‘Coyote vs. Acme’ was removed from the release calendar last November, supposedly to reap some tax benefits. But a spokesperson from Warner Bros. recently told the New York Times that the movie could still make its way around Hollywood.
News reported in the past few months that the live-action and animation hybrid was scrapped for $40 million tax break. The spokesperson made it clear that those reports were ‘inaccurate.’
The Lead Actor’s Protest Against The Cancellation
Will Forte confirmed the cancellation news on X last month and hinted at financial reasons behind the decision. The lead actor said the final product was ‘incredible,’ although he thought it would be ‘a hunk of junk’ at first. He shared:
“Look, when it comes to Hollywood business stuff, I don’t know s**t about s**t. Even when a movie tests very well (like ours), there’s no guarantee that it’s gonna be a hit.”
He also criticized Warner Bros. by writing:
“And at the end of the day, the people who paid for this movie can obviously do whatever they want with it. It doesn’t mean I have to like it (I f**king hate it). Or agree with it. And it doesn’t mean that this movie is anything less than magnificent.”
There’s Still Hope For The Project
IndieWire previously reported Netflix and Paramount each offered $30 million to buy ‘Coyote vs. Acme.’ Warner Bros. rejected them both as the offers were less than half of the film’s budget.
But writer Samy Burch revealed to the outlet on the red carpet for 2024 Oscars:
“I know that they have been screening places and I think they still are. I hope that I’m allowed to say that. I’m going completely rogue here. It’s just the best group of people. Dave Green, who directed it, I just love so much. Will Forte is amazing in the movie. I’ve seen the final cut of the completed film and I’m very proud of it.”
The movie’s plot centers on a legal battle between Wile E. Coyote and the Acme Corporation over the fictional company’s faulty products. Will Forte plays Coyote’s lawyer, and John Cena joins him as the head of Acme.
