Woody Woodpecker (franchise) explained

Woody Woodpecker
Creator:
Owner:
Origin:Knock Knock (1940)
Comics:Dell Comics (1942–1974)
Gold Key Comics (1962–1984)
Harvey Comics (1991–1994)
Films:Woody Woodpecker (2017)
Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp
(2024)
Atv:
Wtv:
Italic Title:no
Shorts:Woody Woodpecker shorts
(1940-1972)
Vgs:List of video games
Attractions:Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster

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

The franchise revolves around about the humorous adventures and interactions of Woody Woodpecker and his friends like Winnie Woodpecker, 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 used Woody and also used Woody 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 projects, including television series and a two live-action/CGI hybrid films released in 2017 and 2024.

Short films

List of Woody Woodpecker filmography

Animated series

TitleRelease date
The Woody Woodpecker ShowOctober 3, 1957
The New Woody Woodpecker ShowMay 8, 1999
Woody WoodpeckerDecember 3, 2018

Films

TitleRelease date
Woody WoodpeckerOctober 5, 2017
Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp[1] [2] April 12, 2024
Untitled third Woody Woodpecker film[3] TBA

Video games

TitleRelease date
Crazy Castle
Woody Woodpecker's Frustrated VacationsOctober 1996
Woody Woodpecker RacingNovember 22, 2000
August 14, 2001
Universal Studios Theme Parks AdventureDecember 7, 2001

Universal Studios Theme Parks

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

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.

Popularity

Woody Woodpecker is one of the most iconic characters of all time and has a fan base worldwide. In Brazil, Woody is the most popular character.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Slatter . Sean . 2021-09-12 . Universal 1440 Entertainment's 'Woody Woodpecker' sequel filming in Victoria . 2023-10-10 . IF Magazine . en-AU.
  2. Web site: You are being redirected... . 2024-02-01 . www.animationmagazine.net.
  3. Web site: INTERVIEW: Summer Arrives Early With "Woody Woodpecker Goes To Camp" – Animation Scoop . www.animationscoop.com . 25 May 2024.