Evolution of PEPÉ LE PEW, The CANCELLED Looney Tune - 78 Years Explained | CARTOON EVOLUTION

[@benmalsky9834]

What’s even more emblematic about Pepe’s cameo in Animaniacs is that he is literally erased from Yakko’s ice cream cone, symbolizing him being erased from modern projects

[@rwinger2481]

It was storyboarded in mid 2020 remotely. At the height of the MeToo movement in Hollywood. Corporate execs at AT&T/WarnerMedia were pretty protective of the brand and they thought that leaving Pepe out instead of updating it would solve the problem.

[@AkaiAzul]

"No, no! Please, mon cherie! Do not erase me! The void, she is cold and dark and-"

[@MichelleVDHigeredivy]

It's so annoying

[@angelcat2865]

As someone who was born a girl, raised a girl, and who will die a woman, I have never found Pepe Le Pew offensive in my entire life. I always took him as an overly affectionate Skunk who didn't know when to stop, and someone who would never hurt Penelope on purpose. I've never took him seriously and never will. He's a fun character who needs a come back in my opinion. I get so tired of hearing everything through a politically correct lense.

[@benmalsky9834]

I’m okay with politely correctness, but I don’t like erasing history and pretending a certain piece of art or history doesn’t exist.

[@angelcat2865]

@@benmalsky9834 Exactly. But that's exactly what these people do.

[@benmalsky9834]

@@angelcat2865 I’m all for improving as a society, but we also shouldn’t forget and bury our past. We can ALWAYS use our past as a tool to learn better. That’s why it’s always a good thing to have disclaimers before reruns of older films like the Pepe Le Pew cartoons or Gone with the Wind. We should still be able to watch them, but we should also have the ability to understand that they are old and some stuff is outdated.

[@benmalsky9834]

@@angelcat2865 Strive for a better future, but also learn from a troubled past.

[@angelcat2865]

@benmalsky9834 I agree, and that's also why I'm not a fan of PC thinking. That's what they're all about.

[@benmalsky9834]

While I wholeheartedly agree that the “harassment” part of Pepe’s character shouldn’t ever be present in the modern era, I still think the “lady’s man” aspect of Pepe is still appealing and has potential if done well, like Pepe the King Prawn of the Muppets.

[@circledude2362]

Uh cartoons always do this joke on boys. so it's fair to do it on girls. He SHOULD return, regardless to how "Problematic" it is. Warner has to ignore it and let Pepe contiue the way he is in the mordern era.

[@benmalsky9834]

@johnmorgan491 You can’t just avoid them because of the absence of one character. You’re missing out.

[@benmalsky9834]

@johnmorgan491 PLEASE give some of the modern projects a chance. A few of them are really good.

[@djitalianice]

Omg He’s a cartoon ANIMAL. Have you ever watched how animals mate in the wild? 😂 yeah they aren’t asking each other for consent

[@CaseyDonnel]

@@djitalianice thats what I'm saying

[@celestiadrools9551]

They could have just tone down the character. Other than that, Pepe is not even worse than anything that’s considered offensive out there. He’s just a hopeless romantic who just doesn’t understand boundaries. In fact, the reason why girls, (and counting the boys he accidentally grabs), run away from him is because of his PUTRID STENCH! Proof is in the episodes, when he gets covered in perfume or paint with nice odor, Penelope doesn’t even run away from him. Then she’s the one who grabs him and he gets scared of her knowing how it feels. Karma hits you back, doesn’t it, Pepe? Side note, I like how Johnny Depp based the character Jack Sparrow on him, no wonder where he gets that charisma from. But other than that, good job with the history Dave, and I hope Pepe can somehow redeem himself and be given the chance to have his own movie, like promised.

[@benmalsky9834]

I just find it great to know that Johnny Depp is such a big Looney Tunes fan.

[@chrisrj9871]

Also, Penelope emerges from the barrel full of water ugly and sick, then proceeds to chase Pepe. I'm pretty sure even Pepe wouldn't go for an ugly/sick woman the way Pennie wouldn't go for a stinky man.

[@CaseyDonnel]

@@chrisrj9871 no the water washed off the paint

[@magnetoonproductions9541]

Pepe didn’t deserve to get cancelled. He’s a major player and an integral part of the Looney Tunes franchise. They could’ve just retooled him instead of getting rid of him altogether. I frankly find it quite offensive that WB would actually listen to a bunch of Karens and get rid of one of their important mascots.

[@BR-jw7pm]

While Pepe is my LEAST fave Looney Tune, I wholeheartedly agree and think they could’ve reworked him for the modern times without losing the core elements

[@carminecdinoproductions]

I agree

[@carminecdinoproductions]

@@BR-jw7pmI agree with that too!

[@henriquedearruda8902]

Yes and if WB doesn’t find a way to recover him soon, when I start my company I am going to take Pepe away from them and claim him as my own, not that they would mind because they don’t seem to have plans for him anyway

[@BR-jw7pm]

@@henriquedearruda8902 you are a spiteful individual who knows how to hold a grudge and plan longterm revenge… Respect!

[@dwaynewood2424]

Pepe did appeared in the Bugs Bunny 80th Birthday video which features the the Tunes in their new design. Apparently, there were two versions. One with him and the other without him.

[@omanimoves6312]

I remember this now-deleted video by John Cav from March 2022. It begins with Bugs Bunny (voiced by Sebastian Ortiz Ramirez) and Daffy Duck (voiced by Cav) bringing John a cake on his birthday. When John holds the cake, he finds it heavy and asks what is inside, but Bugs says that it is a secret. He brings the cake indoors, and is about to cut a slice when he hears someone inside the cake humming "Happy Birthday". Then Pepé Le Pew (voiced by Cav) bursts out singing, "Happy Birthday to you!", startling John, who falls backwards. It cuts to a television color bar screen, then to an excited John, who says, "Pepé Le Pew! You're my favorite Looney Tune! You're here on my birthday!", which the skunk accepts. He then laments to John about his removal from Space Jam: A New Legacy and his controversey in 2021, and says that it was Bugs who organized to have him be inside the cake and bring him to someone to explain his problems. John is repulsed by Pepé's odor. After it cuts to the color bar screen and then to him again, he tells Pepé: "I understand how you feel, Pepé. Most people don't understand that your shorts were meant to be funny. Social media is a really horrible place, I wouldn't recommend going there. But don't feel so down about it. Even if there are people that hate you, you're still gonna find the same amount of peope out there that do love you. And I should know, because I am one of them. Come. I have something to show you." He then leaves the table as the scene fades to black. "Pump Up the Jam" by Technotronic plays as the scene cuts to John and Pepé in the former's garden, turning around and wearing Tune Squad jerseys and shorts. They grin at each other, before John points to something on their right, much to Pepé's joy. Penelope Pussycat is then seen in a Tune Squad jersey and shorts, spinning a basketball on her finger, and the video ends.

[@lemonflavoredink854]

I'm glad that you finally made a video for him. Personally, he's one of my favorites and though I understand why people have a problem with him, I still feel a bit disappointed that they've basically phased him out. I don't condone the unwanted advances, but I adore the hopeless romantic aspect of his character. Like you mentioned, the people in that era had a different mindset than current times, so what was seen as ok then isn't always considered ok now. At the end of the day it's still just a cartoon and shouldn't be taken seriously.

[@ajclements4627]

Today everyone takes offense at the merest hint of something actually being offensive or not, it’s ridiculous. Context matters. Sure, it’s “problematic” to people today, but when these first aired, not so much. How far is it going to go, film studios are already putting what amounts to trigger warnings on older films, it’ll start creeping into classic tv shows and books before you know it.

