Warner Bros. Cancels Completed 'Coyote Vs Acme' Film for $30M Tax Write-Off Amid Financial Struggles

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav's decision to cancel the completed 'Coyote Vs Acme' film, starring John Cena, sparks backlash from filmmakers and fans, as the company faces financial struggles and a shift in strategy towards theatrical releases.

Warner Bros. Discovery has cancelled the completed 'Coyote Vs Acme' film, starring John Cena, for a $30M tax write-off. The decision, made by CEO David Zaslav, has sparked backlash from filmmakers and fans.
The cancellation is part of a broader strategy shift towards theatrical releases, as the company grapples with financial struggles, including $45 billion in liabilities and a consistent stream of losses.
The film, which was completed in 2022, was a live-action and CG animation hybrid that pitted Looney Tunes character Wile E. Coyote in a legal battle with the Acme corporation. It had received high audience scores at early test screenings.
The decision to cancel the film follows a similar move with the $90-million Batgirl movie, which was also axed before it could hit theaters. Both cancellations have been criticized as 'anti-art' and 'bizarre financial shenanigans'.
Despite the cancellation, director Dave Green expressed pride in the final product and gratitude for the team who worked on the project. John Cena, star of the film, simply posted 'The End' behind the iconic Looney Tunes background.

The Hollywood Reporter