Impact of Coyote vs. ACME's $70 Million Cancellation on Warner Bros. Over the Last 21 Years of Looney Tunes

Coyote vs. Acme appeared to be a promising venture for Warner Bros. Discovery on paper, but the film's probable cancellation deals a significant blow to the Looney Tunes franchise. Despite the enduring popularity of the Looney Tunes characters in popular culture, their recent on-screen appearances have not been particularly impressive. Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and their companions remain timeless figures, but their cinematic adventures in the modern era have been lacking.

The potential success of Coyote vs. Acme seemed poised to alter the fortunes of the Looney Tunes characters. However, the decision by David Zaslav to scrap the project, without even viewing it, reverberated throughout the film industry. While other studios expressed interest, unforeseen circumstances within the industry prevented audiences from experiencing the film. It is a disappointment on various levels, notably because it could have marked a triumphant return for the Looney Tunes characters to the forefront. Nevertheless, it appears increasingly unlikely that Coyote vs. Acme will ever see the light of day, dealing a significant blow to both fans and the franchise.

The Looney Tunes Have A Bad Movie Record In The 21st Century

Looney Tunes' Luck In The 21st Century Has Been Despicable

Looney Tunes has faced challenges at the box office in the 21st century, with Coyote Vs. Acme appearing as a potential breakthrough before its cancellation. While many TV shows have modernized Bugs, Daffy, and other Looney Tunes characters, films centered on them have been disappointing. The Brendan Fraser-led Looney Tunes: Back in Action received mixed reviews but failed to perform well in theaters, falling short of its budget in ticket sales.

The situation worsened with Space Jam: A New Legacy, which not only flopped at the box office but also received harsher criticism compared to the original Space Jam. Given their significance in Western animation, it is surprising that the Looney Tunes have not achieved greater success on the big screen. Instead, these characters have mainly thrived in the realm of television. Coyote vs. Acme had the potential to alter this trajectory with a film that appeared to be a promising venture for Warner Bros.

Coyote vs. Acme Sounds Like It Could Have Finally Been A Great Modern Looney Tunes Movie

Coyote Vs. Acme Could Have Brought Looney Tunes Back Into The Spotlight

Lebron James and Bugs Bunny in Space Jam 2 - Coyote Vs. Acme Could Have Brought Looney Tunes Back Into The Spotlight - Coyote vs. Acme Sounds Like It Could Have Finally Been A Great Modern Looney Tunes Movie

A comedy article by Ian Frazier for The New Yorker proposed a movie called Coyote vs. Acme, where Wile E. Coyote sues the Acme company for their defective inventions. The storyline involves Wile E. Coyote hiring a struggling lawyer, played by Will Forte, to represent him in court. The film was anticipated to blend legal satire with slapstick humor, while also showcasing a successful live-action/animation mix similar to Space Jam and Looney Tunes: Back in Action. Reports suggest that Coyote vs. Acme has received positive reviews, with many animation experts praising its quality.

Twitter article posted by Phil Lord

Certain members of the animation industry have viewed the film positively, with The LEGO Movie co-director Phil Lord expressing his approval on social media. The concept of the film is seen as having great comic potential, with comedy veterans like Forte and John Cena, who plays the lawyer opposing Coyote and Forte, getting entangled with Acme products. Additionally, the film is said to have a strong emotional core, with some, including Lord, describing it as a "moving" piece. Overall, it appears to be a promising success.

Why Warner Bros. Discovery Isn't Releasing Coyote vs. Acme

Why A Movie Studio Isn't Releasing One Of Their Most Anticipated Movies

Coyote and Roadrunner - Why A Movie Studio Isn't Releasing One Of Their Most Anticipated Movies - Why Warner Bros. Discovery Isn't Releasing Coyote vs. Acme

Warner Bros. Discovery has utilized a strategy of withholding the release of certain films to benefit from tax losses. Two examples of this strategy in action are the shelved Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt projects. Despite being near completion, these films will never be released as the studio has decided to postpone them indefinitely. The film industry was taken aback by this move, especially since Warner Bros. failed to inform the filmmakers before announcing the decision. While the studio tried to downplay these incidents as isolated cases, the apparent cancellation of Coyote vs. Acme stirred up even more controversy within Hollywood circles.

Despite the positive reception from those who saw limited screenings, Warner Bros. is reportedly not planning to release Coyote vs. Acme. The studio's decision not to release the film could result in a $30 million tax break, but it has also sparked backlash from industry members. Despite initial plans to shop the film to other studios, Warner Bros. has demanded $70 million for it and refused to negotiate on the cost, raising doubts about the fate of Coyote vs. Acme.

A Slim Chance That Gets Slimmer With Every Passing Day

Coyote looking worried in a Looney Tunes cartoon. - A Slim Chance That Gets Slimmer With Every Passing Day - Will Coyote vs. Acme Still Be Released?

There is still uncertainty surrounding the fate of Coyote vs. Acme. Warner Bros. recently disclosed a $115 million write-down from their animation studio, but did not confirm if this included the film. Considering the film's $70 million budget, it is likely that Coyote vs. Acme may never see the light of day.

It would be a true disappointment, not just for the cast and crew who put in hard work, but also for fans of the concept. Coyote vs. Acme was expected to be a hilarious and heartwarming success, potentially revitalizing the Looney Tunes franchise. Unfortunately, it appears that the film may have met its demise once and for all.

Source: THR

Editor's P/S:

The cancellation of "Coyote vs. Acme" is a major disappointment for fans of the Looney Tunes franchise and the film industry as a whole. The film, which had been praised by animation experts and industry insiders, appeared to be a promising return to form for the beloved characters. However, Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to scrap the project without even viewing it has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and raised questions about the studio's commitment to its animation division.

The loss of "Coyote vs. Acme" is particularly disheartening given the Looney Tunes' recent struggles on the big screen. Despite the enduring popularity of the characters, their cinematic adventures in the modern era have been underwhelming. "Coyote vs. Acme" had the potential to change that, but Warner Bros. Discovery's decision has dashed those hopes. It remains to be seen whether the Looney Tunes will ever get another chance to shine on the big screen, but the cancellation of "Coyote vs. Acme" is a major setback for the franchise.