[@lemonflavoredink854]

@@ajclements4627 Yeah, I think it's pretty sad.

[@chrissyr3976]

Yes. It's a cartoon from decades ago. Move on!

[@DanGamingFan2406]

The fact that the cartoon that had Pepé threaten suicide to coerce Penelope was given an academy award really shows how different times were back then. Maybe someday, a new formula that works for Pepé will be found, but until then, we should never forget, but not forive either.

[@BR-jw7pm]

That scene is THE reason I DESPISE Pepe…

[@StefonTV1]

To be fair, suicide was sadly the type of dark humor that was shown a lot in classic films. He wasn't the first to do it either. I know daisy duck did the same thing.

[@OmarAlikaj]

I don't think fiction (especially "comedy") was meant to portray or influence real life. I mean, that is how even video games are getting censored, even those from Japan and, more recently, Skullgirls.

[@GaJ42]

Bro it's not that deep

[@ravenfrancis1476]

@@OmarAlikaj Keep crying you can't see upskirt pantyshots of cartoon middle scholers, creep.

[@watershipup7101]

There is one Pepé cartoon I think is alright. "Really Scent" sees him arriving in New Orleans, where Fabrette (one of Penelope's alternate names,) is actually, crucially, interested in him too, but still can't stand his smell. Pepé realizes this, and gets the smell removed, unfortunately, Fabrette made herself stink at the same time. I like that it at least attempts to make the attraction consensual, not surprisingly, it's the only one post "Odor of the Day" not directed by Chuck Jones. Maybe Jones was the problem here.

[@StefonTV1]

Actually, they're had been a few times Penelope was actually interested in him and he was scared away. They both were French stereotypes, lovers not fighters. So while she might not like his smell and is shown to be the main reason, she can find him charming. But he comes on strong and smells terrible, so chances aren't in their favor.

[@EASJR1991]

"You probably have a point. In "The Merrie History of Looney Tunes," a multi-part documentary available on KZbin, the narrator touched upon a few interesting points. In 1953, the Warner Bros. cartoon studio was shut down due to the belief that 3-D films would signal the end of animated cartoon shorts. However, this prediction was off the mark, and the studio reopened six months later. Jones made his return, but his writer, Michael Maltese, had already found employment at the Walter Lantz Studio and chose not to return to Warner Bros. For a while, Chuck Jones collaborated with writer Tedd Pierce, who, if my memory serves me right, penned the debut of Pepe Le Pew. Jones also took to writing some of his own shorts. The narrator highlighted the synergy between Maltese and Jones, mentioning that Maltese was a valuable asset because he somewhat balanced Jones. It was observed that the Pepe Le Pew cartoons Jones wrote by himself often portrayed Pepe in a more sympathetic light compared to those written by Maltese. Eventually, Maltese returned to Warner Bros. after Jones convinced the higher-ups to offer him a better salary.

[@KrugerBabadook]

I honestly think Jones was a better adapter than a creator, most of his original characters (Marc Anthony, sniffles, Charlie Dog, Hubie and Bertie) have been forgotten, while bugs, daffy, and porky, were around for a while before chuck changed their formulas

[@MaxBunny7902]

​@@KrugerBabadookHe did create Road Runner and Wile E Coyote though.

[@LamangoKaijura]

I'd like to point out, Penelope sometimes was totally into Pepe. Like, to the point of chasing him. It's just his stench that was off putting to her.

[@garveyneal1672]

Pepe deserves a rightful comeback with a change of act while still being the French big hearted skunk we know in love.

[@summerjonz]

I'm someone who still laughs at rape jokes such as on Archer.

[@Master-Works]

Maybe Internet Dating

[@Woobuggy848]

This story sounds like a bit of a tragic tale. I never knew there was something behind the lovey dovey rinky dink. Does he deserve a comeback? What about speedy?

[@summerjonz]

@@Woobuggy848 Yes

[@garveyneal1672]

@@Woobuggy848 Oh yeah I think his horrible smell may come in use to fight against french criminals. Plus everyone's reacations to his terrible stench always leave me stitches.

[@vincentfichtler7758]

As a French person myself I find it disgusting how some people and WB treated him and I'm not offended by him in fact I find it hilarious I hope someday WB will realised their mistake and bring him back.

[@Toontastic_Juju]

Even with the problematic behavior he has, I still find Pepe to be a fine character. Even my dad considers him one of his favorite Looney Tunes characters. Pepe would’ve been better if they ever give him a new purpose in future toons, but for now let’s wait and see if WB can find ways to do so. Another great Cartoon Evolution you made Dave, well researched!

[@DaveLeeDownUnder]

Thank you!

[@walkerphillips2818]

@johnmorgan491 Cause when it's a female it's acceptable, but not when it's a male.

[@Andrewgtv05]

@@walkerphillips2818 "Because when a Women Does what Pepe Does, that mean's that it is not Illegal" Richard Nixon

[@IsitheScribe]

While Pepe is very much a product of his time I don’t consider him unsalvagable in the slightest. At his core he is a character that is in love with love and oblivious to his odour and advances. He can still be retooled for modern audiences without losing his humour or essence. Also regarding his ‘cancellation’, nothing is forever. Remember when Speedy Gonzales cartoons were banned from Cartoon Network in the 90s until the Latino community protested? Now he’s in the latest Space Jam and Fluffy did a great job of modernising the character. A possible new schtick for Pepe would be to see him falling for other black and white animals like badgers, lemurs (which also stink), orcas and zebras. These animals mean business and could make for hilarious scenarios in a consensual (but hilariously painful) inter species relationship context. Just an idea from a zoologist who loves cartoons😂

[@phantomstrider]

Really well put together. I appreciate that rather than some people who just say "dont cancel" you carefully looked over the episodes and the character himself. Personally, around the time I saw Pepe pretend to shoot himself in order to trick the lady into unlocking the door, and him chaining chaining her up, I thought "yeah I'm okay with this guy being gone in 2023" 😆 Some people might call it "political correctness." Personally I call it removing a character who no one's actually going to miss once they get past their personal outrage. It is certainly art from a different era. Either way, really appreciate the great analysis!

[@Kobe.T]

I love Pepe. Some of his old shorts really make me laugh, and they’ve been doing so since I was a child. That’s not to say I can’t see he’s got some problems and I don’t want new cartoons without an update to be made today. I hope he comes back in a new form to keep making me laugh

[@chrissyr3976]

EXACTLY

[@charlescherris2535]

I feel the animaniacs cameo was meant to comment on the character getting cancelled, as he states "no! The void she is dark." Before being erased.

[@henrycooksey3282]

Thank you for making this😊, I'm aware of how uncertain you were to make it but Pepé and Penelope are unironically some of my favorite Looney tunes characters so I'm glad this was made, keep up the good work 👍

[@OH.A.M.]

Pepe Le Pew is an awesome character. it’s a cartoon character that was different then, and is different now and that’s big points because we rarely see new cartoon characters being created as back then.

[@pipergallaher5463]

Different doesn’t mean good

[@OH.A.M.]

That I understand@@pipergallaher5463 but to us that like him, well… there’s lots of cats, rats, bunny’s, birds etc characters, but skunks, there’s only Pepe Le Pew.

[@eerieeric834]

I think Pepe could work as a Johnny, bravo themed character who thinks he’s a ladies man but he’s really not and whatever he hits on a woman they immediately pummel him

[@benmalsky9834]

I also think Pepe the King Prawn of the Muppets as another good template. He’s hilarious and charming, and he doesn’t have much luck with the ladies either.

[@trickshot_katebishop7612]

Exactly! You don’t have to cancel him just retool him a little bit.

