Leaked ‘Powerpuff Girls' footage sparks backlash over canceled CW reboot
Previously unseen footage from CW's canceled live-action Powerpuff Girls reboot has surfaced online, sparking widespread criticism from fans.
The series, which was originally scrapped in 2023, reimagined the beloved Cartoon Network heroes as disillusioned young adults dealing with the aftermath of their superhero childhoods.
Who in their right mind thought this was a good idea? We really dodged a bullet with this Powerpuff Girl live-action reboot. #ThisCantBeReal pic.twitter.com/ziZdBBCJIk — TraditionalAnimation (@Traditional2D) March 6, 2025
The leaked footage, uploaded by YouTube channel Lost Media Busters before being swiftly removed by Warner Bros., features Chloe Bennet as Blossom, Dove Cameron as Bubbles, and Yana Perrault as Buttercup, with Scrubs star Donald Faison portraying Professor Utonium. The clip showcases a meta take on the original animated series, referencing its in-universe popularity while introducing major tonal shifts.
In the reboot, Blossom is haunted by past mistakes, Buttercup renounces her superhero identity, and Bubbles struggles with drinking and fading fame. The plot follows the trio's reunion to face a new antagonist: Jojo Mondel Jr., the son of their original nemesis, Mojo Jojo, who has taken over Townsville after the girls' accidental killing of his father.
The footage has drawn criticism for its campy dialogue, awkward humor, and low-budget special effects, with some comparing it to a failed Saturday Night Live skit. Many fans expressed relief that CW scrapped the project, with one viral comment summarizing the sentiment: 'Once again, the day is saved, thanks to whoever decided to cancel this.'
The trailer for the cancelled CW live action Powerpuff Girls leaked. I watched it. It is literally one of the worst things I've ever seen. You need to watch it. — William (@2D2Will) March 6, 2025
I have never felt more sick in my life than watching the leaked Powerpuff Girls CW trailer. I'm not even joking; like, I literally felt my stomach turn inside out. Everything about that trailer is indicative of Hollywood brain rot. From the editing to the effects to the costumes pic.twitter.com/8x9FcwvwDz — Ruff Ruffman 🇵🇷🏴☠️ #MENTOO (@King__Julian7) March 6, 2025
There needs to be a documentary on the unreleased Live Action Powerpuff Girls CW series lol pic.twitter.com/56FJWGKOaS — AaronD⬆️🧢🥷𒉭🥋🇺🇸 (@w1_aaron) March 6, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
20-05-2025
- Express Tribune
George Wendt, beloved Cheers star known as Norm Peterson, dies at 77
George Wendt, the Emmy-nominated actor best known for playing Norm Peterson on the classic sitcom Cheers, has died at age 77. His family confirmed that Wendt passed away peacefully in his sleep at home. Wendt played Norm for all 11 seasons of NBC's Cheers from 1982 to 1993, becoming a fan favorite for his portrayal of the lovable bar regular. He received six consecutive Emmy nominations from 1984 to 1989 for his performance, and his opening line — often a simple 'beer' — became iconic. Born in Chicago on October 17, 1948, Wendt began his career with Second City, a renowned improv group. He also made memorable appearances on Saturday Night Live, notably in the 'Da Bears' sketch. Wendt's film roles included Fletch, House, Gung Ho, and Spice World. He also starred in Michael Jackson's 'Black or White' music video. Wendt was the uncle of actor Jason Sudeikis and married actress Bernadette Birkett, who voiced Norm's wife Vera on Cheers. He also authored the 2009 book Drinking With George, reflecting his connection to beer culture both on and off-screen. Beyond Cheers, he had roles on Frasier, The Simpsons, Family Guy, and even played Edna Turnblad in Broadway's Hairspray. He was widely respected for his grounded comedic style and everyman charm. Wendt is survived by his wife, children, stepchildren, and extended family. As Norm would say, 'It's a dog-eat-dog world, and I'm wearing Milk-Bone underwear.' He will be deeply missed.
