- Warner Bros. has changed its stance on Coyote vs. Acme and is now allowing the creative team to shop the film to other interested parties.
- The movie, which features Looney Tunes character Wile E. Coyote, had been praised by test audiences but was not considered viable for streaming or theatrical release.
- Factors that may have contributed to Warner Bros. initially scrapping the movie include poor box office performance, production setbacks, and pressures from the COVID pandemic.
In a surprising turn of events, Warner Bros. has decided to let the creative team behind Coyote vs. Acme take their movie to other interested parties after initially scrapping the project. The live-action/animated hybrid film starring John Cena and Looney Tunes character Wile E. Coyote had received positive feedback from test screenings but was deemed unsuitable for streaming or theatrical release.
Recent backlash from the movie’s composer, director, and fans seems to have influenced Warner Bros.’ decision. This development brings new hope that the film may find a home on another platform in the near future. Originally, Coyote vs. Acme was written off by Warner Bros., taking a $30 million loss on the film’s reported $70 million budget.
In explaining the previous decision to not move forward with Coyote vs. Acme, a studio spokesperson stated: “With the re-launch of Warner Bros. Pictures Animation in June, the studio has shifted its global strategy to focus on theatrical releases. With this new direction, we have made the difficult decision not to move forward with Coyote vs Acme. We have tremendous respect for the filmmakers, casts, and crew, and are grateful for their contributions to the film.”
Director Dave Green, who is still working on another project with Warner Bros., shared his disappointment in a Twitter post, saying: “For three years, I was lucky enough to make a movie about Wile E. Coyote, the most persistent, passionate, and resilient character of all time. I was surrounded by a brilliant team, who poured their souls into this project for years… I am beyond proud of the final product, and beyond devastated by WB’s decision. But in the spirit of Wile E. Coyote, resilience and persistence win the day.”
Warner Bros.’ poor box office performance this year, along with production setbacks and the challenges brought on by the COVID pandemic, likely played a significant role in the initial decision to cancel Coyote vs. Acme. However, with the film now completed and the change in the studio’s stance, there is still hope for Wile E. Coyote to make his big-screen debut.