[@karlhelm875]

there you go.

[@spews1973]

Congratulations on another excellent video and for tackling a sensitive subject so well, Dave.

[@DaveLeeDownUnder]

Thanks as always 🙏

[@mayracordero382]

Pepe le pew is one of the best cartoon characters of the looney tunes and I love his first cartoon "odor-able kitty" and I love how he appear in space jam with his odor for the monstars!

[@declancolwell5443]

Pepe Le Pew made a brief cameo in Aninmaniacs (2021). There's still hope he may return. Linda Jones (Chuck Jones's daughter) suggested to rebrand him as a job seeking candidate who keeps getting rejected but keeps changing up his routine. I suggested too that if that's the case, then Penelope Pussycat should become his booking agent or zomething like that.

[@tinkywinky9087]

I may not be a fan of Pepe, but he didn’t deserve to be cancelled.

[@BR-jw7pm]

Even though Pepe is my LEAST fave Looney Tune (of the main cast anyway), I agree it’s stupid to just remove him entirely when they could rework the character/shorts without losing the iconic elements

[@sleepystories8958]

That's what i said. I had conversation about this with my sister and we both agree on that statement

[@BR-jw7pm]

@@sleepystories8958 my idea is to both make it clear that Pepe’s behavior is wrong AND have him face karmic consequences for his actions

[@StefonTV1]

I think the looney tunes show has the right idea. Making him still deal with romance, but not the center of it. Like when he was the wedding planner, or mentioned online dating. It's on brand and less problematic.

[@arlettehernandez3145]

Adorable Couples

[@kootunesscrewy]

Now you've mentioned that, Johnny Bravo haven't appeared in a while neither. Outside of some mentions. The last time he appeared anything CN was in Crossover Nexus.

[@lucasromualdo7003]

Well, although Pepe's reputation is not great, I think he still a fine character. I think what Warner could do with him is give him a new personality, but at the same time staying with some of his old self's trades. Great video as always Dave!!

[@mayracordero382]

This is a great video and I love pepe' le pew dave!

[@cerebrummaximus3762]

Like in New Looney Tunes, because he is low key great in there

[@benmalsky9834]

@@cerebrummaximus3762 They should have definitely done more with the James Bond angle.

[@benmalsky9834]

@@cerebrummaximus3762 In an alternate universe, the Pepe episodes would have lead to a full blown spin-off series, following Pepe’s spy escapades and globetrotting escapades.

[@cerebrummaximus3762]

@@benmalsky9834 I wish they do that. James Bond had the reputation of... girls, which fits Pepe. He is such a cool character in the NLT, so I'd love a spin off in the spy take.

[@benmalsky9834]

Dave, I think it was very noble of you to make a video about Pepe. And hey, you now finally tackled EVERY major Looney Tunes character!

[@walkerphillips2818]

Bosko, Foxy, Piggy, Goopy, Buddy, and Beans:

[@KremBotop]

I think he missed Petunia and Granny. He might've talked about the latter more in detail in the Sylvester and Tweety video but maybe that one was already very crowded as it turned out.

[@brandonluna2292]

One way he can come back is with his lothario personality, if done correctly, but maybe more importantly if they let Penelope speak face to face with him.

[@Kittenfox_55]

I always thought a decent way to modernize Pepé would to have him be the host in a parody of one of those Dating reality shows

[@benmalsky9834]

My god, that would be hilarious.

[@1ceanator99]

I feel that a retooled Pepe would work. Imagine Pepe as oblivious and a hopeless romantic in an actual relationship with Penelope, but she's just trying to love a man who absolutely reeks and is unaware of it.

[@JoaoPereiraCriacoes]

Yeah, totally cancel him wasn't a good move to me, they surely should've rework his concept to a more reasonable tone. Maybe emphazise more his French charm and put a classy behavior to him.

[@Weirdman20]

It's so baffling that Warner Bros can't rework Pepe Le Pew for modern audiences, instead of just cancelling him. Like he could still be the stinky casanova, but toned down a bit as to not offend anyone.

[@primepm8861]

I thought of a way for bringing Pepe into the Tiny Toons Looniversity series, albeit one episode. Fifi reveals that she used to idolize Pepe when she was little and began emulating his behavior at her old school. This resulted in her being vilified by her friends and teachers, then falling into a depression. Eventually, she cleaned up her act and found her true self, but she held bitter enmity against Pepe for "manipulating" her and ruining her childhood. Fifi gets an opportunity to tell Pepe off, only to find that Pepe has changed as well. After serving mandatory community service and counseling, he's now a member of several outreach groups against inappropriate behavior for toons. He tells Fifi that her outrage is justified and is glad she managed to recover. Both characters end on amicable terms and offer to support one another's recovery. In the end, Pepe almost falls back on his old behavior but is stopped by Fifi in a comical fashion. Interesting idea. Too bad it probably won't happen.

[@EternityinOurHearts316]

There's no reason to endlessly quality and apologize for Pepe. The humor of the cartoons is no worse than the violence of the other Looney Tunes. Obviously no one would come away from these cartoons thinking it's okay to act like Pepe anymore than it's okay to smash a hammer into someone's head.

[@suitman]

Quick question are your also gonna do a voice evolution for Pepe? Just asking.

[@mayracordero382]

I love to see a voice evolution of pepe myself dave!

[@keyanawhitely7942]

That would be fun to watch.

[@sarysa]

I think modern sensibilities assume audiences are braindead. Not every headline character is meant to be a role model. It's too late to retool given how one note he originally was plus the modern baggage, but maybe TTL will make good use of Fifi la Fume in his stead.

[@TravisMBarr]

You handled a very delicate subject MASTERFULLY! Well done, not an easy task, nor an easy subject...

[@DaveLeeDownUnder]

Thank you 🙏 Much appreciated!

[@chasehedges6775]

It’s sad that the Looney Tunes aren’t shown much anymore.

[@EvyOriginal]

They are. Pepe isn't

[@ShaunMoore]

​@@EvyOriginalI Feel that Daffy is Shown Less Now. (IMO).

[@benmalsky9834]

You have MeTV?

[@bigred3164]

Boomerang and Max site a number of them but not all.

[@lamontyaboy718]

They are shown literally everyday on boomerang and MeTv. Even pepe le pew cartoons sometimes

[@NathanSpies]

Pepé is innocent! He never deserved to be canceled

[@thefantasticretroreviewer3941]

I know right? Having Pepe Le Pew and Penelope Pussycat not appearing in Space Jam 2: A New Legacy will still be the ONLY Flaw I'll give.

[@ShaunMoore]

Pepe Le Pew is like Any Typical man who likes Women.

[@Luke-3281]

@@thefantasticretroreviewer3941 The ONLY Flaw you give? But what about the other ones for example Rhythm wants a big star for his movies and wants to be recognized so why did he chooses LeBron over other celebrities that are more popular like Dwayne Johnson and Robert Downey Jr?? Why did Rhythm kicked out the Looney Tunes out of their world and what does he had against them exactly? Why couldn’t the Justice League help LeBron to save his son after he asked them? Superman not helping someone to save their child is completely goes against his character. And why didn’t Wonder Woman participate in rescuing Dom? How did Dom get that incredible scanning technology for his game? How did Bugs and the Tunes teleport to the real world? They explain how Bugs survive because he’s a toon but didn’t explain how he’s in the real world now. Why are these characters are joining the basketball team when most of them seem to enjoying their new lives in all of these WB properties? We got a reason to why Daffy and Lola joined but we didn’t a reason why other characters decided to join the team like Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn, Sylvester, Granny, Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner, Speedy Gonzales, Gossamer, and Yosemite Sam. How would winning a basketball game change anything for Rhythm if he’s already made history by teleporting millions of people into the server, and since he did transport millions of people wouldn’t cause planes to crash and cars pileups or something? Before the game starts, LeBron tells his son that Rhythm has transported millions of people into the server-verse and Dom treats as No big deal?? Does he just not care? The movie abandoned an interesting plot line of Bugs Bunny being lonely and why couldn’t they focus on that part a lot more? Where are the other LT characters such as Barnyard Dawg, Playboy Penguin, Rocky and Mugsy, Witch Hazel, The Crusher, Petunia Pig, Hubie and Bertie, Michigan J. Frog and didn’t Bugs look for them? We did saw Nasty Canasta in the Mad Max world with the Coyote and Road Runner but somehow Bugs didn’t brother to recruit him despite he wanted to get all Looney Tunes back together.

