Looney Tunes will always hold a special place in the hearts of many fans but there's no denying that most of the younger fans aren't aware of its characters. This is why the upcoming Warner Bros. offering Space Jam: A New Legacy is an important project as it will help introduce the beloved cartoon characters led by Bugs Bunny to a whole new generation of audiences. However, despite all the hype surrounding the film, the direct sequel to 1996's Space Jam has already had its fair share of controversies over the last couple of months.
For starters, the studio shockingly decided to pull Pepé Le Pew's appearance from the film in fear of generating a massive outcry from fans over the iconic cartoon character's erratic behavior. Secondly, fans who grew up loving the original Space Jam film aren't pleased with the way Lola Bunny looks in the project. To the eyes of many fans, the iconic Looney Tunes character has become less sexy. Zendaya, who voices the character in A New Legacy also failed to get the approval of fans following her casting.
In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, the Spider-Man: No Way Home actress finally addressed the backlash she received over her Lola Bunny casting. She said: "I didn't know that was going to happen either! I definitely know we love her, but I didn't know it was going to be as much of a focus as it was. [Laughs]"
Also Read:Daughter of Pepé Le Pew Creator Doesn't Believe Character Normalizes Rape Culture
She added: "But I understand because she's a lovable character. She's special to a lot of people and their childhoods and they've been able to grow up with her, so I get that sense of protection. I was like, listen, just as long as I did what the director and the producers and everybody wanted me to do, I'm just here to offer my services. No, but I felt really grateful just to have the opportunity."
Whether some people would like to acknowledge it or not, there was a point in time where Lola Bunny was considered a sex symbol and I totally understand where a lot of fans are coming from. But don't you think it's about damn time we stopped sexualizing a cartoon character?
Space Jam: A New Legacy hits theaters and HBO Max on July 16.
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