Woody Woodpecker (franchise)

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

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.