[@thefantasticretroreviewer3941]

What's wrong with me giving it only one Flaw and still enjoy the Film a lot? Its not a big deal. And besides, Space Jam 2: A New Legacy is still a 1 Hour and 55 Minute MOVIE, NOT a Commercial. If it was (which I always try to tell you its not a Commercial), there would be Product Placements everywhere and the Film would've been 30 Seconds to a Minute long. No idea why you keep thinking its a Commercial when its not.

[@Luke-3281]

⁠@@thefantasticretroreviewer3941 What are you talking about? I never said that Space Jam A New Legacy was a commercial, like, where did that come from?

[@juanrisa945]

I keep saying he should be turned into a character we laugh at when karma strikes him. That we laugh at when his attempts at stalking fail miserably on his face.

[@icecreamhero2375]

Like Ataru Moroboshi.

[@joestrike8537]

A few thoughts about Pepe from someone who as little kid had trouble making friends and felt rejected, identified with him: - Yes, they should have *definitely* kept him in "New Legacy," being taught that lesson by Santo. (That "restraining order" line would have been a perfect way of bringing him up to date.) -- A mobile phone commercial featuring Pepe & Penelope begins with her *painting the white stripe on herself* - she loves him so much she wants to make herself more appealing to him! (When he calls, her heart visibly thumps in her chest cartoon style) - Pepe appears as Bugs and Lola's wedding planner In that Looney Tunes Show episode: "Your wedding day is the most important day of your life - and I should know, I've been married seven times," which I thought was an utterly *perfect* way of bringing him up to date: he's still a romantic idiot, but without the "rapey" behavior. (Tangent: in an episode of the Barney Miller sitcom a man arrested for accosting women asks the detectives "why is it in the movies when a man wants to kiss a woman she resists then gives in?" to which one responds, "because men make those movies.") - “Really Scent,” the one Pepe cartoon *not* directed by Jones takes a different & opposite approach: a lady skunk born with a stripe down her back (that frightens would-be suitors) sees him as a perfect mate and tries (unsuccessfully) to hold her breath while with him. The cartoon features a female narrator encouraging her to keep trying - it’s the one Pepe cartoon from the cat’s perspective, and a role-reversal ending, with the cat pursuing a terrified Pepe…which leads me to my next thought: - In *every* cartoon where the female eventually finds him attractive, he runs away in terror, leading me to wonder - is Pepe gay, trying to pose as a “Don Juan” to convince others (or himself) he’s straight? His title card appearances with shaded eyelids, visible eyelashes and a ‘come hither’ expression would lend itself to that interpretation. - As long as we’re talking about Pepe’s possible non-CIS behavior, in “Wild Over You” he tries to put his moves on an escaped-from-the-zoo wildcat who’s painted a white stripe on herself to avoid capture. The wildcat rips him to shreds every time he tries & the cartoon ends with a smiling, scarred and bruised Pepe telling the audience “if you have not tried it, do not knock it” - *the skunk’s into S&M!* - And again about Pepe’s possible kinks, I wish I could put a link here to my parody drawing of Pepe *painting the stripe on a panicked Penelope himself* with a crazed smile on his face in a boarded up room, as a movie poster: “It began as A SIMPLE MISUNDERSTANDING - grew into A STRANGE COINCIDENCE - and gave way to AN INSATIABLE OBSESSION! - *WHITE LINE FEVER!”*

[@joestrike8537]

OOPS and DUH! - in the "Really Scent" paragraph above, that should've read "a lady *cat* born with a stripe down her back..." I am zee poor proof-reader, no?

[@chrissyr3976]

Lol omg do you really put that much thought into a cartoon to wonder if pepe is gay? It's a simple cartoon. No hidden meanings. Just a damn cartoon. He runs from her because IT'S FUNNY. That it.

[@IsitheScribe]

I abosolutely love this exposition about our beloved skunk's amorous animation history!

[@ToyBonnie.Productions]

Pepe's canceletion is a perfect example of how soft and easily-offended humanity has became. Calling a fictional character "offensive" and getting them completely wiped out doesn't make you some strong lord and savior, it just makes you look pathetic. Hope Pepe will make some stong come back one day

[@trickshot_katebishop7612]

Spoken perfectly! It makes me so angry when people lose their minds about a cartoon character! It’s so stupid!

[@AnimeMangaKS]

Some people don't know how to separate fiction from reality and that's sad.

[@alvinplayz1254]

FINALLY, You've made a Cartoon Evolution for my favorite Looney Tunes character

[@Coyote-e6d]

😔 it’s a shame that Pepe is no longer accepted in society because when I was a kid he was one of my favorite cartoon characters

[@MortenEng]

There is nobody in the world who is in love with Pepé Le Pew than me. Pepé Le Pew is a real good charming lovesick skunk I ever love. Personally I am a huge, huge fan of him and I adore him so much ever since I was a kid by growing up. I've been reading all this crap about Pepé Le Pew being dropped from the Space Jam sequel because he is a rapist. PEPE LE PEW WAS NEVER A RAPIST! Pepé was a parody of all the French lovers portrayed in movies and their over-the-top ways of pursuing women. Above all Pepé Le Pew is JUST A CARTOON CHARACTER! GROW UP PEOPLE!!! VIVE LA PEPÉ LE PEW! JUSTICE FOR PEPÉ LE PEW! JUSTICE POUR PEPÉ LE PEW!

[@Mr.Tw1sty]

Charlie Dog fans will revolt

[@evasco1979]

Agreed, satire, parody! People look for reasons to feel offended nowadays!

[@cerebrummaximus3762]

In the New Looney Tunes, Pèpè takes the form of secret agent, I love the role so much, that honestly he's my favourite character in the show.

[@benmalsky9834]

I wonder why they didn’t continue the “James Bond-esque” route with Pepe. THAT has tons of potential!

[@drawwing]

@@benmalsky9834 I storyboarded the Pepe "Moonraker" Double Le Pew short. We really started to push the idea that Pepe didn't want to be a spy and just wanted to date Claudette in that cartoon. I remember that I pushed him a little to close to the classic Pepe in that short in the picnic scene and was asked to make some adjustments. I think there is at least one more Pepe Short in season 2 and it is quite good. It found the balance of old Pepe and this new Secret Agent Le Pew. Our Executive Producer Gary Hartle came up with the Double Le Pew idea and for a while it felt like it would have made a strong spinoff series. I do not know if they were asked to stop making Pepe cartoons in season 3 of the show, but I do know that Pepe was not be used in Looney Tunes Cartoons on HBO. He in fact made a cameo appearance in a Bugs Bunny Birthday short made for KZbin and was later removed and reuploaded without him in it.

[@benmalsky9834]

@@drawwing Hey, Thanks!

