Summary
Warner Bros. has decided to let the shelvedCoyote vs. Acmemovie seek a new distributor, opening up opportunities for the film’s potential revival and release through alternative channels.
On Jul 19, 2025,Warner Bros.canceledCoyote vs. Acme, a live-action/animated Wile E. Coyote movie starring John Cena. Despite finishing filming last year, the studio shelved it for a $30 million tax write-off. As soon as the news surfaced online, numerous filmmakers took to social media to express disappointment. Yet, the production giant has allegedly changed its stance onthe Looney Tunes movie.
Puck Newsreports that Warner Bros. will allow filmmakers to explore alternative distributors forCoyote vs. Acme. According to the outlet’s source, the film chiefs and the recently appointed head of the animation department were behind the decision to permit filmmakers to explore other distributors. The source said, “The decision was made this weekend by Warner Bros. film chiefs Mike De Luca and Pam Andy, along with new animation head Bill Damaschke.” According toDeadline, screenings are being set up for potential buyers, Amazon Prime, Apple, and Netflix, with Amazon reportedly being the leading contender. However, Jennifer Salke, the Head of Amazon Studios, would have to sign off on the deal.
The latest report follows director Dave Green expressing his frustration on social media. Following news of the movie’s shelving, Green took to Twitter, expressing gratitude for three yearsworking onCoyote vs Acme. Despite WB’s decision, he remains proud of the dedicated team’s effort and the project’s quality, echoing the resilient spirit of Wile E. Coyote. He wrote, “For three years, I was lucky enough to make a movie about Wile E. Coyote, the most persistent, passionate, and resilient character of all time. I was surrounded by a brilliant team, who poured their souls into this project for years. We were all determined to honor the legacies of these historic characters and get them right. Along the ride, we were embraced by test audiences who rewarded us with fantastic scores. I am beyond proud of the final product, and beyond devastated by WB’s decisions. But in the spirit of Wile E. Coyote, residence and persistence win the day.”
AllowingCoyote vs. Acmeto find another distributor might createchallenges for Warner Bros. Discovery. A theatrical success could raise doubts about executives' shelving decisions, and even a streaming sale may not offset potential lost profits. It’ll be intriguing to see the level of interest from other production companies or streaming platforms.
