Warner Bros: Coyote vs Acme Takes a Backseat

In a surprising turn of events, Warner Bros has chosen to shelve its completed $70 million movie, “Coyote vs Acme,” opting for a substantial $30 million tax write-down. The live-action/animation hybrid comedy, featuring stars like Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor, faced an unexpected fate despite having wrapped up production last year.

The decision was described as “difficult” in an official statement, attributing the move to Warner Bros Pictures Animation’s revamped strategy, now emphasizing theatrical releases. The studio expressed gratitude to the film’s cast, crew, and filmmakers but clarified its shift in focus.

According to Deadline, test screenings for “Coyote vs Acme” boasted results 14 points above the norm for family movies. Originally slated for a July release, the film’s postponement fueled speculation, and now its outright cancellation raises questions about the studio’s direction under new leadership.

Writer-director Brian Duffield, who worked on the film, voiced his frustration on Twitter, calling out Warner Bros for being “anti-art” and expressing hope for metaphorical anvils to fall on their heads. This move follows last year’s cancellation of the $90 million Batgirl, also in post-production, and the sequel Scoob! Holiday Haunt, signaling a pattern of unexpected decisions.

Reportedly, Warner Bros found it financially unviable to shop “Coyote vs Acme” to another studio or release it on its streaming platform Max. This decision aligns with the studio’s recent struggles, as quarterly earnings disclosed a net loss of $417 million.

Directed by David Green, known for “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows” (2016), and written by Samy Burch, acclaimed for her screenplay in Todd Haynes’ upcoming drama “May December,” the film’s unique premise was based on a 1990 New Yorker article by Ian Frazier. The plot saw Looney Tunes character Wile E Coyote pursuing legal action against Acme after the company’s products repeatedly failed in his quest for Road Runner.

This move raises concerns about Warner Bros’ commitment to its projects, especially those in post-production. With a string of cancellations, the studio faces criticism for abandoning potentially successful films. The decision not only impacts the filmmakers and talent involved but also reflects the studio’s evolving priorities in a dynamically changing industry.

As Warner Bros grapples with financial challenges and navigates its new strategic direction, the fate of completed films like “Coyote vs Acme” remains uncertain, leaving both industry insiders and fans alike questioning the studio’s approach to its cinematic endeavors.