Coyote vs. Acme, a hybrid animation/live-action Looney Tunes movie starring WWE’s John Cena, will still be screened. Like Batgirl, Coyote vs. Acme was shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery after completion but may now be sold to potential buyers. This means the movie may release in theaters, launch on a streaming service, or not see the light of day at all!
Coyote vs. Acme follows Wile E. Coyote as he takes legal action against the Acme Corporation for the countless products that have backfired on him. Similar to Looney Tunes: Back in Action, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, and Detective Pikachu, this John Cena movie adopts a hybrid style that combines live-action with animation — with reportedly hilarious results.
Why Was Coyote vs. Acme Cancelled and Revived?
Warner Bros. Pictures shelved the Looney Tunes spin-off last week as part of a reported $30 million tax write-off — despite the project being otherwise complete. To many fans, this cancellation was reminiscent of Batgirl and Scoob! 2, both shelved after post-production. Unfortunately, cancellations like this John Cena movie are increasingly common amid dips in streaming revenue.
Many creatives in the industry spoke up against Coyote vs. Acme‘s initial cancellation, including writers who have worked with director Dave Green. Many praised the movie’s comedic yet heartfelt tone and expressed disappointment in its abrupt cancellation. Additionally, the movie had consistent audience test scores in the “high 90s.” Suffice it to say Coyote vs. Acme doesn’t sound like the kind of project you shelve.
As first reported by Puck, Warner Bros. Pictures has reversed its decision and will now allow Green to “shop” Coyote vs. Acme. Amazon is reportedly the top contender for purchasing the project, though it will also be screened for many other buyers. Coyote vs. Acme‘s potential revival could pose a step in the right direction and encourage more studios to consider their creatives’ input.
Coyote vs. Acme stars John Cena as the Acme Corporation’s CEO, Will Forte as Wile E. Coyote’s attorney, and voice actor Eric Bauza as the titular coyote himself. It features an intricate-sounding story written by Say Burch, Jeremy Slater, and Superman Legacy‘s James Gunn. Only time will tell if this hybrid Looney Tunes spin-off will hit screens or return to the studio shelves.
