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 ...
I was born just a few months before Bugs Bunny 😅
I hate Bugs Bunny.
I figured I would find out how old a lot of you are just by posting this.🤪🤪🤪
I thought that Mickey Mouse was “the most iconic” character!
Then there is Donald Duck!
I never thought of it that way, but he does have a huge and enduring place and he is a sassy wabbit.
I could never stand Mickey mouse
Today would have been my dad’s 94th B-day, but he passed away in 2021 about a week after Rush Limbaugh. I never knew my dad and Bugs had the same B-day, although my dad would have been eight years older.
I tawt I taw a puddy tat!
“What’s all the hubbub ... bub?”
“I hate Bugs Bunny.”
Elmer Fudd’s freeper handle is now public knowledge.
In reality we are all just Daffy Ducks.
Bugs Bunny hated you first.
Me neither. I watched Bugs (and the other Looney Tunes characters) every afternoon after school for years. I had them on DvD and all my kids watch them as well.
I always liked Bugs over Mickey. But “most iconic?” Maybe he is! He’s up there, no doubt!
Go get ‘em Bugs...!!!
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