprising to hear of another cartoon favourite of the 80s or 90s getting brought back. This time it's the series that was the first collaboration between Warner Bros and Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment... 1990-1995 Looney Tunes inspired Tiny Toon Adventures.
The Animaniacs reboot was commissioned before WarnerMedia had its own streaming service, and it's surely a sore point to see Hulu getting all the attention (although the series is still produced by Warner Bros Animation). This time though, they are keeping it in the family and so Tiny Toons Looniversity will be on HBO Max and Cartoon Network.
Old-time fans will know that ACME Looniversity was the educational institution attended by Bugs and Buster Bunny ("no relation"), Hamton Pig, Plucky Duck and the rest of the cast of characters who are essentially technicolour, junior versions of the iconic Looney Tunes characters. But in a snub to the then-popular trend of Muppet Babies style series, they were neither younger versions of the originals or their relations. In fact, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig and co are teachers at the Looniversity, but never really played a major part in the series. Does the new name suggest that the revival will see the Looniversity actually be more of the centre of the show? All we know so far is it will feature characters from the original series, and the teaser image features a very recognisable looking Babs and Buster.
The series has received a two-season order (usually a sign of confidence. Spielberg will return as Executive Producer and the series will be a collaboration between Warner Bros Animation and Amblin. The showrunner will be Erin Gibson, who has written and directed sketches for Funny Or Die, and created a successful Podcast and live show called Throwing Shade. Gibson is also co-executive Producer, alongside Nate Cash, an animation veteran whose credits include SpongeBobSquare Pants and Over The Garden Wall. WB Animation and Cartoon Network Studio president Sam Register will also be an executive producer, alongside Amblin's co-presidents Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank. There's no word of when we might expect it just yet, or who else is involved. We'll just have to wait and see.
Meanwhile, HBO Max and Cartoon Network have also greenlit something brand new, albeit for a well-known name. WarnerMedia will continue their relationship with Samurai Jack and Primal creator Genndy Tartakovsky, who has created a new series Unicorn: Warriors Eternal.
The series is inspired by mythology from around the world and features a team of mythical heroes who are awakened too early and find themselves stuck in the bodies of teenagers. They then have to deal with not only with saving the world from dark forces, but also all the everyday challenges that come with being a teenager. The series is currently in production and is due next year.
HBO Max and Cartoon Network will also produce new series Unlimited Squirrels and special Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Special, from Mo Willems, children's author, illustrator, playwright, creator of Sheep In The Big City, and head writer on Codename Kid's Next Door. Willems will co-write Unlimited Squirrels 9based on his own books) with Tim McKeon (DC Super Hero Girls) who will also serve as showrunner. The series and special are part of a multi-year deal that Willems has signed with HBO Max.
Finally, we also have some more details about the previously announced Gremlins animated prequel Gremlins: Secrets of The Mogwai. The series is another collaboration between WB Animation and Amblin (Spielberg was a producer on the original movies) and will be set in 1920's Shanghai. We'd hazard a guess that this will feature a younger version of Mr Wing, the Chinese Shopkeeper who sells Gizmo to Billy in the first movie. The series is due in 2021. Check out some beautiful concept art below- we hope the finished series is this good looking!
