Two dates around Bugs come together in 2025. First, this year marks the 85 th anniversary of Bugs Bunny of his first official screen appearance, in the short A Wild Hare (1940, directed by Tex Avery).

Bugs Bunny’s immense popularity makes him unavoidable in animation history. Yet, his early, harmful portrayals and occasionally cruel jokes necessitate a careful approach today.

Bugs Bunny, the iconic cartoon character, made his official debut in the 1940 Oscar nominated short, The Wild Hare. The Looney Tunes standout was first voiced by actor Mel Blanc.