Warner Bros. Faces Backlash for Shelving 'Coyote vs. Acme'

The studio's decision to shelve the completed film for tax write-off purposes has sparked outrage among filmmakers and fans, raising ethical questions.

Warner Bros. Discovery faces backlash for shelving 'Coyote vs. Acme,' a completed film, for tax write-off purposes, sparking outrage among filmmakers and fans.
Despite positive test screenings and public support, the studio rejected offers from Netflix, Amazon, and Paramount, demanding $75-$80 million without negotiation.
Warner Bros. executives, including CEO David Zaslav, made the decision without watching the final movie, undermining their proclaimed filmmaker-first approach.
The controversy highlights the industry's reliance on relationships with talent, with critics warning that such actions damage trust and could lead to long-term financial losses.
The situation raises questions about the ethical implications of deleting art for profit and the potential for legislative or regulatory intervention.