[@benmalsky9834]

@@drawwing It’s a shame that the guys at WBA didn’t decide to do more with the secret agent angle of Pepe, as in my opinion, it’s a step in the right direction of modernizing him. But I guess they’d rather have more respected characters utilized more for the modern generation huh?

[@benmalsky9834]

@@drawwing What was the attitude among your colleagues? Was it that Pepe was too ingrained in his controversial nature that there was difficulty escaping from it, or was it that to the powers at Warner, Pepe was one-dimensional or one-note that he was no different than Cecil Turtle or Hippity Hoppy?

[@kurthalover]

I have seen your videos of the evolution of the Looney Tunes characters and I was thrilled when I saw the evolution of Pepe Le Pew. I liked hearing you analysis on him. Unfortunately, he did not have such a happy ending in the modern times but I appreciated the fact when you mentioned the historical aspect of the period that it was made and that it falls under a form of art. I personally have enjoyed all of his episodes and cameos that he has had and I do hope that he is given the chance to come back again. Maybe if they decide to change Pepe's style, maybe they can do the same with Penelope to give the audience more of a sense of what she thinks about him. There were a couple of episodes where she did return her affection for him, such as in Bah Humduck, For Scent-imental Reasons, Little Beau Pepe, and Really Scent. I'm sure there's others as well but let's see what the future holds out for this little guy. Wonderful video!

[@TheChildhoodGod]

People are gonna hate me for saying this but Pepe le pew is my favorite character of all time besides Marvin the Martian, I love all of his art styles including my favorite from the looney tunes show, except his art style in Odor-able Kitty (which is a perfect cartoon) and Odor Of The Day (which is an alright cartoon), also like many people say this, For Scent-imental Reasons is the best one! I love his personality, his cuteness, his voice from every looney tunes show, and his relationship with Penelope (who I also really love), the only problem with him isn't even from him, it's that we don't get enough of him, I know people will disagree with me, but I'm just saying an honest opinion, still he has no problems in my opinion, and no matter what he'll always be from my heart!! 🥰😍🤩❤💙💜🖤🤍

[@joestrike8537]

THE SKUNK IN "ODOR OF THE DAY" IS *NOT* PEPE! He's a generic Warner Bros skunk who bears a resemblance to Pepe, end of story.

[@TheChildhoodGod]

@@joestrike8537 Well, according to the Pepe Le Pew DVD, Odor Of The Day was part of the collection with the rest of the Pepe shorts!

[@joestrike8537]

@@TheChildhoodGodTrue - but that still doesn't make him Pepe. (For one thing, the cartoon was directed by Arthur Davis, not Chuck.) He lacks Pepe's suave self-confidence and in terms of facial expression and personality, gives off a "wiseguy/smart aleck" vibe. The real giveaway is at the very end when he and the dog simultaneously say "Gesundheit!" - that is NOT Pepe's voice we hear! I confess I have a PVC figurine of Pepe holding and pointing his tail as if it were a weapon, a pose borrowed from the OotD skunk - but he never used his scent as an offensive (in both senses of the word) weapon in any of his cartoons. I once owned a VHS of Pepe cartoons that included Jones' "Much Ado About Nutting," wherein a an obssessed squirrel repeatedly tries and fails to crack open a coconut. (The Wile E Coyote syndrome, as it were.) I'll wager the only reason it was included was the squirrel's plush, bushy tail, not unlike Pepe's; including that cartoon did not make the squirrel a skunk!

[@TheChildhoodGod]

@@joestrike8537 Yes the vhs had a cartoon that wasn't Pepe, but Pepe does other stuff than falling in love with Penelope, like in New Looney Tunes for example, he was an secret agent, yes his voice wasn't the same, but didn't tweety have a different voice too? And if you think he did, don't you at least respect my opinion?

[@daniexists6]

Honestly, Pepe's problem is that he was too one note. When the other Tunes are already very bit and gag based, it allowed those characters infinite possibilities, and that benefit isn't in Pepe's corner.

[@MrSophire]

I don’t know, tweety seems more one note.

[@abdullahibouraleh6919]

​@@MrSophire I wouldn't say that. Tweety worked early on until Friz Freleng turned the character into a mere object who wouldn't even defend himself.

[@MrSophire]

@@abdullahibouraleh6919 I really like Pepe, When they turned him into a Bond parody I thought it was fitting, the redesign was bad but out fit was cute and it fit his delusions

[@PabloComixYT]

Space Jam: A New Legacy showed the Droogs from Clockwork Orange in the crowd of the Serververse, and BOY did they get a lot of attention?

[@DaveLeeDownUnder]

They were background cameo characters with no dialog. Very different to placing a character front-and-center.

[@thefantasticretroreviewer3941]

@@DaveLeeDownUnder That is very true, Dave

[@PabloComixYT]

@@DaveLeeDownUnder Yeah, but let's just say they've done worse then Pepe... 🙄

[@DaveLeeDownUnder]

A Clockwork Orange isn’t a comedy. It’s a dark drama. And the characters are not meant to be idolized, celebrated, or a source of humour. That’s the difference.

[@thefantasticretroreviewer3941]

@@DaveLeeDownUnder You have a very good point, even though I never saw the Film.....but it doesn't hurt for r to try.

[@lucasromualdo7003]

I am from Brazil and in my opinion, Mel Blanc does a "decent" voice for Pepe and I can recognize his voice VERY EASILY. But I think that the portuguese dub is a little better, because his VA his "Guilherme Briggs", one of best Brazilian VAS I know, his comedic timing is HILARIOUS and I watched both versions of a same short and Guilherme puts his "special flavor" which makes the character 100% more likable. Fun Fact: he is also the same VA for Mickey Mouse and King Julien.

[@AbelGomez1987]

If you are able to find any video footage with the Portuguese dub I would love to hear it.

[@Moura8794]

I am Brazilian too.

[@AbelGomez1987]

@@Moura8794 If you have a link to the Portuguese dub, I would love to hear it

[@killdozer7792]

I think something that could work for Pepe is if he was depicted as being in a mutual relationship with Penelope (something media outside of cartoons often likes to show them as) and the subject of their cartoons is just them trying to have a date, where the humour revolves around Pepe's scent making it unbearable for everyone else. Pepe and Penelope are having the time of their lives while the world gags and screams around them.

[@AkaiAzul]

Oh, I rather like that. Could even have a scene where Pepe is by himself, being his charismatic, confident self, and respecting boundaries, say building a woman's self confidence, a Karen comes in thinking he's trying to romance another lady and confronts him about it and he defends his behavior by saying he politely helping that other lady's confidence, walks away, leaving the Karen surrounded by a crowd of angry ladies he's actually helped.

[@richardranke3158]

For Scent-imental Reasons on an Oscar? That wasn't my favorite Chuck Jones cartoon...or even my favorite Pepe Le Pew cartoon! Still,Pepe remains one of my favorite characters!:-)

[@LegendStormcrow]

I'm surprised it took so long for you to do a video on him. I actually was thinking of him a couple months back. I'd say the evolution of Pepe would be Johnny Bravo, who is more obvious on being the joke of a person. Most homes were at his expense, with few exceptions, and almost none of the exceptions involved the countless injury gags the show used.

[@joeymartinez5814]

Dave Alvarez, who's worked on countless Looney Tunes projects, said back in March of 2021, that Pepé isn't being retired; he's just not appearing in a couple of (then-)upcoming LT projects, including Space Jam: A New Legacy. (Not that Pepé was missing anything anyway.) Alvarez even said, in all his years working on the LT franchise, he's seen gun banning & dynamite control. He's even said that Speedy Gonzales has been prevented from appearing countless times yet he's still here.

