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
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