Speedy Gonzales Set for Big-Screen Comeback with Jorge R. Gutiérrez at the Helm

The fastest mouse in all of Mexico may soon be racing back into theaters.

Warner Bros. is developing a new animated feature centered on the classic Speedy Gonzales, with acclaimed filmmaker Jorge R. Gutiérrez attached to direct. The news was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Story details and a screenwriter have not yet been announced.

Gutiérrez recently teased the project on social media, posting a photo of himself holding a Speedy Gonzales figurine while wearing a straw hat and red bandana—an outfit closely associated with the iconic mouse. His caption hinted strongly at the project’s development at Warner Bros. Pictures Animation.

Speedy Gonzales has been a fan-favorite Looney Tunes character since his debut in the 1950s. His 1955 Merrie Melodies short won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. Known for his lightning speed, sharp intelligence, and charm, Speedy has long been portrayed as a clever hero who outsmarts his enemies.

Most recently, the character appeared in Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021), voiced by Gabriel Iglesias, alongside other Looney Tunes legends like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. That film earned $163 million worldwide at the box office.

Gutiérrez brings deep experience and cultural perspective to the project. Born in Mexico City and raised in Tijuana, he is best known for co-creating Nickelodeon’s El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera and Netflix’s Maya and the Three, both Emmy-winning productions. His feature film The Book of Life, produced by Guillermo del Toro, was praised for its vibrant visuals and heartfelt storytelling.

“Jorge is a singular storyteller whose voice, artistry, and cultural perspective make every project feel both timeless and new,” said Bill Damaschke, president of Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. “We’re thrilled to have him reimagine Speedy Gonzales for today’s global audience.”

This is not the first attempt to bring Speedy Gonzales back to theaters. Warner Bros. previously explored a feature version with Eugenio Derbez attached as the voice of Speedy, but the project stalled amid concerns about cultural sensitivity. Derbez later said that many in Mexico view Speedy not as a stereotype, but as a smart and heroic character.

With Gutiérrez now leading the charge, Warner Bros. appears ready to give Speedy Gonzales a fresh start—one that honors his roots while introducing him to a new generation of fans.