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On November 13, 2023, ''[[Puck (media company)|Puck]]'' reported Warner Bros. Discovery leaders had reversed their decision and allowed the filmmakers the option to shop the film to other distributors.<ref>{{cite web |last=Belloni |first=Matthew |title=Warners Reverses Course in ''Coyote vs. Acme'' Fight |url=https://puck.news/warners-reverses-course-in-coyote-vs-acme-fight/ |website=[[Puck (media company)|Puck]] |date=November 13, 2023 |access-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113065200/https://puck.news/warners-reverses-course-in-coyote-vs-acme-fight/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bergeson |first=Samantha |date=November 13, 2023 |title=Warner Bros. Will Let ''Coyote Vs. Acme'' Filmmakers Shop Movie to Other Distributors |url=https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/coyote-vs-acme-shopped-other-distributors-warner-bros-1234925820/ |access-date=November 13, 2023 |website=[[IndieWire]] |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113172158/https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/coyote-vs-acme-shopped-other-distributors-warner-bros-1234925820/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Deadline Hollywood]]'' reported that [[Amazon MGM Studios]], [[Apple Studios]], and [[Netflix]] were interested in buying the distribution rights to the film.<ref name="Deadline11_23"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Jaden |date=November 14, 2023 |title=Rep. Joaquin Castro Calls Warner Bros. Discovery 'Predatory' for Shelving ''Coyote vs. Acme'', Asks Justice Dept. to 'Review This Conduct' |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/joaquin-castro-warner-bros-discovery-coyote-vs-acme-1235790855/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115023922/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/joaquin-castro-warner-bros-discovery-coyote-vs-acme-1235790855/ |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=[[Variety (website)|Variety]]}}</ref> ''[[TheWrap]]'' reported that despite interest from distributors to buy the film, there are "currently no hard offers, and that Green is crafting his own 'PR campaign'".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Kristen |date=November 20, 2023 |title=Has ''Coyote vs. Acme'' Sowed Distrust Between Warner Bros. and Creatives? Analysis |url=https://www.thewrap.com/coyote-vs-acme-creative-backlash-warner-bros/ |access-date=December 2, 2023 |website=[[TheWrap]]}}</ref>
On November 13, 2023, ''[[Puck (media company)|Puck]]'' reported Warner Bros. Discovery leaders had reversed their decision and allowed the filmmakers the option to shop the film to other distributors.<ref>{{cite web |last=Belloni |first=Matthew |title=Warners Reverses Course in ''Coyote vs. Acme'' Fight |url=https://puck.news/warners-reverses-course-in-coyote-vs-acme-fight/ |website=[[Puck (media company)|Puck]] |date=November 13, 2023 |access-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113065200/https://puck.news/warners-reverses-course-in-coyote-vs-acme-fight/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bergeson |first=Samantha |date=November 13, 2023 |title=Warner Bros. Will Let ''Coyote Vs. Acme'' Filmmakers Shop Movie to Other Distributors |url=https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/coyote-vs-acme-shopped-other-distributors-warner-bros-1234925820/ |access-date=November 13, 2023 |website=[[IndieWire]] |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113172158/https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/coyote-vs-acme-shopped-other-distributors-warner-bros-1234925820/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Deadline Hollywood]]'' reported that [[Amazon MGM Studios]], [[Apple Studios]], and [[Netflix]] were interested in buying the distribution rights to the film.<ref name="Deadline11_23"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Jaden |date=November 14, 2023 |title=Rep. Joaquin Castro Calls Warner Bros. Discovery 'Predatory' for Shelving ''Coyote vs. Acme'', Asks Justice Dept. to 'Review This Conduct' |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/joaquin-castro-warner-bros-discovery-coyote-vs-acme-1235790855/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115023922/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/joaquin-castro-warner-bros-discovery-coyote-vs-acme-1235790855/ |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=[[Variety (website)|Variety]]}}</ref> ''[[TheWrap]]'' reported that despite interest from distributors to buy the film, there are "currently no hard offers, and that Green is crafting his own 'PR campaign'".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Kristen |date=November 20, 2023 |title=Has ''Coyote vs. Acme'' Sowed Distrust Between Warner Bros. and Creatives? Analysis |url=https://www.thewrap.com/coyote-vs-acme-creative-backlash-warner-bros/ |access-date=December 2, 2023 |website=[[TheWrap]]}}</ref>


