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Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a 1988 American live-action and animated fantasy comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a 1988 American live-action and animated fantasy comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis. Set in an alternate 1947 Hollywood where humans and cartoon characters coexist, it follows detective Eddie Valiant as he tries to clear Roger Rabbit, who has been framed for murder.

Plot

The film follows Eddie Valiant, a private investigator who dislikes toons, as he is drawn into a case involving Roger Rabbit and a murder investigation. The story develops into a broader conspiracy in Toontown and Hollywood. Bob Hoskins plays Eddie Valiant, and Charles Fleischer voices Roger Rabbit. The plot centres on Roger being framed for murder and Eddie trying to prove his innocence.

Production

The film was directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Jeffrey Price and Peter S. Seaman. It is notable for its integration of live-action performers with animated characters, combining live-action and animation in a single narrative.

Release and reception

Who Framed Roger Rabbit was released in 1988 and became known for its technical innovation and genre-blending style. It is widely regarded as a landmark in live-action and animation filmmaking.

Source material

The film is loosely based on Gary K. Wolf's novel Who Censored Roger Rabbit?, but adapts the story into a different screen treatment and tone.

Key facts

  • The film combines live-action and animation in a single narrative.
  • It is loosely based on Gary K. Wolf's novel Who Censored Roger Rabbit?.
  • Bob Hoskins plays private investigator Eddie Valiant.
  • The story is set in a fictionalized 1947 Hollywood where humans and 'toons' coexist.
  • The plot centres on Roger Rabbit being framed for murder and Eddie trying to prove his innocence.

Frequently asked questions

What is Who Framed Roger Rabbit about?
It is about detective Eddie Valiant trying to clear Roger Rabbit after Roger is framed for murder in 1947 Hollywood.
Who directed Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Robert Zemeckis directed the film.
What is the film based on?
It is loosely based on Gary K. Wolf's novel Who Censored Roger Rabbit?.
Who stars in the film?
The film stars Bob Hoskins and Christopher Lloyd, with Joanna Cassidy and Charles Fleischer among the credited cast.
What kind of film is it?
It is a fantasy comedy that also uses film noir and mystery elements, combining live-action and animation.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Framed_Roger_Rabbit
    Supports: Basic film identification, release year, director, screenplay, source novel, and premise.
  2. Disney+ — https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-40c47172-d2ea-452d-bb69-ca8f45bc2b9d
    Supports: Synopsis, setting, principal characters, and murder framing plot.
  3. Amblin — https://www.amblin.com/movie/who-framed-roger-rabbit/
    Supports: Film description, setting, and cast information.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/who_framed_roger_rabbit
    Supports: Release year, genre, cast, and synopsis.