The Surprising Character Shift in Bluey that Transformed the Show (You'll Be Amazed!)

Summary

Bluey, the popular animated show, initially intended to center around Rusty, a friend of the main character, but eventually pivoted to Bluey herself.

Rusty's similarity in body design and personality traits make him an ideal candidate for the main protagonist. With a more detailed backstory and greater focus in the show, Rusty is the perfect choice for a potential Bluey spin-off.

Bluey, the widely-acclaimed animated show, has captured the hearts of both children and adults. Surprisingly, the show was initially planned to revolve around a different character. However, once added to Disney+ and featured on Disney Junior, this Australian creation by Joe Brumm soared in popularity. Bluey's appeal extends beyond its young audience, captivating adults with its humor, creativity, and subtle yet impactful metaphors.

The show centers around Bluey, a clever six-year-old blue heeler dog, and her delightful family, the Heelers. Interestingly, in the early stages of development, Joe Brumm had envisioned a different character taking the spotlight. Nevertheless, in the final product, this original character still makes appearances as one of Bluey's friends and classmates. If you pay close attention throughout each season, there are moments that provide glimpses into who was initially intended to be the central character among Bluey's circle of friends.

Rusty Was Originally Going to Be the Main Protagonist

Bluey's friend and classmate, Rusty, was initially intended to be the main character of the show according to Joe Brumm, the creator. In an interview on the podcast Two Bandits Watching Bluey, Brumm shared that the show was originally named after Rusty and revolved around him, a red kelpie dog who happened to be Brumm's favorite childhood pet with the same name.

As the show's development progressed, it was decided to shift the focus onto Bluey instead. Although Brumm has not directly explained the reason for this change, the most plausible theory, discussed on Reddit, suggests that it may be due to Bluey's vibrant color scheme and the greater range of color options available for blue heelers compared to red kelpies. Consequently, Rusty's role was altered to a secondary character. Initially introduced on the Bluey website as Bluey's cousin, he was later revised to become one of her friends.

There Are Clues That Rusty Was the Original Star

The body designs of Rusty and Bluey set them apart from other dog breeds. While Blue heelers and red kelpies share a similar shape, there are distinct representations of each breed in the show Bluey. However, Rusty and Bluey themselves have almost identical shapes and styles, with only minor differences like color and tail style distinguishing them. Rusty exhibits many of the same personality traits as Bluey, such as being a natural leader showcased in the season 2 episode "Army." Additionally, Rusty shares Bluey's welcoming nature, which is evident in both the season 2 episodes "Circus" and "Typewriter". These qualities establish Rusty as a main protagonist just like Bluey.

Rusty stands out among Bluey's friends with the most well-developed backstory. While other friends may have episodes dedicated to them, Rusty's background, interests, and family are explored in greater depth. Viewers are aware that Rusty's father serves in the army, which explains his fascination with playing "Army". Additionally, Rusty is frequently seen playing cricket, and an episode in the third season highlights his captivating character, surpassing some adults on the show. Although there is no mention of a Bluey spin-off, Rusty would be a natural choice, considering he almost had his own show from the beginning.