On December 8, ''Deadline Hollywood'' further reported that the film had been screened for more studios including [[Paramount Pictures]] and [[Sony Pictures]]. Of these, Netflix and Paramount had made bids, with the latter including a theatrical component; Amazon was still interested despite making no formal bids; and Sony and Apple were not planning to make bids. Since then, no new distributor has officially won the rights to the film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2023-12-08 |title=''Coyote Vs. Acme'': Paramount Circling; Amazon Still Possible Contender – The Dish |url=https://deadline.com/2023/12/coyote-vs-acme-paramount-amazon-contenders-1235658240/ |access-date=2023-12-08 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
On December 8, ''Deadline Hollywood'' further reported that the film had been screened for more studios including [[Paramount Pictures]] and [[Sony Pictures]]. Of these, Netflix and Paramount had made bids, with the latter including a theatrical component; Amazon was still interested despite making no formal bids; and Sony and Apple were not planning to make bids. Since then, no new distributor has officially won the rights to the film.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2023-12-08 |title=''Coyote Vs. Acme'': Paramount Circling; Amazon Still Possible Contender – The Dish |url=https://deadline.com/2023/12/coyote-vs-acme-paramount-amazon-contenders-1235658240/ |access-date=2023-12-08 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |language=en-US}}</ref>


=== Possible final cancellation ===
=== Possible final cancellation ===

Revision as of 19:13, 11 February 2024

Coyote vs. Acme
Directed byDave Green
Screenplay bySamy Burch
Story by
Based on"Coyote v. Acme"
by Ian Frazier[1][2]
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyBrandon Trost
Edited byCarsten Kurpanek[3]
Music bySteven Price[3]
Production
companies
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$70 million[5]

Coyote vs. Acme is an unreleased American comedy film directed by Dave Green and written by Samy Burch from a story by Burch, James Gunn (who also served as a producer), and Jeremy Slater.[1] Combining live-action and animation, the film is based on the character Wile E. Coyote and the Acme Corporation from the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons, and the 1990 magazine article of the same name published in The New Yorker by Ian Frazier. Produced by Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, the film's cast includes John Cena, Will Forte, Lana Condor, and the voice of Eric Bauza.

Development began in August 2018 with Chris McKay as producer and Jon and Josh Silberman writing the screenplay. Green was hired to direct in December 2019, and Burch, Slater, and Gunn joined the production crew the following year. Cena was cast in February 2022, with Forte and Condor joining the cast the following month. Live-action filming took place in New Mexico from March to May 2022.

Warner Bros. Discovery shelved the film in November 2023 so it could obtain a $30 million tax write-down, making it the third film to be shelved by WBD after Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt. However, public backlash led the company to reverse the decision the same month, allowing the filmmakers to shop the film to other distributors. As of February 2024, following unsuccessful negotiations with several potential buyers, Warner Bros. Discovery is once again considering shelving the film and claiming it as a tax loss.[6][7]

Premise

After every product made by the Acme Corporation have backfired on Wile E. Coyote in his pursuit of the Road Runner, a down-and-out billboard human attorney represents Wile E. in his lawsuit to sue Acme. A growing friendship between Wile E. Coyote and his lawyer motivates their determination to win the court case, as it pits them against the intimidating boss of Wile E.'s lawyer's former law firm, who now represents Acme.[8][9]

