Warner Bros., HBO Max celebrate Bugs Bunny’s 80th birthday

To mark the world-famous cartoon rabbit’s milestone birthday on July 27, Warner Bros. is throwing a worldwide birthday party — and everyone’s invited. The celebration will thrill devoted fans and introduce Bugs Bunny to a new generation of families with exclusive fan experiences, first-ever brand partnerships, an HBO Max birthday takeover, and limited-edition releases commemorating the long-eared cultural icon.

“Bugs Bunny has been making his mark on the world for over 80 years, endearing himself to fans across the globe,” said Maryellen Zarakas, senior vice president of franchise management and marketing for Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “He is a trailblazing bunny who is both timeless and timely and serves as our internationally recognized symbol of the Looney Tunes brand.  Bugs has provided years of entertainment and fun for fans of all generations — and the best is yet to come.”

Bugs Bunny’s 80th birthday year coincides with the debut of “Looney Tunes Cartoons,” the critically-acclaimed HBO Max Original series produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Plus, thanks to a Bugs Bunny birthday takeover at the Looney Tunes hub on HBO Max, Bugs fans can also access Bugs’ entire 80-year career, from his first appearance in Tex Avery’s 1940 classic “A Wild Hare” to his return in the new “Looney Tunes Cartoons” — and all the hijinks in between — including his appearances in “Looney Tunes,” “Space Jam,” “Looney Tunes: Back in Action,” “The Looney Tunes Show,” and “New Looney Tunes.”

“We are thrilled to celebrate Bugs Bunny’s iconic legacy as families are enjoying ‘Looney Tunes Cartoons’ and the rich library of Looney Tunes programming on HBO Max,” said Peter Sherman, SVP of program marketing at HBO Max. “While Bugs Bunny’s 80th birthday is in full swing, we are offering more ways for fans old and new to have fun through Looney Tunes games, social challenges, and experiences.”

Why say “Happy Birthday!” when you can say, “What’s Up, Doc?” The #WhatsUpDocChallenge is encouraging fans to post their best impression of Bugs’ iconic catchphrase. TikTok users can also try their hand at recreating the famous Looney Tunes theme song. Plus, the popular mobile party game Heads Up! has created a new Looney Tunes Cartoons-inspired deck that’s available now through Aug. 31.

Fans who record themselves “Acting Looney” can enter to win one of ten Looney Tunes prize packs, including the ultimate prize pack featuring Looney Tunes headbands, backpacks, Funko Pop figures, socks, stamps, Bugs Bunny plush, Bugs Bunny ears, a “bake your own carrot cake” pack, and an HBO Max-branded iPad. To enter, fans just need to share videos of themselves playing the “Acting Looney” deck on social, tag @HBOMaxFamily, and use the hashtag #ActingLooneyContest to show-off their cartoon-worthy antics.

But that’s not all. The Bugs birthday bash doesn’t just include the #WhatsUpDocChallenge and #ActingLooney Contest, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has announced that a Bugs Bunny 80th Anniversary Collection featuring 60 theatrical shorts on Digital and Blu-ray (plus a full-size Bugs Bunny glitter Funko figure) will release on Nov. 3 and Bugs fans can purchase Bugs Bunny commemorative Forever stamps from the U.S. Postal Service here.

Join Bugs’ birthday celebration on social media using the hashtag #BugsBunny80.