‘Coyote vs. Acme’ could be sold to other studios after Warner Bros shelves film
Warner Bros.' decision to shelve the completed film «Coyote vs. Acme» as a $30 million tax write-off, the studio is now allowing the film to be pitched to other distributors. Screenings are reportedly being arranged for streaming giants Amazon Prime Video, Apple, and Netflix to potentially acquire the movie, which concluded filming in 2022 with initial plans for theatrical release.
While Amazon and Netflix have been active buyers during the pandemic, the fate of «Coyote vs.
Acme» remains uncertain. In such instances, rights typically go to the highest bidder. The move to offer the film to other distributors comes after Warner Bros.
deemed it unworthy for release on either the big or small screen. However, streaming services are constantly in need of fresh content, particularly of the family-friendly variety, to retain subscribers.
«Coyote vs. Acme,» a live-action-animation hybrid with a $70 million budget featuring John Cena and Lana Condor, marks the third film in two years that Warner Bros.
has scrapped for tax incentives. The decision follows the shelving of the $90 million-budgeted DC adventure «Batgirl» and the kid-friendly «Scoob! Holiday Haunt.» These decisions align with a shift in priorities under the new leadership of Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, emphasizing theatrical releases.
Director Dave Green, expressing disappointment over the decision, conveyed his pride in the final product and the positive reception from test audiences.