Cast

Live-action cast

Voice and animated cast

Additionally, longtime Looney Tunes voice actor Eric Bauza voices several other Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies characters throughout the film.[13]

Production

Development

In August 2018, Warner Bros. Pictures announced the development of a Wile E. Coyote project, titled Coyote vs. Acme, with The Lego Batman Movie director Chris McKay as producer and Jon and Josh Silberman writing the script.[14] In mid-December 2019, Warner Animation Group hired Dave Green to direct the live-action/animated hybrid film,[15] while Jon and Josh Silberman were replaced as screenwriters, but remained producers.[16] In December 2020, McKay left the project, while Jon and Josh Silberman left their producing roles and returned to screenwriting duties alongside Samy Burch, Jeremy Slater, and James Gunn.[4] Along with the departure of McKay, it was reported that the film draws inspiration from the fictional 1990 New Yorker article of the same name by Ian Frazier.[4] Ultimately, Burch received screenplay credit, based on a story from herself, Slater, and Gunn.[1]

Casting

In February 2022, John Cena was cast as the film's main antagonist, described as the lawyer in defense of Acme and the former boss to Wile E.'s lawyer; he previously collaborated with Gunn on the DC Extended Universe projects The Suicide Squad (2021) and Peacemaker (2022).[17] The following month, Will Forte and Lana Condor were added to the cast, with Forte starring as Wile E.'s lawyer.[18]

Filming and production design

Principal photography took place from March to May 2022 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with Brandon Trost serving as cinematographer.[19][20][21] The creative team also acknowledged Who Framed Roger Rabbit as a reference for the film's seamless live-action interaction with the animated characters,[22] alongside the set pieces from the original Looney Tunes cartoons, such as the film's setting in Albuquerque, which was famously referenced by Bugs Bunny, and Road Runner's habitat in the desert being brought to life.[23]

Visual effects and animation

Visual effects and animation services were provided by DNEG.[24] Voice actor Eric Bauza posted the first image of the film on social media, showing the film took inspiration from the original cartoons' world and animation, and films like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, for the film's blend of classic animation and live-action.[25]

Music

During the announcement of the film's cancellation, Steven Price announced that he composed the film's score. One piece from the score he shared was a choir rendition of the Road Runner's vocal effects titled the "Meep Meep Choir".[26]

Release

Coyote vs. Acme was to be theatrically released in the United States on July 21, 2023, by Warner Bros. Pictures.[4] On April 26, 2022, the studio removed the film from its release schedule and replaced the slot with Barbie.[27]

First planned cancellation

On November 9, 2023, Warner Bros. officials announced that the film was completed, but that they would not release it, because Warner Bros. Discovery preferred to claim a tax loss of about $30 million.[5] The crew was not informed of the decision until after the film was completed.[3] The move drew criticism from filmmakers, animation outlets, and talent representatives. Several filmmakers left angry phone calls with Warner Bros. expressing their frustration at the move.[28] Others also canceled meetings with the studio.[29] Many noted that the film had drawn praise at test screenings and interest from potential buyers.[30][31] Director Dave Green, reportedly an avid Looney Tunes fan, voiced his disappointment over the film's cancellation.[32]

On November 13, 2023, Puck reported Warner Bros. Discovery leaders had reversed their decision and allowed the filmmakers the option to shop the film to other distributors.[33][34] Deadline Hollywood reported that Amazon MGM Studios, Apple Studios, and Netflix were interested in buying the distribution rights to the film.[28][35] TheWrap reported that despite interest from distributors to buy the film, there are "currently no hard offers, and that Green is crafting his own 'PR campaign'".[36]

On December 8, Deadline Hollywood further reported that the film had been screened for more studios including Paramount Pictures and Sony Pictures. Of these, Netflix and Paramount had made bids, with the latter including a theatrical component; Amazon was still interested despite making no formal bids; and Sony and Apple were not planning to make bids. Since then, no new distributor has officially won the rights to the film.[11]

