David Bridges
The captivating journey of The Day the Earth Blew Up from concept to the big screen is nothing short of extraordinary. Thanks to Ketchup Entertainment, the beloved Looney Tunes have successfully sidestepped the chopping block of David Zaslav. The film showcases the creative talents of the current team behind Looney Tunes Cartoons, headed by director Pete Browngardt. On March 15, animation enthusiasts will finally have the chance to relish this exciting 2D animated adventure in theaters.
In an exclusive interview with io9, we had the pleasure of speaking with the talented voice actors who bring our cherished characters to life. Eric Bauza, known for voicing Daffy Duck and Porky Pig, and Candi Milo, who portrays Petunia Pig, shared their insights on transitioning to a longer narrative format for the Looney Tunes’ inaugural full-length animated feature. They also touched on the evolving landscape of animation in the age of AI and the enduring legacy of characters that machines cannot replicate.
Sabina Graves, io9: Collaborating over the years has led to a unique chemistry between you two. How has this chemistry influenced your portrayal of Daffy, Porky, and Petunia in this alien invasion storyline?
Candi Milo: I am genuinely thrilled whenever anyone points out the chemistry between our characters. It can be challenging to perform alongside someone who embodies two distinct characters, but working with Eric makes it seamless. His immense talent and dedication to these characters inspire me. We share a unique vibe; neither of us walks in with a prim attitude. Instead, we embrace the humor and chaos that defines our work.
Eric Bauza: Thank you, Candi! Without her impressive body of work paving the way, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It’s a perfect fit to collaborate with someone of her caliber. Having fun is crucial, especially when you’re behind characters like Daffy and Porky driving their respective vehicles.
Milo: Daffy’s return is such a joy! The Daffy we portray is less mean-spirited, embodying the silly character I grew up with. Collaborating with director Pete Browngardt and the entire team to bring this version of Daffy to life has been a dream come true. It’s the Daffy I fondly remember, especially in moments like when they humorously hand him a hammer—I couldn’t help but laugh!
Bauza: [Playful Daffy voice] “When you think of aloofness, think of me, Eric Bauza! Someone who often seems clueless!” It’s important to see characters you love undergo challenges, and while watching Porky endure Daffy’s antics is hilarious, there’s a satisfying resolution at the end. It all weaves together beautifully into a touching story.
Milo: Ultimately, it’s the strength of friendship that prevails.
io9: Did Pete Browngardt allow you the freedom to explore these characters, and did you draw inspiration from the characters’ earlier portrayals, particularly for you, Candi, in voicing Petunia?
Milo: Absolutely, Sabina! When I received the audition call, I revisited the classic portrayals. It took me some time to realize that the original Petunia had a very Judy Holliday-esque voice. I attempted two takes, and the feedback from Sam Register, president of Warner Bros. Animation, was clear—they wanted a character who was a scientist and not a stereotypical girlfriend. Sam advised me to lower my vocal register, and they ultimately selected my second take. Pete writes in a way that aligns perfectly with my sense of humor, and I believe the same holds true for Eric. We share a unique understanding that enhances our performances.
Bauza: Indeed! Pete and I have collaborated on various projects, including Looney Tunes Cartoons and Uncle Grandpa for Cartoon Network. Our partnership feels serendipitous, much like the classic directors of the ’40s. He possesses a sensibility reminiscent of Mad or Cracked Magazine—a style that deviates from the polished Disney approach. This slightly offbeat humor resonates with both Candi and me, allowing us to capture the essence of these iconic characters.
Milo: Both Eric and I embrace a non-traditional approach to our acting styles, often defying conventional voice acting roles. Petunia, a scientist, faces ridicule for her intelligence, yet she stands firmly on the side of friendship. I believe that if Petunia felt she was in the way of her friends, she would gladly step aside, always putting friendship first. The creative team, including Pete, Alex Kirwan, and Johnny Ryan, does an exceptional job of capturing this balance.
io9: Eric, your work is heavily influenced by the legacy of Looney Tunes production teams like Bob Clampett and Chuck Jones. How do you maintain the human touch and that “little bit of crazy” that defines Looney Tunes while steering clear of AI interference?
Bauza: There’s an inherent manic energy to performing these characters. While AI serves a purpose in advancing technology, it should be utilized carefully. Ideally, it should assist in the production process, but the final execution must come from real people who understand the art of storytelling. AI merely compiles data from our existing work; it lacks the ability to evoke true emotion. [In Daffy’s voice] “It can mimic sounds, but when it comes to conveying genuine feelings, that’s where AI falters.”
Milo: I recall a commercial during the Olympics featuring characters that looked artificial—none of them moved like real people. I participated in a discussion about this and guessed that all three ads were AI-generated due to their lack of warmth and human-like movement. Personally, I wish AI would focus on solving real-world problems, like healthcare and food security, rather than encroaching on creative fields where it simply cannot compete. The world of hand-drawn 2D animation is a true art form.
io9: The Looney Tunes have a timeless quality that resonates across generations. They are the “Lords of Memery,” as even younger audiences recognize them through memes. How do you think modern viewers will connect with The Day the Earth Blew Up because of this?
Bauza: The Day the Earth Blew Up is packed with countless visual gags and intricately drawn scenes featuring characters that are visually striking and instantly recognizable. There are moments in this film that are unlike anything seen in other cartoons, creating a unique viewing experience.
io9: The Farmer John scenes were hilarious!
Milo: Absolutely! During the nomination screenings, audiences erupted in laughter at the scene where only the character’s mouth was floating without any movement. It’s pure genius! The creativity behind that character is remarkable; he serves as the perfect contrast to the chaotic energy of Daffy and Porky, adding depth and humor.
Bauza: Exactly! He’s just the fortunate soul who ends up dealing with the antics of Daffy and Porky.
Milo: We genuinely hope that Ketchup Entertainment achieves great success with this project. We want audiences to crave more of this high-quality hand-drawn animation style. It’s refreshing to step away from the CGI trend and embrace something that appeals to a broader sense of humor rather than targeting a specific age group.
io9: Absolutely! Different genres within animation should coexist harmoniously!
The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie premieres this Friday.
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