Warner Bros Faces Backlash as Completed $70M Movie “Coyote vs Acme” Shelved for Tax Write-Down

Edited by Agnibeena Ghosh

Warner Bros is making headlines after deciding to shelve a completed $70 million movie, “Coyote vs Acme,” leading to an estimated $30 million tax write-down. The studio, which recently revamped its global strategy to prioritize theatrical releases, is facing criticism for the move, especially considering the film’s positive test screenings and initial plans for a July release.

In a statement, Warner Bros explained the “difficult” decision not to release the live-action/animation hybrid movie, which features a star-studded cast including Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor. The statement cited the studio’s shift in strategy following the re-launch of Warner Bros Pictures Animation in June. The focus is now squarely on theatrical releases, prompting the studio to abandon “Coyote vs Acme.” The statement expressed appreciation for the filmmakers, casts, and crew, acknowledging their contributions to the film.

Production on “Coyote vs Acme” had wrapped up the previous year, and according to Deadline, test screenings had already begun, with results surpassing the norm for a family movie by 14 points. Despite the positive feedback and initial plans for a July release, the film was abruptly pulled from the schedule.

Writer-director Brian Duffield, who worked on the project, expressed frustration on Twitter, stating, “I have seen this movie, and it is excellent. It also tested in the high 90s repeatedly. It also had interested buyers. The people working at Warner Bros are anti-art, and I hope multiple anvils drop on their heads.” Duffield’s tweet highlights the creative clash between filmmakers and studio decisions, suggesting that artistic merit may be taking a backseat to financial considerations.

This decision is not the first of its kind for Warner Bros. Last year, the studio halted production on the $90 million film “Batgirl” despite being in post-production. The movie, featuring Leslie Grace, Michael Keaton, and Brendan Fraser, will now never see the light of day. Additionally, the studio canceled the release of the $40 million sequel “Scoob! Holiday Haunt.” All three films had received the green light under the leadership of Jason Kilar, who was succeeded by David Zaslav.

According to reports, Warner Bros deemed it financially unviable to sell “Coyote vs Acme” to another studio or release it on its streaming platform, Max. The decision is drawing criticism, especially in the wake of the studio’s quarterly earnings report, which revealed a net loss of $417 million. The financial struggles may be influencing these difficult decisions, but the impact on the creative industry and the disappointment of audiences are undeniable.

The controversy surrounding “Coyote vs Acme” raises questions about the delicate balance between artistic integrity and financial considerations in the film industry. As studios grapple with evolving strategies and economic challenges, there is growing concern about the fate of completed films and the potential loss of creative works that, despite positive reception, may never reach audiences.

For now, the fate of “Coyote vs Acme” serves as a cautionary tale in an industry navigating the complexities of changing landscapes and financial pressures. As filmmakers and studios continue to grapple with these challenges, the hope is that a balance can be struck, allowing both artistic expression and financial viability to coexist in the ever-evolving world of cinema.

News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 8th November 2023