Possible final cancellation

On February 9, 2024, TheWrap reported that Warner Bros. Discovery had rejected the bids from Netflix, Amazon, and Paramount.[37] The company wanted $75–$80 million to sell the film, but no distributors matched their price, and Warner Bros. Discovery rejected counter bids. The company is considering shelving and deleting the film (which remains in limbo) before its fourth earnings call on February 23, 2024, and again claim it as a tax loss.[38][39][40]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "Coyote vs. Acme". Writers Guild of America West. March 21, 2023. Archived from the original on April 9, 2023. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
  2. ^ Frazier, Ian (February 19, 1990). "Coyote v. Acme By Ian Frazier". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on October 16, 2018. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c Roundtree, Cheyenne (November 10, 2023). "Coyote vs. Acme Crew Were Blindsided by Warner Bros. Killing Movie". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on November 11, 2023. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d Rubin, Rebecca (December 23, 2020). "Warner Bros. to Release Mad Max: Fury Road Prequel and The Color Purple Musical in Theaters in 2023". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on December 24, 2020. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
  5. ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 9, 2023). "Coyote Vs. Acme: Finished Live/Action Animated Pic Shelved Completely By Warner Bros As Studio Takes $30M Tax Write-off". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 9, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  6. ^ Dick, Jeremy (February 9, 2024). "Coyote vs. Acme's Latest Update Spells Very Bad News for Looney Tunes Movie". CBR. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  7. ^ Lyles, Taylor (February 10, 2024). "Warner Bros. Reportedly Set to Shelve and Delete 'Coyote vs. Acme' Film Once and for All". IGN. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  8. ^ Kit, Borys (March 9, 2022). "Will Forte Joins John Cena in Coyote vs. Acme for Warner Bros". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  9. ^ a b "First Look Revealed for Resurrected 'Coyote vs. Acme' Feature".
  10. ^ a b @Kurpanek (February 11, 2024). "Some great BTS stuff here! Love the shot of @lanacondor with a real Wile E. impact-crater. @MarthaKelly3 and @toneBell are hilarious! I have stories about every frame and if the movie gets released, I'll hopefully get to tell them. #ReleaseCoyoteVsAcme" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  11. ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (December 8, 2023). "Coyote Vs. Acme: Paramount Circling; Amazon Still Possible Contender – The Dish". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  12. ^ @SoCullum (February 10, 2024). "No as it's a real actor 😂 Animated Wile, a LOT of Foghorn and some side characters like the lamb lady or the bird old lady Im sorry I don't know all their names 😭" (Tweet). Retrieved February 11, 2024 – via Twitter.
  13. ^ Thorne, Ned [@NedThorne] (January 3, 2024). "@DEADLINE has slightly bad intel (or just fact checkers), as Eric Bauza did NOT voice Wile E. Coyote; in the film, Wile is a silent character, and Eric plays several other roles. But that shouldn't stop you from supporting #releasecoyotevsacme ! #coyotevsacme" (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2023 – via Twitter.
  14. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (August 28, 2018). "Warner Bros' Wile E. Coyote Movie Finds Its Scribes In The Silberman Brothers". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 12, 2022. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  15. ^ "Warner Bros. Pictures Greenlights Three Films For Its 2023 Worldwide Theatrical Slate".
  16. ^ Donnelly, Matt (December 17, 2019). "Warner Bros.' Wile E. Coyote Movie Sets Dave Green to Direct (Exclusive)". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on December 17, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  17. ^ Kit, Borys (February 16, 2022). "John Cena to Star in Coyote vs. Acme for Warner Bros". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 18, 2022. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
