Posted on 07/27/2026 10:59:57 AM PDT by Morgana
Bugs Bunny Starred in His First Film on July 27, 1940
Although Warner Bros. had previously showcased rabbits in their cartoons, it wasn’t until July 27, 1940, when The Wild Hare short film hit cinemas, that Bugs Bunny officially starred in his first project. According to Time, animator Chuck Jones credits legendary animator Tex Avery for creating a witty and savvy rabbit. Now as far as the rabbit’s name, that’s slightly debatable.
Mel Blanc, who voiced Bugs Bunny, claims he came up with the name as homage to an animator named Ben “Bugs” Hardaway. Blanc professed that the studio was ready to settle on Happy Rabbit prior to his suggestion. The alternative origin story for Bugs Bunny’s name is that designer Charles Thorson drew up a sketch of a rabbit per Hardaway’s request, and Thorson just captioned it, “Bugs’ Bunny.”
Back to The Wild Hare short, it features Bugs Bunny outwitting a determined Elmer Fudd, who tries his hardest to hunt and capture the rabbit. You can watch the full short film for free here.
Is Bugs Bunny Really the Greatest Cartoon Character Ever?
What makes Bugs Bunny so legendary is that he’s managed to remain relevant in pop culture for over eight decades. Even if you were too young to watch him in The Wild Hare or his subsequent cartoons when they first aired or have never seen them during syndication, there’s a good chance you’ve seen him in Tiny Toon Adventures, Space Jam, or Space Jam: A New Legacy. Heck, even if you haven’t seen Bugs Bunny in anything on screen, you likely recognize him on clothing and various apparel. And let’s not forget, “What’s Up Doc?” is one of the most well-known catch phrases ever.
(Excerpt) Read more at mensjournal.com ...
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‘I always liked Bugs over Mickey’
Same here. Although, the shared cameo between the two in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” was pretty cool and funny.
Did he ever make that left turn at Albuquerque?
No and always got lost 😂😂😂
“Kill da Wabbit, kill da wabbit....”
Thanks for the attachment.
Some years ago, my family flew on Jet Blue. One of the channels was cartoons from the 50’s and 60’s. We watched Bugs Bunny, Huckleberry Hound, and Quick Draw McGraw to name a few.
This was the first one....it got much better over the years. But always fun...like road runner...beep beep..
The only cartoon I was allowed to watch was Mighty Mouse in Spanish. It ran in south Texas on Sunday mornings. KIII 3 out of Corpus if I remember correctly.
Bugs and the Roadrunner cartoons the best ever. Shout out to Boris and Natasha.
“Whats Up Doc?”
.
And That’s All Folks!
Bugs Bunny isn’t funny. Tom and Jerry are funny and a half
Wabbit Hate must end!
“Shout out to Boris and Natasha.”
Rocky and Bullwinkle say “hey, what about us?!!”
I’ve got a CD somewhere with all those banned politically incorrect Looney Toons cartoons.
Tom & Jerry soundtrack at “The BBC Proms” Royal Albert Hall
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYrUWfLlYI0
Quick Draw McGraw. Imagine the staggering amount of fainting couches that would be required if the Karens of the world ever saw an El Kabong cartoon.
I’d like to see quite a number of them lined up at podiums across te stage, debating their popularity, like presidenial primary debates. Make room on the end for Alfred E. Newman
Dunno. But the government here sure did.
“I hate Bugs Bunny.”
We cannot be friends
L
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