Warner Bros. Cancels John Cena’s ‘Coyote vs. Acme’

Warner Bros. has decided not to release “Coyote vs. Acme,” a live-action and CG animation hybrid film starring John Cena, despite completing principal photography last year. This move comes after the studio’s recent shift in strategy under new leadership.

Key Takeaways

• Warner Bros. shelves “Coyote vs. Acme,” starring John Cena, after completing filming.
• The decision follows Bill Damaschke’s appointment as head of Warner Animation Group.
• The film, initially greenlit for HBO Max, was later considered for theatrical release.
• Warner Bros. aims to focus on theatrical releases, impacting the fate of “Coyote vs. Acme.”
• The film’s shelving is part of a broader strategy shift under Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav.

Background and Development

“Coyote vs. Acme” was based on Ian Frazier’s humor article from The New Yorker, published in 1990. The film’s production involved key Warner Bros. talent, including John Cena and DC Studios co-head James Gunn. The project, estimated to cost around $72 million, was initially slated for a July 2023 release. However, no trailer was released, leading to speculation about the studio’s commitment to the project.

Strategic Shifts at Warner Bros.

The shelving of “Coyote vs. Acme” reflects a broader strategic shift at Warner Bros. under CEO David Zaslav. The studio has been reevaluating its content strategy, focusing more on theatrical releases over streaming. This pivot aligns with Zaslav’s goal to find significant savings across the Warner Bros. Discovery media conglomerate.

Industry Implications

The decision to shelve “Coyote vs. Acme” echoes the studio’s earlier move to cancel “Batgirl” and “Scoob! Holiday Haunt,” both intended for streaming. These actions have sparked discussions in Hollywood about the future of film distribution, particularly concerning streaming versus theatrical releases.

Future of Warner Animation Group

Under Bill Damaschke, Warner Bros. Animation is shifting its focus to strictly theatrical-worthy content. The studio plans to release around two films a year, with projects like “Bad Fairies” and “The Lunar Chronicles” in development. This new direction aims to produce original movies and films based on the studio’s intellectual property, including Looney Tunes characters.

Conclusion

Warner Bros.’ decision to shelve “Coyote vs. Acme” highlights the evolving landscape of film production and distribution. As the industry continues to navigate the balance between streaming and theatrical releases, such strategic decisions will likely shape the future of movie-making and distribution.