At a Glance
- Jorge R. Gutiérrez will direct a standalone Speedy Gonzales film for Warner Bros.
- The project has no writer or plot details yet, though Gutiérrez teased development in December.
- Warner Bros. has tried to launch a Speedy project since 2010, with past attempts stalled over concerns about cultural sensitivity.
- Why it matters: The film marks the next step in Warner Bros.’ broader push to revive Looney Tunes characters for modern audiences.
Speedy Gonzales, the fastest mouse in Mexico, is racing toward his own solo movie. Julia N. Fairmont reported for News Of Austin that Warner Bros. Pictures Animation has tapped Jorge R. Gutiérrez to direct the feature, bringing the iconic cartoon mouse back to theaters.
Gutiérrez confirmed the news on social media January 17, 2026, writing: “I could not be more excited to dance the Mexican Hat Dance with Speedy, such a legendary and iconic character! I can’t wait to share with the world the amazing and spicy dish we are cooking at WBPA.”
Development Status
- No writer is currently attached.
- Plot details remain under wraps.
- Gutiérrez first hinted the project was in development last December.
The director’s previous work includes The Book of Life, El Tigre, and the upcoming El Guapo vs. The Narco Vampires.
Character History
Speedy Gonzales was created by Robert McKimson and Fritz Freling. An early version appeared in the 1953 short “Cat-Tails for Two” before the character’s official debut in the self-titled short two years later.
Within the Looney Tunes universe, Speedy is considered a B-tier character-comparable to Marvin the Martian-yet enjoys strong popularity, especially among Latin American audiences, for repeatedly outsmarting adversaries like Sylvester and Daffy Duck.
Expanded Appearances
Beyond classic cartoons, Speedy has shown up in:
- Video games
- Virgin Media commercials
- Volkswagen ads
- Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)
Long Road to Screen
Warner Bros. has attempted to develop a Speedy Gonzales film since 2010. Initial plans had George Lopez attached to voice the character, but the project collapsed. Mexican actor Eugenio Derbez later signed on in 2016, yet production again stalled. Derbez attributed the delays to studio concerns about potentially offending Hispanic audiences, even though the character remains popular within that demographic.
Broader Looney Tunes Revival
Speedy’s solo outing follows recent theatrical pushes for other Looney Tunes staples:
- Daffy Duck
- Porky Pig
- Wile E. Coyote
These appearances have re-established the franchise’s box-office viability, paving the way for Speedy’s headline project.
Key Takeaways
- Jorge R. Gutiérrez will direct a Speedy Gonzales feature at Warner Bros.
- The film has no writer or confirmed storyline yet.
- Previous attempts dating back to 2010 faltered amid sensitivity concerns.
- The movie continues Warner Bros.’ strategy to revitalize Looney Tunes characters for contemporary audiences.