[@DaveLeeDownUnder]

No disrespect to the wonderful Alvarez, but he doesn’t make the decisions. A highly reputable trade-paper reported that the studio has no current plans to use him in the near future, and I’ll take that word. This does not mean he’s gone forever - and I never said he was. But, don’t expect to see him in anything any time soon. If we’ve learned anything from this series it’s that characters come and go, change and adapt.

[@walkerphillips2818]

If anything, we’re more likely to see the return of the first Looney Tunes character then see Pepe’s reanimation.

[@rwinger2481]

@@DaveLeeDownUnder I hope that he gets completely rebranded to a characterization that falls in line with what is appropriate for today especially to kids. I suggest that they should keep him French but make him into someone who is funny and not limited to one trait. His absence shouldn't be too long otherwise people will call him a martyr thinking that his erasure/"death" is permanent. Adaptation has potential. Every character was adapted but some or all of their personality was kept. No one should worry if a cartoon character is gone for 5, 10 or even 20 years (they have the right to exercise and renew their trademarks). When the time comes and once he cameos or appears again, we'll look back and say "He's not cancelled". He's never dead or banned. If enough time has passed, they can grant the right to reboot without falling into these negative traits. Maybe reboot Pepé Le Pew and Penelope Pussycat as an established couple and imply that Penelope was the one to fall in love at first sight. If there is one thing a skunk needs is personal hygiene.

[@HaydenU]

I do like his characterization in the New Looney Tunes shorts, but honestly, if I were part of the animation team, I would cast Pepe as someone who's been through rehab and has acknowledged his misdeeds just so he still makes appearances.

[@fabianugalde3789]

I posted this before but feel like Pepe is a character that deserves to come back with new personality traits that change the older ones. I know many people don't like Pepe for what he represents. However, just like other Looney Tunes such as Speedy (which some might deem offensive), he can just get reworked to fit in with the times. I imagine him being a hopeless romantic character who is flirty and is on a quest of trying to successfully ask someone out (or have a date). The catch is that he is well aware of his skunk scent, and he spends the whole cartoon trying to get near his love interest (whether its Penelope or someone else) while at the same time, trying to get rid of his bad scent without success (the gags will revolve around the impossible task of removing it or having to use his scent to help someone). He can also be in other situations akin to the Looney Tunes Show and New Looney Tunes where he is a spoof of prominent romantic characters or helps others find love. The thing is that just like all the other cartoon characters who were involved in outdated or problematic cartoons, Pepe can have another chance with the correct writers and change the audience's perception of him. What happened should not be forgotten, but he can definitely come back if everyone is willing to allow it. I hope someday someone can make it happen

[@Pixis1]

I think the way to make Pepe work is to show the attraction as consensual. He can still be a womanizer and ladies' man if we know the ladies are actually into it and his attentions are not being forced on them. Maybe they could show him with lots of love interests but include a running gag that they all have clothespins on their noses or are always trying to get Pepe to wear cologne to mask his scent or something. The movie Waking Ned Divine had a similar joke. There was a young couple that was in love but the girl kept rejecting the guy because he was a pig farmer and he always smelled of pigs. "Finn, ya know I love ya and I'd be all yours...if it weren't for the pigs!" That kind of comedy might work for Pepe.

[@DaveLeeDownUnder]

Great call, and a terrific reference! I almost NEVER hear people talk about Ned Divine - a gorgeous movie!

[@Grover1234]

This was a great video giving us the information of the character and I think he should NEVER be erased or canceled from Warner Bros. at all. He just needs some reworking. I could see him still being a ladies man and trying to win certain woman's hearts but they just can't seem to like him mostly cause of his sent and not cause he seems to grabby. Come on Warner Bros and get to working on some new Pepe le' Pew shorts. We need him to stay with our core group of characters. I have seen him on Looney Tunes products. There have been plush toys of Pepe. Yeah certain items or products of those times didn't include him but he has had toys, figures, clothing and other things. Nah don't cancel the poor shuck.

[@LowellLucasJr.]

Personally I love Pep-Lepew! That Casonova who falls so hard for a lover as he fails to achieve it! I even love his successor Fifi, Tiny Toons, as she was another iteration who desperately longed for another!❤😂 I saw these traits as a parody of the romantic gentleman or burnt out super hunk whose never given up( pre Johnny Bravo) so I have been shocked on how many want him cancelled by today's standards( heck look at Speedy!). I just remind people its merely jokes and not to be taken seriously. I'll always love Pepe, and never stop being a fan. If there's a way anyone could bring him to a more " Tolerable" or " Acceptable" standard while still making him a hopeless romantic; if gladly welcome it!❤

[@dark_elf_wizard]

Pepé is my favorite Looney Tune character... he was funny in his own way. i will miss him.

[@Master-Works]

Me too, and Penelope. Space Jam: A New Legacy screwed us over

[@ananonymoususer4698]

He's gonna be in the new tiny toons. He's not really cancelled.

[@Master-Works]

@@ananonymoususer4698 That true?

[@ananonymoususer4698]

@@Master-Works yea. Dave got it a bit wrong.

[@Master-Works]

@@ananonymoususer4698 Who is Dave?

[@mafeuk]

A lot of over dramatic folks in the comments like this is a stupid harmless cartoon and they are treating it like if it was a ruthless dictator from the 20th century. Chill the hell out.

[@silverdamascus2023]

Remember kids, the people who complained about a cartoon skunk getting censored are soft, whiny and should worry about something more important. But the people who were offended about a cartoon skunk and demanded him to be censored in the first place, they aren't soft and whiny, they shouldn't worry about something more important.

[@DaveLeeDownUnder]

Reductive comments like this add nothing to the conversation. Be open to conversation and listening to others or don’t bother.

[@adampellett4917]

Pepe and Penelope deserve better not from the most awful social media discussion of rape culture or WOKE by certain people questioning of their characteristics even their behaviors. When I saw Pepe chasing Penny in a comedy way but it’s still funny not anything too offensive. I hope WB could bring them back soon. And never listening bad social media in which it’s responsible for the despicable mess. #SavePepeandPenlope2023 #SaveWB2023

[@raymondtillotson6985]

I made sure to snatch up a copy pf Pepe's DVD set when I heard he was being cancelled. Gotta love physical media. I think the character could still work well as a hopeless romantic type.

[@colleencartoon9576]

Perhaps they should make a new skunk character for Pepe le pew! They should call her Scarlet Skunk! And by the time when Pepe and Scarlet would ever meet one day I know the true Love Will conquer All! And of course Pepe would redeem himself I just know it! And you should know that when it comes to cartoons I never wanted to give up hope! Even if they only exist on TV it's still the part of me to believe that anything could happen! Also I wonder if Dave Lee would talk about Rocky and Bullwinkle next time!

[@jeffthekillercriticremixer5968]

The tiny toons already created a female version of her and that skunk's name is fefe

[@XX-sp3tt]

The point of Penelope is that she's just as smothering as Pepe when given the chance. They DESERVE each other.

[@codytriffo]

Great cartoon evolution video Dave, I hope Penelope Pussycat will still appear in future Looney Tunes cartoons without Pepe ❤️🖤🤍

[@bland9876]

Now I'm imagining a PSA about concent and "no means no" staring Pepé lol

[@myrtlemountaineer8857]

Karens obviously haven’t watched the old school cartoons. Penelope, the cat he was chasing whom he thought was another skunk eventually falls for Pepe at the end of one of his cartoons when he gets covered in (I think white paint, I can’t remember) and Pepe becomes the victim. So, it’s not like he didn’t get his comeuppance in the end. It would’ve been easier to retool him than to cancel him overall. I hate cancel culture. It gives people a sense of power that they have no business using.

