Warner Bros. Discovery Reverses Decision and Allows Director to Shop "Coyote vs. Acme" Movie
ICARO Media Group
Warner Bros. Discovery has made a surprising reversal regarding the fate of the highly anticipated film "Coyote vs. Acme." The studio, in a swift move, has decided to allow director Dave Green to shop the live-action/animation hybrid movie to other potential buyers instead of shelving it for a tax write-off. This news comes just days after The Hollywood Reporter broke the story that "Coyote vs. Acme" would become Warner Bros.' third previously shot film to be shelved, following the abandonment of projects such as "Batgirl" and "Scoob! Holiday Haunt."
While the cancelation of "Batgirl" and "Scoob! Holiday Haunt" was considered a one-off change in strategy, the cancellation of "Coyote vs. Acme" created a strong reaction within the creative community. Several filmmakers even instructed their representatives to cancel meetings they had scheduled with Warner Bros., unsure of the future of their own movies. However, the possibility of "Coyote vs. Acme" finding a new home has reignited hope among these filmmakers.
Unlike the other films that were shelved, "Coyote vs. Acme" is different, as it is reported to be fully completed and has undergone multiple successful test screenings. With acclaimed actors such as Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor, the film promises to be an entertaining crowd-pleaser, according to sources who have seen it.
The move to allow director Dave Green to shop the film showcases a departure from Warner Bros. Discovery's recent tax-driven decisions. Shelving a completed film for a tax write-off may seem advantageous from an earnings perspective, but it can be shortsighted for a studio focused on building successful franchises and a diverse slate.
This reversal comes amidst Warner Bros. Discovery CEO Zaslav's aggressive tax strategies, which have raised concerns among industry professionals. The decision to allow "Coyote vs. Acme" to find a new home may ease some worries, but the impact of Zaslav's tax strategies is still a topic of discussion in Hollywood. It is worth noting that Zaslav previously reversed another unpopular decision after facing criticism from influential creatives such as Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson.
The plot of "Coyote vs. Acme" is intriguing in light of recent events. It follows the determined Wile E. Coyote as he teams up with a lawyer (played by Will Forte) to take on the big ACME corporation. The film mirrors the classic cartoons as Coyote continually purchases faulty ACME devices in his relentless pursuit of the Road Runner. The story serves as a metaphor for an underdog challenging heartless corporate executives who fail to grasp the consequences of their explosive products.
While it remains to be seen which potential buyer will take up the opportunity to distribute "Coyote vs. Acme," the film's reversal from the brink of being shelved offers a glimmer of hope for Green and his team. The industry will be watching closely as screenings for potential buyers are set to take place this month, eagerly anticipating the fate of this completed and highly regarded project.