As a lifelong cinephile who has witnessed the ebb and flow of the film industry, I find myself both disheartened and baffled by Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to scrap “Coyote vs. Acme.” The project, with its star-studded cast led by John Cena, seemed poised to be a hilarious addition to the Looney Tunes universe.
John Cena has recently addressed the cancellation of the project “Coyote vs. Acme” by Warner Bros. Discovery. This film, directed by Dave Green, revolved around Wile E. Coyote taking legal action against the Acme Corporation after their products consistently failed on him. The cast included Will Forte as Wile E. Coyote’s lawyer and John Cena portraying Acme’s lawyer. In November 2023, it appeared that Warner Bros. decided to abandon the project for a tax deduction, and despite numerous fan efforts to save it, it seems this is the fate of the movie.
During an interview with The Wrap about his new movie, Jackpot, John Cena shared his thoughts on its cancellation. Though he feels proud of the film and believes it deserved a chance in theaters, Cena understands the need to respect the creative process and trust that there might be a valid reason for the cancellation. Here’s what he said:
“I wished the project could have been given a try, but as an individual, I understand if it was put aside. If it did happen, I’d assume it was a sensible business move and the right choice. Looking back, I would feel immense remorse and embarrassment if its shelving was for any reasons other than what was best. Therefore, I have to trust in the process, as I adore the movie, and my feelings for it run deep. However, ultimately, it’s their project, and they make the decisions based on their vision.”
Does Warner Bros. Discovery Know What to Do With Looney Tunes?
The cancellation of “Coyote vs. Acme”, which occurred recently, was Warner Bros. Discovery’s third decision to scrap a project for tax benefits. This move came more than a year after they announced the cancellations of “Batgirl” and “Scoob! Holiday Haunt” in August 2022. However, this decision contradicts their earlier claim that these instances were unique occurrences and there would be no further such write-offs. The shelving of the Looney Tunes movie has been met with disapproval by many, including actor Steven Ray Byrd, who perceived it as an insult.
Initially, Warner Bros. Discovery decided against releasing the movie but then reconsidered and gave the filmmakers an opportunity to present it to other production companies for distribution. However, Netflix, Amazon, and Paramount all declined Warner Bros. Discovery’s offer due to the studio’s high asking price of $75 million. Although Warner Bros. Discovery has yet to officially cancel the movie, they reported a loss of $115 million during Q3 2023, which might indicate that the film’s future is uncertain.
It remains puzzling why the studio opted not to release a well-received film, especially considering the limited options for major titles during the summer season. The film “Coyote vs. Acme” could have provided the necessary entertainment, given the right promotional efforts. It’s clear that the movie would have likely outperformed “Madame Web” over Valentine’s Day and President’s Holiday weekend. Instead, Warner Bros. Discovery chose to shelve a completed film rather than giving it an opportunity to engage with audiences.
1) In a tactful manner, Cena’s response seems fitting given his imminent role as Peacemaker in the DC Universe. This likely explains why James Gunn, an executive producer on “Coyote vs. Acme,” has not commented publicly about the film’s cancellation, as he now leads DC Studios alongside co-president Peter Safran and directs Superman. From a professional standpoint, their silence and diplomacy may be justified, but it can be disheartening for fans. Actor Will Forte openly expressed his sadness that the movie won’t come out, and with each passing day, it seems like another creative work is slipping away from our collective memory.
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2024-08-16 01:32