[@DaveLeeDownUnder]

Very reductive and counter-intuitive to call anyone who has legitimate concerns with the character a "Karen." It adds nothing to the important conversations that need to be had here. Also, "cancel culture" does not exist.

[@myrtlemountaineer8857]

@@DaveLeeDownUnder Dave, I disagree but respect your opinion. Love the channel, man. Keep up the good work!

[@CheeseMiser]

@@DaveLeeDownUnder "cancel culture" very much exists

[@CooperGal24]

I think some people completely forgot that Pepe Le Pew was based on one of Chuck Jones’ colleagues at Termite Terrace, who basically is the hopeless romantic type. I grew up watching Pepe Le Pew, and I never ONCE thought that he was offensive or abusive, or even a womanizer. (I was a kid back then, so I never knew about womanizing.) To say that Pepe’s a “sexual predator” is kinda like how Speedy Gonzales was seen as a “Racist Stereotypical" offensive character. Reminder that the Mexicans had NO problems with Speedy. In fact, they LOVED him! I mean, which Looney Times character is gonna be cancelled next? Foghorn Leghorn for being a “Southern Controversy” rooster? Porky Pig for his stutter ticks? Daffy Duck because of his lisp? Tasmanian Devil because he’s an endangered species? Or even Marvin the Martian because he’s an “Illegal Alien”? I find the cancellation of cartoon characters for the most stupid reasons to be just that: a stupid reason. I think they’re just bored with life and are trying to be hateful trolls online without doing their research. That’s just me though. Speedy and Pepe are cartoon characters, but they’re seen by haters as nothing but politically incorrect controversies. I mean seriously, the next thing the trolls are gonna cancel next are characters in the LGBT+ community because “NO GAYS AND F*GS IN MY CARTOONS!” I’ll say that this is probably their opinions, and we can’t change their minds. BUT they should keep their opinions to themselves. If they don’t like certain characters, the. Change the channel on your tv or online, or just go do something else.

[@mightyfilm]

I have always said, nothing is truly timeless, and everything is a product of when it was made. Pepe's cartoons having a pre-Woman's Lib bend to them is no different than constant references to WW II rationing LT shorts of the 40's or the VERY unfortunate racial stuff in certain older cartoons. And it is no secret that they've been struggling with the character since the 80's at least, something I've also been saying. Though it seems WB has at least walked back banning the character from older appearances, with the for kid's Boomerang LT block not only reintegrating full Pepe cartoons into their rotation, but advertising his appearances as well. For contrast, Speedy cartoons are only seen in the more adult LT compilation on MeTV, along with other rarities, and they've been using Speedy solidly since the same time period. As for Pepe., I think we can get his cartoons to work in a modern era with one simple change. Have the women actually like Pepe. Make him a romantic type that the women can't resist, UNTIL he gets too excited and sprays skunk stink, causing them to run for cover, giving Pepe either a "was it something I said" or "sigh, easy come, easy go" reaction. Not only is that less one sided, it's more biologically realistic, as skunks only spray as a defense mechanism and smell no worse than any wild animal otherwise. Or let's look at why Fifi la Fume holds a higher standing, make him depressed and lovelorn instead of overconfident.

[@deanwrite5783]

The one idea I once thought of a way to make Pepe work and get rid of the problematic elements would be to sort of make him and Penelope like the hippos from Animaniacs-Have them be a completely consensual couple, just Pepe's scent is driving everyone around them crazy.

[@rubendelgado5098]

I find it odd that Pepé le Pew is considered too problematic/controversial to use in new Looney Tunes stuff (besides cameos), but Fifi la Fume still appears in the new Tiny Tunes cartoon even though her shtick is more or less the same as Pepé, even more if you cosider that up until recently it was a "common" trope to have a female character harassing/stalking the male characters and nobody bats an eye, like Dijonay from Proud Family, Tootie from FOP, Jackie from Kick buttowky, Sarah from TAWOG, Panini from Chowder, Miyo from A Whisker Away, etc. (not saying that those are bad characters or that that is good behavior)

[@ajclements4627]

The fact that Karens on the internet helped to get a cartoon character cancelled is so ridiculous to me. Some folks have nothing more productive to do with their time I guess. Maybe it’s time to cancel Lola Bunny and Jessica Rabbit. Or Cheetara from the Thundercats? Or Arcee from the Transformers? Can’t have any sexy animals, or sexy cartoon women married to a rabbit or sexy robots right?

[@DaveLeeDownUnder]

To call people who have legitimate concerns about vintage media which displays out-dated material “Karens” is incredibly reductive. It’s important to adress these issues and analyze them.

[@AnimeAngel88]

Pepe was never my favorite, but you do gotta admire his endless amount of self-confidence. He just needs to learn about personal space.

[@Raerlahar]

Actually, there was a stuffed Valentines Day plush of him gifted to my mother of which I have the plush once she gave it to me. So there was at least one bit of marketing for him.

[@DaveLeeDownUnder]

I didn't say there's never been any Pepe merchandise - there has been lots. Saying he "doesn't have great merchandising potential" doesn't mean there's _no_ merchandise, it just means theres little of it.

[@walkerphillips2818]

I feel it's odd how Warner-Discovery never thought to permanently change him, I mean, they did change a jerkhole rabbit into their main mascot, a insane duck into a self-centered quackpot, and a naked wittle sociopath into a "innocent" baby canary. And all of those toons have been in massive controversies themselves, like The 12 Missing Hares. Personally, if he and Penelope were changed into a playful married couple, it wouldn't fix him completely, but it'd sure change the character for the better.

[@Pastel_Dreams]

Pepe Le Pew actually has the potential to be retooled for a more modern audience if writers didn't focus/overthink his apprasive & tone-deaf approaches. The answer is to simply playing up the more sensative & timid aspect of his personality, where the true romantic lies. Whenever his affection is actually reciprocated or sought out, he becomes overwhelmed & flusted since he's so used to taking the lead & expecting to be met with immediate rejection. He is the kind of guy that puts up the front of being a confident & seasoned ladies' man, but is actually a shy & sensitive guy underneath the bravado. Have Penelope be the one to pursue him & give him the chance to change.

[@rwinger2481]

Sacre maroon! You are a genius. Maybe a sacrifice to drop his obliviousness, being a near-sighted skunk thinking just about anything black and white and striped looks like him (even Sylvester when he painted a white stripe to catch Tweety). This may include toning down his odor which is often used for wild takes/exaggerated reactions. I can see his female co-star Penelope Pussycat falling in love and Pepé’s shyness/timid nature comes into play despite trying to be confident around her. Think of Bugs when he first meets Lola in Space Jam.

[@benmalsky9834]

Yeah, that could work!

[@NachoNutria]

They could easily flip the table and changing him from a helpless lovesick to a romantic expert (Hitch like) who tries to help guys who are just terrible with girls. That would revive him and clean the perception new audiences have about him

[@TheRed02151]

The cancellations is stupid. WHO CARES if he's creepy, that's the whole point! You're not supposed look up to some of these characters, they're looney tunes. We should appreciate the fact that he generally never gets his way. People are just looking for someone//something to cancel!

[@trickshot_katebishop7612]

💯

[@raphaelmarquez9650]

Pepe really needs to a serious reinvention because it would be ashamed if one of the more iconic Looney Tunes is retired due to artist block on making him work in our current societal landscape.

[@jamesmoyner7499]

The way I would fix Pepe is have it so the cat can't smell and enjoys being with him and you just see the antics the two end up in.

[@benmalsky9834]

Yeah, that could work.

