Bluey fans distraught as creator who based cartoon on his own family announces he is stepping away

Bluey fans have been left saddened after learning the creator of the beloved animated series will be stepping away to focus on the new movie. 

Creator Joe Brumm announced the ‘trifficult’ news via his blog, stating the upcoming fourth season would move forward without his involvement. 

While viewers were happy to hear the cartoon would be headed to theatres, fans were also bummed out to hear the next season would not involve Brumm.  

‘I always said I wouldn’t keep making the show if I thought I couldn’t make any new season as good as the last,’ Brumm said in his announcement. ‘This would have been the case for me with a potential season four, so I’ve decided to take a break from my involvement in the TV series. In the event I can’t wrap my head around doing more seasons myself, The Sign will mark my TV finale for Bluey and I wrote it as such.’ 

‘Bluey has completely changed my life. It’s been an immensely satisfying thing to be a part of, more than I can really put into words. To walk away from it while it’s at such a height will seem crazy to some but, for now, I am finding it difficult to reach back genuinely into that four to six year old world and write authentically.

‘My Bluey crew and all the creative people in my life completely understand my decision. Working with that wonderful group of people has been the absolute highlight of my animation career and I hope Bluey on their CV is a badge of pride for them.’

He concluded by assuring fans the statement was not announcing the end of the Bluey show but merely to clarify his shift in focus.  

‘To be clear, this is not an announcement about the end of the show, but it is an acknowledgment that my focus will be on the film.’

Fans took to X to express their sadness over Brumm’s upcoming absence and to thank them for his contribution. 

One fan called his departure ‘heartbreaking’ as they shared a link to their video reacting to Brumm’s departure. 

One posted: ‘Thanks, Joe Brumm, for making such an amazing kid show that is for all ages. Without this show, I would never consider making a fanfic story, ut since we got a cartoon show Bluey, it’s made me be creative.’

‘Thank you Mr. Brumm!’ another fan wrote.

‘NOOOOOOOOOO JOE,’ one wrote. ‘It’s actually so sad that he’s leaving. But I know that Jeffrey, Aspinwall, Pearson and everyone who works on this show will continue to make it amazing,’ another wrote.

‘Thank you Joe Brumm. Hopefully he will be able to get back to writing anytime he will feel like doing it. We really do love the way he writes moments that hit us in feels in surprise,’ another wrote. 

‘bluey wouldn’t be the same without brumm, but bluey will always be the joy of many adults and children alike from its conception to the uncertain future of the series. thank you joe brumm!’ one posted. 

‘Big news but I’m not feeling great about a Brumm-less season of Bluey,’ another said. 

Another responded to news Brumm would be stepping away with a GIF of a somber Bluey with tears in his eyes. 

‘My daughter loves this series, as do we,’ another said in reaction to the news. 

‘i’m really going to miss Joe Brumm when he step down i just hope whoever takes over his place makes Bluey just like how Joe Brumm does,’ another posted.

News of Brumm’s exit comes amid another major announcement about the cartoon – Bluey is being turned into a movie. 

The Australian cartoon first hit screens in 2018 and has gone on to gain huge popularity with both kids and parents alike, with the show bagging numerous awards along the way.

The show drew heavy inspiration from Brumm’s life as a father of two daughters, according to Independent.  

Earlier this year, it was speculated that the TV series was coming to an end, but despite producers denying this, there’s yet to be news on a fourth series.

But in great news for fans, the adventures of the adorable Blue Heeler puppy look set to continue as Bluey heads to the cinema in 2027.

BBC Studios, the BBC’s commercial arm, is joining forces with Disney to create a feature-length film

After the film hits the big screen, fans will also be able to stream the movie on Disney+, as well as ABC iview and ABC Kids in Australia.

Brumm expressed his excitement about the upcoming movie. He shared: ‘I really enjoyed the experience of working with a longer format on ‘The Sign’ in Series 3, so going even further with a feature film feels like a natural extension of that.

‘I’ve always thought Bluey deserved a theatrical movie. I want this to be an experiential event for the whole family to enjoy together. I’m excited to continue to partner with Cecilia Persson, Tom Fussell and the team at BBC Studios, and Dana Walden, Alan Bergman and Disney to bring this new Bluey story to the big screen.’

The film will feature the voices of Melanie Zanetti and David McCormack as Bluey’s mum and dad, Chilli and Bandit Heeler, in addition to music created by composer Joff Bush.

The CG animated film will be produced by award-winning animation producer Amber Naismith, while Richard Jeffery will return to co-direct the film.