Woody Woodpecker (franchise)

Woody Woodpecker is an American media franchise that originally started in 1940 with the release of the Short film Knock Knock. Created was the Franchise by Walter Lantz and produced by Walter Lantz Productions and were distributed by Universal Pictures.

Woody Woodpecker
Created by
Original workKnock Knock (1940)
Owner
Years
  • 1940–present
Print publications
ComicsDell Comics (1942–1974)
Gold Key Comics (1962–1984)
Harvey Comics (1991–1994)
Films and television
Film(s)Woody Woodpecker (2017)
Short film(s)Woody Woodpecker shorts
(1940-1972)
Web series
Animated series
Television special(s)
Direct-to-video

The franchise revolves around about the humorous adventures and interactions of Woody Woodpecker and his friends like Winnie Woodepcker, enemies like Buzz Buzzard and other characters. The stories revolve around Woody's cheeky and often chaotic pranks, his attempts to solve problems, and his interactions with other characters such as Andy Panda, Chilly Willy, Winnie Woodpecker, Knothead, Splinter, Buzz Buzzard, and others.

History

Woody Woodpecker was made by Walter Lantz, an American animator and cartoonist. He made his first appearance in the short film "Woody Woodpecker" in 1940. Woody's popularity grew, and he soon became a star in his own right. He appeared in numerous animated shorts, often finding himself in humorous and chaotic situations. Walter Lantz Productions entered into a deal with Universal Pictures in 1940 that allowed Universal to distribute the Woody cartoons.

In 1985, Universal Pictures acquired the rights of Woody Woodpecker and Walter Lantz Productions and added this to his portfolio. Since then, Universal has continued to produce Woody and have it used in the Theme Parks. Woody Woodpecker is not so much represented in television/movie, but more in other, such as in the Universal Studios Theme Parks or merchandising. Universal has since produced new adaptations, including television series and a live-action/CGI hybrid film released in 2017, keeping Woody's legacy alive for new generations to enjoy.

Short films

List of Woody Woodpecker filmography

Films
Title Release date
The Woody Woodpecker Show October 3, 1957
The New Woody Woodpecker Show May 8, 1999
Woody Woodpecker December 3, 2018
Woody Woodpecker Coming in 2023 or 2024
Title Release date
Woody Woodpecker October 5, 2017
Untitled Woody Woodpecker sequel[1] Upcoming

Video Games
Title Release date
Crazy Castle
Woody Woodpecker's Frustrated Vacations October 1996
Woody Woodpecker Racing November 22, 2000
Woody Woodpecker: Escape from Buzz Buzzard Park August 14, 2001
Universal Studios Theme Parks Adventure December 7, 2001

Universal Studios Theme Parks

Woody Woodpecker is very popular at the Universal Studios Theme Parks. Universal Studios Florida is the only park with rides, areas and meet and greet.

Title Opening date Closing date
Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster March 13, 1999 January 15, 2023

Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Singapore, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Beijing Resort have no rides, just only events and meet and greet.

References
  1. Slatter, Sean (2021-09-12). "Universal 1440 Entertainment's 'Woody Woodpecker' sequel filming in Victoria". IF Magazine. Retrieved 2023-10-10.
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