Express Tribune
20-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Scarlett Johansson's Eleanor the Great wins five-minute standing ovation at Cannes premiere
Scarlett Johansson made a notable impact at the Cannes Film Festival with her feature directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, which competed in the Un Certain Regard section. The film, starring June Squibb, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Erin Kellyman, was met with a five-minute standing ovation following its screening on Tuesday. Johansson, accompanied by her agent and CAA CEO Bryan Lourd, expressed her excitement about premiering the film at Cannes, calling it 'a dream come true.' Her husband, Saturday Night Live co-anchor Colin Jost, attended the event solo and mingled with Sony Pictures Classics executives Tom Bernard and Michael Barker. The event also drew Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody and his partner Georgina Chapman, who engaged in conversation with Jost. In her introduction, Johansson highlighted the film's heartfelt themes, saying, 'When you make a film that's an independent film like this, no one's doing it for the money—surprise, surprise. Everyone came together because they loved the story and the script. It's a film about friendship, grief, and forgiveness—topics we can all use more of today.' Eleanor the Great centers on Squibb's portrayal of Eleanor Morgenstein, a witty and fiercely independent 94-year-old woman who copes with a profound loss by telling a story that takes on a life of its own. After the screening, Johansson embraced Squibb in a heartfelt hug, later calling her 'truly inspiring.' She also praised Kellyman as 'an absolute revelation' and expressed excitement for audiences to discover her work. Describing the film as 'historic and very timely,' Johansson encouraged viewers to carry its message with them, emphasizing the emotional depth and relevance of the story. In addition to directing Eleanor the Great, Johansson is also part of the star-studded cast of Wes Anderson's The Phoenician Scheme, which is also featured at Cannes this year. Johansson has previously attended the festival multiple times, including for Anderson's Asteroid City in 2023 and Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) and Match Point (2005). Eleanor the Great was produced by Johansson alongside Jonathan Lia and Keenan Flynn for These Pictures; Kara Durrett and Jessamine Burgum for Pinky Promise; and Celine Rattray and Trudie Styler for Maven Screen Media. Wayfarer Studios co-financed the film with Content Engineers, Pinky Promise, and MacPac. Executive producers include Steve Sarowitz, Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath, Andrew Calof, Ezra Gabay, and Raj Kishor Khaware.
Express Tribune
20-05-2025
- Express Tribune
'The Amazing World of Gumball' spinoff series returns on Hulu and Disney+
The much-loved Cartoon Network series The Amazing World of Gumball is officially returning with a new spinoff. Hulu and Disney+ announced the revival via social media, releasing a teaser for The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball on Monday. In the trailer, Gumball wakes from a seven-year nap as his pet fish Darwin alerts him they are years late for school. 'About seven years!' Darwin says in disbelief, before they fall back asleep. The scene immediately set off waves of fan excitement online. 'Welcome back to Elmore, where the laws of reality are a joke,' reads the show's logline. Fans can expect Gumball, Darwin, Anais, and the rest of Elmore to face off against everything from AI crushes to pants-wearing bananas. The series promises to retain the charm, humour, and chaos of the original, while introducing new adventures and characters. Ben Bocquelet, creator of the original Gumball, returns as executive producer alongside Matt Layzell and Erik Fountain. The voice cast includes Alkaio Thiele as Gumball, Hero Hunter as Darwin, Kinza Syed Khan as Anais, Teresa Gallagher as Nicole, and Dan Russell as Richard. Originally aired from 2011 to 2019, The Amazing World of Gumball wrapped up in 2021 with two specials. A planned continuation by Warner Bros. was previously announced in 2021, but the spinoff is now being developed by Disney and Hulu. Fans expressed excitement across social media. 'My childhood is back,' one said, while another added: 'Already serving that classic Gumball chaos!' The release date has yet to be confirmed, but the revival has already reignited interest in one of animation's most inventive shows.
