Fastest Mouse in the West: ‘Speedy Gonzales’ Movie Coming Soon

January 21, 2026

Fastest Mouse in the West: Jorge R. Gutiérrez to Direct ‘Speedy Gonzales’ for Warner Bros.

Despite the the competitive take over and competition between Netflix and Paramount for ownership. It's still all business for Warner Brothers

The "Fastest Mouse in all of Mexico" is officially racing back to the big screen. Warner Bros. Pictures Animation has officially tapped acclaimed filmmaker Jorge R. Gutiérrez (The Book of Life, Maya and the Three) to direct a new animated feature film centered on the iconic Looney Tunes character, Speedy Gonzales.

The announcement, first reported by The Hollywood Reporter and confirmed by the studio this morning, marks the end of a decade-long development "sprint" to bring the sombrero-wearing hero into the modern era.

The "Singular Voice" for a Reimagining

In a statement released today, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation president Bill Damaschke praised Gutiérrez as the ideal choice to lead the project.

“Jorge is a singular storyteller whose voice, artistry, and cultural perspective make every project he touches feel both timeless and completely new,” Damaschke said. “We couldn't be more excited to have him reimagining Speedy Gonzales, one of our most beloved Looney Tunes characters, for today's global audience.”

Gutiérrez, known for his vibrant, folk-art-inspired visual style and deep roots in Mexican culture, had been teasing his involvement on social media for weeks. In December, he posted a viral selfie holding a Speedy Gonzales figurine with the caption, “Guess what movie I might be developing...”

Overcoming a Decade of Delays

A standalone Speedy Gonzales film has been a "white whale" for Warner Bros. since at least 2016. At that time, Mexican superstar Eugenio Derbez (CODA) was attached to voice the character in a hybrid live-action/animated version.

However, the project stalled due to internal studio concerns regarding the character’s legacy. While some critics in the U.S. have labeled the 1950s-era mouse a "cultural stereotype," the character remains a beloved icon in Mexico and across Latin America. Derbez himself defended the character in 2024, noting, “He’s smart. He outsmarts the cats. He’s a hero. He gets cheese for his people.”

By hiring Gutiérrez, a director celebrated for his respectful and celebratory depictions of Mexican heritage, Warner Bros. appears to be leaning into a "cultural reclamation" strategy to ensure the film resonates authentically with global audiences.

What to Expect

While plot details and a release date are currently under wraps, industry insiders suggest the film will be a fully animated feature rather than a hybrid. Fans can likely expect:

High-Energy Comedy: Staying true to the character’s roots in outsmarting adversaries like Sylvester the Cat and Daffy Duck.
Vibrant Visuals: Gutiérrez’s signature "hyper-colorful" aesthetic, which earned him critical acclaim for The Book of Life.
A "New" Speedy: A character that maintains his legendary speed and wit but is grounded in a more contemporary, community-focused story.

With production currently in the early storyboard phases, the Speedy Gonzales movie joins a revitalized Looney Tunes slate at Warner Bros. that includes the upcoming theatrical release of Coyote vs. Acme in August 2026.