Speedy Gonzales Movie in the Works at Warner Bros.

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Get ready for another fast cartoon character on the big screen! Warner Bros. Animation is reportedly developing a movie based on Speedy Gonzales, following the success of films like the Sonic the Hedgehog movies.

Jorge R. Gutierrez, a Mexican animator and filmmaker known for co-creating the cartoon El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera and directing the 2014 animated film The Book of Life, hinted at his work on a new project in a tweet on Tuesday, December 2nd.

Animator Gutierrez hinted at a potential new project at Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. He shared a photo on social media wearing a sombrero, neckerchief, and a Speedy Gonzales t-shirt, while holding a Speedy Gonzales plush toy, suggesting the character might be involved.

Speedy Gonzales Almost Got His Own Movie Before

A film about the DC character Speedy, first appearing in 1955, was originally announced in 2016 but was put on hold after Warner Bros. and Discovery merged.

Eugenio Derbez was originally going to voice the character, but in 2024, he told UPI he didn’t think the movie would be made. He was concerned about potential controversy over how the film portrayed a popular Mexican character – a small mouse often depicted wearing a sombrero.

Eugenio Derbez explained that he believes studios are hesitant to use Speedy Gonzales due to concerns about political correctness. He’s repeatedly told them that the character is well-loved in Mexico and isn’t offensive there.

As a movie fan, I’ve always loved Speedy Gonzales, and it’s great to hear that’s the case in Mexico too! The actor I was reading about pointed out that Speedy is a real hero there – he’s clever, always outwits the cats, and basically provides for his community by getting the cheese. It’s cool that some Americans take offense, but down in Mexico, he’s clearly a beloved character.

The movie, which was temporarily paused in development, was planned to blend animated characters with live actors, much like the films Space Jam and Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

Whether the upcoming Speedy movie will be a mix of live-action and animation, like previous films, and if Eugenio Derbez will still be part of the project, is currently unknown.

Forgotten Animated Disney Movies That Deserve Another Look

1. The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

While many didn’t clamor for a follow-up to the 1977 Disney film The Rescuers, The Rescuers Down Under (1990) surprisingly surpasses the original. This adventure follows two mouse rescue agents on a mission to save a boy kidnapped by a poacher in the Australian Outback. The film boasts stunning aerial sequences, a beautifully realized Australian wilderness setting, and vibrant animation. Though overshadowed by the massive success of The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, it remains a fondly remembered favorite for those who grew up watching VHS tapes in the 1990s.

2. Onward (2020)

Pixar’s 2020 film, Onward, unfortunately suffered from poor timing. Released just as movie theaters were closing due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this fantasy adventure about two brothers on a quest didn’t get the audience it deserved. Many people were understandably focused on current events and missed it in theaters, though it did find more viewers through video on demand.

It’s a shame that even now, five years later, Onward is often overlooked when people discuss the best recent Pixar films. It’s a truly heartwarming and magical adventure with beautiful animation, memorable characters, and a touching story about dealing with loss and moving forward.

3. Treasure Planet (2002)

Released in 2002, Treasure Planet is a unique animated film that reimagines Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island in a futuristic, intergalactic setting. It came out during a time when CGI animation was becoming more common, following the success of movies like Toy Story and Shrek, but it didn’t do well in theaters initially. However, over time, Treasure Planet has gained a dedicated following. People now appreciate its strong characters, beautiful blend of storybook charm and science fiction, and moving story about finding your purpose, making it a truly special film – as one character puts it, it has all the potential to be great.

4. Dinosaur (2000)

Released in 2000, Disney’s Dinosaur was a visually innovative film that combined live-action and computer animation. It tells the story of a dinosaur who, after a devastating meteor strike, searches for a new home with his adopted family. Despite being the highest-grossing animated movie of its year and receiving good reviews—even inspiring a Disney World ride—the film has largely been forgotten. It seems to have been overshadowed by Disney’s shift away from its successful Renaissance period.

5. The Black Cauldron (1985)

1985’s The Black Cauldron is a somewhat divisive film among Disney fans. It was a significant box office disappointment when it came out and was criticized for departing from the original books and being too dark and lacking in character depth. However, over the past 40 years, it’s gained a dedicated following thanks to its distinctive dark fantasy setting, beautiful animation, and truly frightening villain.

6. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

As a Disney animation fan, I’ve always felt Atlantis: The Lost Empire gets overlooked, especially amongst those of us who really champion it and constantly ask why Disney hasn’t considered a live-action version – honestly, what’s the hold up? While it’s still remembered by dedicated fans, it’s largely flown under the radar for most people, and Disney themselves rarely mention it. I think that’s because it came out right after the peak of the Renaissance era, and it was a pretty big departure from the usual Disney formula audiences had come to expect.

The movie itself is a really cool sci-fi adventure about a team of explorers searching for the lost city of Atlantis, and the powerful, ancient secrets it holds. It’s packed with action, has beautiful and unique animation inspired by Jules Verne, and features a cast of characters you can’t help but root for. It’s not flawless, but it’s a genuinely fun ride.

7. Meet the Robinsons (2007)

Released in 2007, Meet the Robinsons came out during a challenging time for Disney, after the studio’s successful Renaissance period. It struggled to compete with Pixar and didn’t do well in theaters, which led to plans for a sequel being dropped. However, the film—about a young orphan inventor who travels to the future to change his destiny—has since gained a dedicated fanbase. People appreciate its surprisingly touching story, quirky characters, and unique, retro-futuristic visual style.

8. Brother Bear (2003)

Disney’s Brother Bear, released in 2003, is a beautifully animated film that often gets overlooked. It came out around the same time as hugely popular movies like Lilo & Stitch, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles, which have overshadowed it. However, Brother Bear tells a touching story about family and forgiveness that appeals to everyone. It also boasts stunning animation of the North American landscape, a memorable soundtrack by Phil Collins, and excellent voice performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Jeremy Suarez.

9. A Bug’s Life (1998)

Despite being a Pixar film, 1998’s A Bug’s Life often gets overlooked when people discuss the studio’s most important works. While some consider it a classic—it was Pixar’s second film after Toy Story—it’s generally seen as less memorable than other major Pixar titles.

The creative movie centers around a well-intentioned but clumsy ant who sets out to find help for his colony, only to stumble upon a quirky group of performing fleas. It’s a charming and visually appealing film filled with funny, unforgettable characters, and it surprisingly tackles important themes like capitalism and the strength of working together.

10. Bolt (2008)

Released in 2008, Bolt was generally well-received and did okay at the box office, but today it’s mostly remembered as a minor film from a changing time for Disney animation. The movie centers on a dog actor who stars in a popular TV show and genuinely believes he has superpowers. After running away from the set, he must find his way home and learn what’s real. Coming out during Pixar’s peak and between two major periods of Disney success – the Renaissance and the Revival that started with Tangled in 2010 – Bolt didn’t achieve the same critical acclaim or lasting impact. However, it remains a sweet and feel-good adventure with a talented voice cast and lively animation.

11. Frankenweenie (2012)

Despite coming out in 2012, Tim Burton’s quirky horror-comedy Frankenweenie is surprisingly overlooked, even when people talk about Halloween movies for families. This is unfortunate, given the incredible artistry behind this fun take on classic sci-fi horror. The film, originally a 1984 short by Disney and Burton, tells the story of a boy who brings his dog back to life, leading to comical trouble when his friends try to replicate his experiment. With beautiful black-and-white stop-motion animation and lovable characters, this forgotten Burton gem is full of heart, even if its subject matter is… revived.

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2025-12-04 04:27