Apparently the long-awaited film’Coyote vs. Acme‘ could become yet another victim of the relentless cinematic schedule.
With Warner Bros. Discovery reportedly ready to shelve and delete the project after failing to find a buyer, fans may never get the chance to see Coyote’s shenanigans against Acme on the big screen.
Production going to the drawer
According to information from TheWrap, Warner Bros. rejected offers from streaming giants like Amazon, Netflix and Paramount.
Even Paramount’s proposal for a theatrical release was not enough to persuade Warner Bros., which was seeking $75 to $80 million for the project and was unwilling to negotiate.
Frustration over the situation boiled over on social media, with the film’s editor, Carsten Kurpanek, expressing his disappointment on X/Twitter, along with other industry professionals who asked Warner Bros. to reconsider his decision.
Scene from ‘Coyote vs Acme’ – Image: Warner Bros./Reproduction
‘Coyote vs. Acme’, announced in 2022, had a helping hand from james gunn in the script and promised to be an exciting adventure, starring John Cena.
Originally scheduled for a July 2023 release on Max (formerly HBO Max), the film was canceled last November despite having already completed filming.
The public reaction to the cancellation was intense, with several filmmakers praising the work and even US congressman Joaquin Castro intervening, asking the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate Warner Bros. Discovery for its business practices.
Given the pressure, the Warner Bros. allowed the filmmakers to seek alternative buyers for the film.
Actor Eric Bauza, who voiced Wile E. Coyote, shared a promotional image in December, raising hopes of a 2024 release.
With speculation that the official cancellation announcement will come during Warner Bros.’ fourth-quarter earnings release. Discovery on February 23, ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ joins a growing list of works canceled by WB, including ‘Scoob! Holiday Haunt’.
The fate of these films serves as a reminder of the volatility of the film industry and the complexities of film production and distribution in an ever-changing world.
