Warner Bros’ staple of DC Comics characters has gone largely underused until recent times. Another property that WB owns that hasn’t been properly revamped for modern times are the Looney Tunes. They haven’t had a bonafide Looney Tunes hit since 1996’s Space Jam starring Michael Jordan. The last release Looney Tunes: Back in Action failed to connect with its audience in 2003.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, WB is giving the property a revamp. They have hired Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz, the screenwriters of X-Men: First Class, to pen a new take on the Looney Tunes. One which focuses on the company that supplies all the wonderful toys, gadgets and explosives to the world of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and particularly Wile E. Coyote… the Acme Company.

The reports are that directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, co-directors of Crazy Stupid Love, are in negotiations to helm the film and are looking to bring aboard the star of their previous film, Steve Carell.

Carell is a great choice due to his ability to play comedy completely straight or to be as animated as a cartoon character. It is an interesting move for Carell as many were wondering the direction his career will be taking from this point on. He is getting huge award buzz from a transformative dramatic performance in the upcoming film, Foxcatcher. It was in question if he was leaving comedy behind to pursue work solely as a dramatic actor. Luckily for fans, it seems that he is looking to have a bit of variety in his work days.

THR, claims that Acme will be a CG/live-action hybrid, however will not focus on the Looney Tunes. It is hard to make sense of exactly what the vision is, but perhaps it will be Carell’s quest assisted by a bunch of the cartoon gang.

There are generations growing up without being influenced by the zany comedy of the Looney Tunes. It will be fun to see how they handle yet another modernization of the characters. In the 90’s, WB successfully repackaged the gang in both Tiny Toons and Space Jam, however over the past couple of decades there have been a series of misfires leading a generation to grow up on other characters. Blasphemy! Hopefully, they find a creative way to entertain adults and kids alike with their new vision.

How do you feel about Carell joining the wacky adventures of the Looney Tunes? Let us know on the boards, and !

Source: The Hollywood Reporter