  18. ^ Kroll, Justin (March 9, 2022). "Will Forte And Lana Condor To Co-Star With John Cena In Looney Tunes Live-Action/Animated Hybrid Pic Coyote Vs. Acme". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 10, 2022. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  19. ^ Trost, Bandon [@B_TRO] (March 21, 2022). "I can confirm that this is true" (Tweet). Archived from the original on April 15, 2022. Retrieved April 15, 2022 – via Twitter.
  20. ^ Kasule, Melissa (February 22, 2022). "Warner Bros.' Coyote vs. Acme set to shoot in New Mexico". Kemps Film and TV Production Services Handbook. Archived from the original on February 22, 2022. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  21. ^ @mikedfernandez (May 28, 2022). "We wrapped Coyote vs. Acme Sat morning! 📸". Archived from the original on November 19, 2023. Retrieved November 1, 2022 – via Instagram.
  22. ^ "Will Forte Details What It's Like Starring With the Looney Tunes in 'Coyote vs. Acme' [Exclusive]". Collider. January 27, 2023.
  23. ^ "Live-action movie Coyote vs. ACME filmed in ABQ area". Albuquerque Journal. June 9, 2022. Archived from the original on June 12, 2022. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
  24. ^ "Coyote vs. Acme". DNEG. Archived from the original on April 12, 2022. Retrieved April 27, 2022.
  25. ^ Tapp, Tom (January 1, 2024). "Coyote Vs. Acme First Photo: Voice Actor Eric Bauza Shares Image From Film". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  26. ^ "Coyote vs. Acme Composer Shares Hilarious BTS Recording From Movie".
  27. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (April 26, 2022). "Barbie Heads To Summer 2023 – CinemaCon". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 26, 2022. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  28. ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 13, 2023). "Coyote Vs. Acme: Warner Bros Setting Up Screenings For Streamers Of Axed Looney Tunes Film; Amazon A Prime Candidate – The Dish". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  29. ^ Couch, Aaron; Hibberd, James (November 13, 2023). "Warner Bros. Reverses Course on Coyote vs. Acme After Filmmakers Rebel". Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  30. ^ Bergeson, Samantha (November 10, 2023). "Scrapped Coyote Vs. Acme Film Teased in BTS Videos as Creatives Say Warner Bros. Is 'Anti-Art'". IndieWire. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  31. ^ Amidi, Amid (November 9, 2023). "Warner Bros. Shelves Fully-Completed Coyote Vs. Acme For Tax Write-Off". Cartoon Brew. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  32. ^ "Coyote vs. Acme Director Voices Out Disappointment Over Cancelation".
  33. ^ Belloni, Matthew (November 13, 2023). "Warners Reverses Course in Coyote vs. Acme Fight". Puck. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  34. ^ Bergeson, Samantha (November 13, 2023). "Warner Bros. Will Let Coyote Vs. Acme Filmmakers Shop Movie to Other Distributors". IndieWire. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  35. ^ Thompson, Jaden (November 14, 2023). "Rep. Joaquin Castro Calls Warner Bros. Discovery 'Predatory' for Shelving Coyote vs. Acme, Asks Justice Dept. to 'Review This Conduct'". Variety. Archived from the original on November 15, 2023. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  36. ^ Lopez, Kristen (November 20, 2023). "Has Coyote vs. Acme Sowed Distrust Between Warner Bros. and Creatives? Analysis". TheWrap. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  37. ^ Taylor, Drew (February 9, 2024). "The Final Days of 'Coyote vs. Acme': Offers, Rejections and a Roadrunner Race Against Time | Exclusive". TheWrap. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  38. ^ "Coyote Vs. Acme is probably getting scrapped anyway". The A.V. Club. February 9, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  39. ^ Graves, Sabina (February 9, 2024). "Coyote vs. Acme's Fate Might Have Been Sealed by Real Judge Doom David Zaslav". Gizmodo. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  40. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 10, 2024). "'Coyote Vs. Acme': With Pic's Fate In Limbo At Warners, Phil Lord Observes, "How Funny It Would Be For This To End With A Congressional Hearing"". Deadline. Retrieved February 10, 2024.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Coyote_vs._Acme&oldid=1206292170"