Written & Researched by: Lee Fenton
UPDATE:
The Ongoing Warner Bros. Discovery Fiasco
As I prepare to write 'Why Superheroes are Proving to be WB Discovery's Kryptonite,
Part III' - the 24hr news cycle is in full effect.
The story takes a turn.
WB Discovery has decided to reverse it's decision to pull the plug on it's latest release, Coyote vs Acme. The movie was scheduled to be pulled from distribution, even after principal photography and post-production was complete and the animated-live action mixed feature was slated for release. The plan was for the property to become a tax write-off for the company. Ensuring that they avoid a possible loss at the box office.
After an out cry from the public, and filmmakers criticizing the decision online, as well as some directors cancelling upcoming projects with WB Discovery – Warner Bros. has done a complete 360° and will be shopping the Looney Tunes film to any interested studios.
"Warner Bros. Un-cancels Coyote vs. Acme after backlash, will shop movie to other studios"
"The live-action/animated hybrid, starring John Cena and featuring a script co-written by James Gunn, almost went the way of 'Batgirl.' " [1]
Many see this as a positive change in the studio's direction going forward. The majority of DC fans were devasted when cost cutting at the company led to a fully finished Batgirl film getting quashed - mere months before its release. Michael Keaton even reprised his role as the iconic version of Batman from Tim Burton’s 1989 film. The movie was finished but WB refused to release it. Fans were displeased, to say the least.
But now there's new hope that a motion picture thought lost forever – could be restored.
Is this choice to resurrect Coyote vs Acme by Warner Bros. Discovery actually due to the involvement of a US Congressman?
"Congressman Slams Warner Bros. for Canceling ‘Coyote vs. Acme,’ Calls for Federal Investigation"
"Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro calls for the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission to look into whether the studio violated antitrust guidelines in tax write-off plan: 'It's predatory and anti-competitive.' " [2] -The Hollywood Reporter
If you’re like me and have a burning desire to know; then make sure to check back for updates, as we continue to follow this engaging story about a billion dollar company that keeps making all the wrong decisions.
[2] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/coyote-vs-acme-warners-investigation-1235647011/
by James Hibberd, Winston Cho of The Hollywood Reporter By Wesley Stenzel
Published on November 13, 2023