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# Warner Bros. Discovery Announces Cancellation of “Coyote vs. Acme”
Warner Bros. Discovery recently made the decision to shelve the live-action and animated film “Coyote vs. Acme,” despite its near completion. This film, featuring John Cena and the classic Looney Tunes characters, was expected to be released soon. However, director Dave Green confirmed that it will not see the light of day, much to the disappointment of fans and the film’s production team.
# Financial Reasons Behind the Decision
CEO David Zaslav’s decision to cancel “Coyote vs. Acme” is not an isolated incident. It joins the likes of other unfinished films like “Batgirl” and “Scoob! Holiday Haunt,” which were also shelved for financial reasons. Following last year’s megamerger, Warner Bros. Discovery has been making efforts to cut costs, and these cancellations are part of that strategy. The film’s $72 million production cost translates to a $30 million tax write-off for the company.
# Disappointment and Frustration Among the Film’s Team
Unsurprisingly, the decision to cancel the film has left the people who worked on it feeling unhappy. Director Dave Green expressed his disappointment, emphasizing the hard work and dedication that went into the project. He described the film’s team as a brilliant group who poured their souls into the film for years, making the cancellation all the more devastating.
# Inspiration and Planned Release
“Coyote vs. Acme” was inspired by the 1990 “Coyote v. Acme” humor article from The New Yorker, which pitted Wile E. Coyote against the Acme Company in a lawsuit for the personal injuries and mental suffering he sustained while chasing the Road Runner. The film was originally scheduled for release on July 21st, 2023, but it was ultimately replaced by “Barbie.”
# Warner Bros. Discovery’s New Strategy
According to a spokesperson from Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, the company has shifted its global strategy to focus on theatrical releases. As a result, the decision was made not to move forward with “Coyote vs. Acme.” Warner Bros. Discovery did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment.
# Filmmakers Condemn the Decision
The cancellation of “Coyote vs. Acme” has faced criticism from filmmakers, particularly due to the positive reception the film received from test audiences. Many have expressed their frustration and dismay over the decision, with some even labeling Warner Bros. Discovery as “anti-art.”
# A Glimpse Behind the Scenes
The dedication and talent that went into creating “Coyote vs. Acme” can be seen in behind-the-scenes footage shared online, including glimpses of the “Meep Meep” Road Runner choir. The decision to cancel the film seems to contradict previous statements from CEO David Zaslav about the need to bolster the company’s content load with “underused” franchises.
### Sources
1. Deadline
2. The Hollywood Reporter
3. Twitter
