Key Takeaways:
* Warner Bros. has abandoned the animated film ‘Fixed’ by Genndy Tartakovsky.
* Sony Pictures Animation (SPA) is now left with finding a new distributor for the film.
* Fans express their disappointment at Warner Bros.’ ongoing project cancellations.
* Some fans do believe that Sony will find an alternate way to release ‘Fixed.’
* The controversy pours more gasoline on Warner Bros.’ reputation, still burning from earlier project abandonments such as ‘Batgirl’ and ‘Coyote vs. Acme.’
Warner Bros. Shelves ‘Fixed’
In a recent move, Warner Bros. has decided not to distribute ‘Fixed,’ an adult animated movie produced and directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, thus returning it to its producers, Sony Pictures Animation (SPA). The film boasts a star-studded cast featuring Adam DeVine, Idris Elba, Fred Armisen, and Kathryn Hahn.
This is not the first time Warner Bros. has dropped an animate film. The studio had once cancelled ‘Coyote vs Acme’ as well. Fans are upset about this repeated pattern of dismissals from Warner Bros., with the latest one being an anticipated film from a well-regarded creator like Tartakovsky.
What is ‘Fixed’ About?
The story of ‘Fixed’ revolves around a bloodhound named Bull who finds out he’s about to be neutered. Started in July 2022 and concluded in September 2023, the film was brought to life through beautiful hand-drawn animation. Tartakovsky, well known for his work on ‘Dexter’ and ‘Primal’ has fans holding up high expectations for ‘Fixed.’
Fans Express Their Disappointment
The news of the cancellation has ignited a wave of disappointment among Tartakovsky’s fans, with outrage pouring in on social media platforms:
“I truly hate WB at this point,” one fan posted.
Another wondered, “How many times is this gonna keep happening?”
Some fans, however, are hopeful that Sony Pictures Animation will either release it themselves or find someone else who would dare not to drop a Genndy film.
Warner Bros: A History of Abandoned Projects
The backlash from fans started to grow increasingly louder after Warner Bros.’ cancellation of ‘Batgirl,’ despite the film being completed. This move was criticized heavily as it resulted in wastage of acting talents such as Leslie Grace, Brendan Fraser, Michael Keaton, and J.K. Simmons. The film was one of the most expensive projects that got dumped due to the studio’s cost-cutting measures.
Adding to the studio’s PR nightmare list is ‘Coyote vs Acme.’ After initiating the project and then canceling it for tax reasons, the studio faced public fury that compelled them to put it on sale. However, the film was still abandoned and now ‘Fixed’ finds itself in a similar tragic predicament.
Fans’ Hopes and Fears
Fans have been sharing their concern over the current studio executive’s lack of good judgement in dismissing promising and even completed film projects. Yet, other fans see a silver lining, believing that Sony, the original producer of ‘Fixed,’ will either release the film themselves or find a willing distributor.
It’s clear that Warner Bros.’ habits of cancelling both live-action films and animated ones have been impacting their reputation negatively among the fans. The ongoing pattern has left fans wondering what’s going wrong in the studio decision-making. One can only hope for better outcomes in the future and specifically for Genndy Tartakovsky’s ‘Fixed.’ Sure enough, fans are eagerly waiting to explore Bull’s journey on the screen.
