The Best Animated Series Getting A Feature Length Movie?
Animaniacs could be getting a feature-length film from WarnerBros.
Many beloved classic shows and films have received reboots in the past decade. The 90’s animated series Animaniacs from Warner Bros. did just that recently in 2020. According to an article out of Comic Book, the fun may not stop there, as some of the voice actors from Animaniacs are hopeful for a new movie.
In the interview with Comic Book, Jess Harnell who voices Wakko, had this to say: “Stranger things have happened and the nice thing is, we never thought it was going to come back this time and it did so life is full of surprises.”
He continued “Personally, I think an Animaniacs movie would be a great idea and giving them that room to run around in for 90 minutes I think would friggin’ be amazing, so I hope so.”
It’s a green flag that Harnell sounds receptive and hopeful about the idea of doing an Animaniacs movie. Other stars from the Animaniacs show voiced their support for a feature-length movie as well. Tress MacNeille who voices Dot sounded like she’s on board: “We were discussing [an Animaniacs movie] earlier. I think it would be a great idea,” MacNeille added.
Macneille noted that one of the most powerful factors in whether or not a feature-length Animaniacs film actually comes to fruition is the will of the fans. She encouraged fans to be vocal if they’d like to see a movie in the near future. “Of course we’re not in charge of that, but the fans can be a very powerful voting block, so I would encourage people to let their wishes be known.”
Animaniacs originated as an American cartoon comedy series in 1993. Released by Warner Bros., the series featured an ensemble cast of goofy, mostly anthropomorphic characters in short skits led by the Warner siblings, Yakko, Wakko, and their sister, Dot. The series ran for 99 episodes consisting of 274 segments, as well as a feature-length film titled Wakko’s Wish.
The series’ segmented episodes gave it a unique, cartoon-turned-sketch-comedy energy. The unpredictability of the episodes added to the zany, colorful antics of the characters. The series often made pop culture and historical references in satirical form, alongside also sometimes-educational content.
After its final episode aired in 1999, Animaniacs took an extended break. In 2018, Warner Bros. Animation announced a revival of the series, and the icing on the cake was that it was bringing back many of the original voice actors including those for all three Warner siblings. The revival aired on Hulu in 2020 and is slated for three seasons, with the third and final season airing on February 17th, 2023.
With the final season approaching, some fans may be worried that this is the end of the Animaniacs. It does seem to many to be an opportune time to embrace the restored relevancy of the franchise and capitalize. Many think that this could be in the form of a feature-length film.
This wouldn’t be out of the question and, in fact, if history is any indicator, a feature-length film may very well be on the horizon. When the original series finished airing in 1999, Warner Bros. released the feature-length film Wakko’s Wish. Airing in December 1999, the film was a straight-to-VHS feature that served as the series finale for the Animaniacs.
The revival series could be in store for a similar release, with a feature-length film capping off the three-season run of the series. Although it remains to be seen whether or not this will come to fruition, if enough fans of the series voice their support for a feature-length Animaniacs movie, Warner Bros. may be happy to oblige.
