75 years ago today everyone’s favourite wabbit Bugs Bunny made his first “official” appearance on the big screen in Merrie Melodies’ A Wild Hare (1940). Directed by Tex Avery and written by Rich Hogan this rabbit’s tale also starred an early Elmer J. Fudd in his recurring role as a bumbling huntsman.

The character design would continue to be refined over the subsequent years along with Mel Blanc’s vocal performance but for the most part Bugs was very much the same rabbit then as we know today. His first words uttered were “What’s up, Doc?”, what else would you expect? His character traits are already established, including wise cracks, talking to the camera and the ability to play dead.

The classic premise of this cartoon is a familiar set up. Man hunts rabbit, rabbit confuses man with misdirection, man goes “screwy”, rabbit gets the last laugh. This is a relationship that would play out time and again future films. All the usual devices are present including carrot bait, double-barrelled shotguns and multiple rabbit holes. The film would go on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Short Film.

Bugs Bunny is unnamed in this film, however would be named in his next cartoon Elmer’s Pet Rabbit (1941). The line, “What’s up, Doc?”, was added by director Tex Avery. He explained later that it was a common expression in Texas, and he didn’t think much of the phrase. But when this short was screened in theatres the remark brought the house down. Because of the overwhelming reaction, Bugs eats a carrot and utters some version of the phrase in almost every one of his cartoons after that.

Over the past 75 years Bug’s popularity has bred like, well…rabbits! He has appeared in short films, feature films, TV series, comic books, video games, award shows, theme park rides and commercials. His face is also the corporate mascot for Warner Bros. He has also appeared in more films than any other cartoon character and is the ninth most-portrayed film personality in the world, he even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

So what will the next 75 years bring for Bugs? Fingers crossed many more projects for the American cultural icon. My only hope is he continues to stay true to himself and remain the same sarcastic, quick witted, cross dressing rabbit he has always been and not reimagined in CGI to suit the needs of a new generation. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, Doc!