It seems like since the merger with Warner Bros, Discovery CEO David Zaslav is not just overseeing the productions of previously announced projects, but he also appears to be cleaning house on movies or TV shows that the company can stand to save some money on. There already have been over 30 titles removed from HBO Max as a result. Now, TV Line is reporting that the six more animated HBO Max/WB animated projects are getting the axe.
The shows are:
Batman: Caped Crusader
This would’ve been a new animated addition to Batman’s ever-growing mythology. It would’ve seen the return of the much regarded Batman: The Animated Series creator, Bruce Timm. J.J. Abrams and Ed Brubaker were to be attached as executive producers along with The Batman director, Matt Reeves. The style looked to be emulating the original 1940s look of the character, and there would’ve been no doubt re-imaginings of the rogue’s gallery.
Merry Little Batman
Here, Bruce’s son, Damien Wayne, is six years old and happens to find himself alone at Wayne Manor. In a fun Home Alone-style twist, he must defend the mansion from robbers and villains alike as he does so as “Little Batman.”
The Day the Earth Blew up: A Looney Tunes Movie
A popular classic pairing of Looney Tunes characters, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig discover a secret mind-control plot when the tunes mess about at a bubble gum factory. Once uncovered, the two embark on an adventure to save the town.
Bye Bye Bunny: A Looney Tunes Musical
Looney Tunes is no stranger to musicals as the characters have been known to perform songs throughout their golden shorts. In this original animated musical feature, Bugs Bunny is exhausted after a long run of a Broadway production. So Daffy steps in but gets duck-napped by an obsessed fan.
Did I Do That to the Holidays? A Steve Urkel Story
Little details are known about this one, but it would’ve seen the return of former Steve Urkel actor, Jaleel White, to reprise his role in an animated holiday film.
The Amazing World of Gumball: The Movie
This animated movie was to connect the original 2011 series to the new one. In this, a Gumball fan finds a missing episode that opens a portal to Gumball’s animated world.
Some of these titles may be shopped elsewhere, but it seems like the axe is continuing to fall at HBO Max. Our gut feeling here is that this isn’t the end and that more shows (live action included) might get shuttered.