[@KasumiKenshirou]

"Lemonade?" "Please. You make the best lemonade, Pepe." "Why thank you, Penelope."

[@scotttenbroeck9321]

I think your next cartoon evolution should be about Garfield or Alvin and the chipmunks.

[@DaveLeeDownUnder]

It will be neither.

[@thefantasticretroreviewer3941]

24:59, Its funny and somehow slightly weird how the Casablanca Scene in Space Jam 2: A New Legacy had to be re-worked during Production and Yosemite Sam would have to replace Pepe Le Pew in the same setting when you think about it. No idea what took me so long to actually realize that right now, but better late than ever to come to that conclusion.

[@benmalsky9834]

On the other hand, I do like the added pun of Yosemite Sam filling the role of Sam the piano player in Casablanca. That was pretty clever.

[@thefantasticretroreviewer3941]

@@benmalsky9834 I agree. Good thing they put that Casablanca Scene to some good use.

[@rudymalone1]

​@@thefantasticretroreviewer3941Will we ever see Pepe le Pew Make a proper comeback In future Looney Tunes media? Time will only tell!🤔

[@thefantasticretroreviewer3941]

@@rudymalone1 Yeah

[@s.nifrum4580]

The earlier cartoons were fine because Pepe’s efforts backfired on him in one way or another. But in later cartoons he wins every time

[@silverdamascus2023]

Why Warner Bros. insists on keeping the Looney Tunes franchise alive? - You can't show the old shorts with black caricatures, which were considered offensive and removed in the 1960s, and Bosko, the first Looney Tunes character, can never come back. - You can't show the old shorts with japanese caricatures, even though that's because the japanese sided with Germany in WWII. - Apparently, the WWII cartoons are also problematic for Italian and German stereotypes. - Just having a cartoon that is about WWII is complicated. - You can't show the old shorts with native americans, previously called indians, even using that term is offensive, a native standing there, doing nothing, and using accurate clothing, is offensive. - You can't show the old shorts with chinese stereotypes either, even though they weren't even intended to be offensive. - Many shorts with characters smoking and drinking. - Many suicide jokes while we live in a time where this is taken much more seriously. - Bugs Bunny is a crossdresser, something considered sexist, and kept kissing other people without consent, other males but anyway, the LGBT community that made Bugs in drag acceptable again. - Porky and Elmer Fudd are offensive for people with speech impairments. - Elmer Fudd and Yosemite Sam cannot have guns, they were at first removed from the HBO Max series and it was hard to get them back. - Speedy Gonzales is an offensive mexican stereotype, it doesn't matter if mexicans love him, white americans are offended for them. - Pepé Le Pew is not only an offensive french stereotype, but he is a sexual harasser. - Pete Puma is offensive to people with mental disorders. - Even the 1990s aren't safe, you can't have Lola Bunny as sexy as she was, extending to Animaniacs, you can't have Hello Nurse and Minerva Mink. - Even the 2010s aren't safe, Lola Bunny was changed to being crazy and stupid, and stalking Bugs Bunny, this version was often considered the best version of the character, but it seems like she is going back to her boring Space Jam personality. - Many shorts have jokes against fat people, there was a time where Elmer Fudd was fat. - It shouldn't take long for people to complain about the many characters who are dwarves like Elmer and Sam. - It shouldn't take long for people to complain about jokes against bald characters like Elmer. Forgot something?

[@DaveLeeDownUnder]

You’re talking about literally 5% of the old Looney Tunes. Why do they keep playing them? They’re still highly beloved films and some of the greatest pieces of animation ever made.

[@CaptainCat101]

No matter what people say about Pepe, he isn't as cancelable as that Buddy The Boy guy

[@thefantasticretroreviewer3941]

Who?

[@walkerphillips2818]

Referring to the second major star of the Looney Times series, who was killed off in Animaniacs for being “too bland”.

[@thefantasticretroreviewer3941]

@@walkerphillips2818 Really?

[@walkerphillips2818]

@@thefantasticretroreviewer3941yes

[@thefantasticretroreviewer3941]

@@walkerphillips2818 I'll go along with it

[@TheTWRModeller]

My theory is that Pepe has been tried, sentenced and convicted for historical sex offences, landed himself on the Sex Offender's Register for life and incarcerated. It's only a matter of time before he himself becomes a vicitm when one of the inmates offer to 'scrub his back' in the showers.

[@walkerphillips2818]

My theory is that PETA hung and skined him.

[@stardustpink7915]

I always figured his cartoons were supposed to be satire of those cheesey romances? A lady wouldent really want something that so intense XD You could always update him also for more modern times? Maybe a smooth ladies man like in the looney tunes show.

[@mauriceisaac3646]

While I understand some people being uncomfortable with Pepe as a character, and the difficulty of adapting him to modern times, I don't think it's right to erase him from the Looney Tunes roster like he doesn't exist. He may be more of a C-tier Looney Tune who appeared in a handful of Golden Era cartoons like Speedy, Taz, and Marvin, he's just as much of a memorable staple as the rest and doesn't deserve to be forgotten to time.

[@okamiodonnell9153]

It sucks because they could easily just keep him as a hopeless romantic but axe the things people find offensive about him today without needing to get rid one of the most recognizable characters in their history.

[@SticksGazetteFan2005]

I was so angry and mad at the same time when they had to get rid of pepe and he didn’t deserve to be cancelled! 😤

[@nickdorenkamp959]

While not my favorite Looney Tune, I think there is formula that could work. When we look at some of Pepe's appearances they share the common theme of him looking for something. in fact Jones' daughter even suggested to write him as a "perpetual job seeker who keeps getting rejected but constantly changing up his routine because he thinks he's the perfect candidate.". So there is a way to keep him relevant.

[@islandgaming9459]

my favorite part of the cancelling of pepe is that they completely fail to mention whatsoever that, in some episodes, the cat is chasing pepe back! these new youth brainwashed to be "woke" think this is grape culture? wow. i garuntee your woman wants more in a man, and you fail to fulfill your masculine essence, and walk around ashamed of the savage lust within you and your own sexuality, dismissing and belittling your masculine core as if there is something wrong with you because "hey thats bad they said so "

[@drevianedwardsproductions9244]

Pepe Le Pew is one of the Looney Tunes characters that I like but wholly Lord, he is pretty underrated. He deserves some respect, then what he got.

[@lamontyaboy718]

I have a feeling that if for sentimental reasons didn't win the academy award that probably would've been the last we would of seen of pepe and he would be an obscure lesser known looney tune from the past like Sniffles.

[@DaveLeeDownUnder]

100%!

[@harrygameshowproductions5296]

In my honest opinion, Pepe should've just been a one-shot. I honestly feel that his 'Skunk chasing cat disguised as skunk' shtick has gotten vastly repetitive. Sure, you can say the same thing to cartoon characters like Tom & Jerry but they do new things to the formula, such as adding different settings or different characters to pit them up against. However, there are a note-worthy few that the character felt, to me, fresh and different, such as "Odor Of The Day" and "Really Scent" (surprisingly the only two Pepes not directed by Jones) by doing things the opposite way or new stuff entirely. I also really enjoy the New Looney Tunes take on the character, making him a secret agent. Well, yes, I don't like the classic character, he really shouldn't be removed from future Looney Tunes media cause that would just make him officially dead and I still feel, with the right talent and adjustments, I think he can still thrive with the other stars of animation. Until then, Nous devrons attendre et voir! (French for: We'll just have to wait and see.....yes I got it from Google Translate)

[@dannyspelman1468]

Very well made. I always thought Pepe in Carrottblanca was a parody of the character, Louis. He was the prefect of the French police and an enthusiastic womaniser. I could be wrong. 🤔