Eighty-five years ago today, a wisecracking, carrot-chomping rabbit named Bugs Bunny made his grand debut in the Warner Bros. animated short A Wild Hare, marking the birth of one of the most beloved cartoon characters in history. Directed by Tex Avery and with character design credited to Bob Givens, the short introduced audiences to a cool, clever bunny who outsmarted his hapless adversary, Elmer Fudd, in a now-iconic Looney Tunes adventure. The release of A Wild Hare on July 27, 1940, is widely regarded as the official debut of Bugs Bunny, launching a legacy that continues to entertain generations.
Classic Looney Tunes cartoons can be found on Amazon HERE or starting August 1st 2025 on Tubi.
In A Wild Hare, Bugs Bunny emerges from his rabbit hole to torment Elmer Fudd, a bumbling hunter armed with a shotgun and an insatiable desire to catch “wabbit.” With his signature catchphrase, “Eh, what’s up, Doc?”—delivered with a nonchalant chomp of his carrot—Bugs immediately captured the hearts of audiences. The short, part of Warner Bros.’ Merrie Melodies series, showcased the slapstick humor, sharp wit, and irreverent charm that would define Bugs Bunny as a cultural icon. Tex Avery’s direction and Mel Blanc’s unforgettable voice work brought the character to life, blending clever dialogue with physical comedy that appealed to both children and adults.
While A Wild Hare marked Bugs Bunny’s official debut, the character’s origins trace back to earlier Warner Bros. shorts. A prototype of Bugs appeared in 1938’s Porky’s Hare Hunt, directed by Ben “Bugs” Hardaway and Cal Dalton, featuring a zany rabbit that shared some traits with the later Bugs but lacked his refined personality. Over the next two years, animators like Tex Avery and Bob Givens, along with contributions from Chuck Jones and others, shaped the character into the suave, quick-witted rabbit we know today. Bob Givens is credited with designing the modern Bugs Bunny, giving him his distinctive gray-and-white fur, expressive eyes, and mischievous grin.
By 1940, Bugs Bunny had evolved into a fully realized character, starring in A Wild Hare as a confident trickster who always stayed one step ahead of his foes. His popularity soared, and he became a cornerstone of the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series. Bugs starred in over 160 cartoons during the Golden Age of Animation, facing off against characters like Yosemite Sam, Daffy Duck, and Marvin the Martian. His ability to break the fourth wall, combined with his Brooklyn-accented quips, made him a standout in a crowded field of cartoon stars.
Bugs Bunny’s influence extended beyond the screen. During World War II, he appeared in propaganda films, boosting morale with his defiant humor. Over the decades, Bugs became a global icon, starring in TV shows, feature films like Space Jam (1996), and countless merchandise lines. His enduring appeal lies in his cleverness, resilience, and ability to turn any situation to his advantage, making him a timeless symbol of wit and charm.
Today, 85 years after his debut, Bugs Bunny remains a cultural touchstone, still delighting audiences with his antics in reruns, streaming platforms, and new Looney Tunes projects. Warner Bros. plans to celebrate the anniversary with special screenings of classic Bugs cartoons, reminding fans why this “wascally wabbit” continues to reign supreme in animation history.
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