Actor Will Forte has publicly expressed his frustration over Warner Bros.’ decision to shelve Coyote vs. Acme. The live-action/animated hybrid film, completed in 2022, was abruptly canceled in 2023 despite positive test screenings. This move follows a pattern of Warner Bros. scrapping completed projects as part of corporate restructuring.
“It’s Really Good—And That’s What Makes It Worse”
In a recent interview with MovieWeb, Forte did not hold back his disappointment, stating:
“It’s f***ing bullshit … It is such a delightful movie. It deserves so much better … I can’t tell you possibly why the decision was made to not release it, but it makes my blood boil.”
Forte emphasized that the decision was especially frustrating given the film’s reportedly strong test screenings, making Warner Bros.’ choice even more difficult to accept.
Warner Bros.’ Pattern of Shelving Projects
This is not the first time Warner Bros. has scrapped a finished movie. In recent years, the studio has also canceled Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt, allegedly as tax write-offs. The company justified its decision by pointing to a new strategy focused on theatrical releases.
“With the re-launch of Warner Bros. Pictures Animation in June, the studio has shifted its global strategy to focus on theatrical releases.”
However, critics argue that such reasoning does not excuse discarding a $72 million film that had significant creative effort behind it.
James Gunn and Others Speak Out
Executive producer James Gunn was reportedly blindsided by the decision. Although he has not spoken extensively on the matter, his subtle social media posts suggest disappointment. Other filmmakers, including BenDavid Grabinski, have also criticized the situation:
“Imagine working for years on something, making something special, and then having it buried for accounting reasons.”
The controversy highlights a troubling question: If fully completed films can be shelved indefinitely, what does that mean for creative freedom in Hollywood?
Will Fans Ever See Coyote vs. Acme?
Despite the official cancellation, some still hope that Coyote vs. Acme might eventually surface. In today’s digital age, leaked versions or a future streaming release are not out of the question. Forte himself has not given up entirely, stating:
“I f***ing hate it. And it doesn’t mean that this movie is anything less than magnificent.”
Whether or not audiences will ever get to watch the film remains uncertain, but the frustration within Hollywood over such decisions is only growing.
What This Means for Hollywood’s Future
The shelving of Coyote vs. Acme raises concerns about a growing trend in the film industry—where financial considerations take precedence over artistic effort. When completed films can be erased for corporate reasons, directors, writers, and actors may become more hesitant to invest time in projects that may never reach audiences.
As anger continues to build, Warner Bros. has yet to meaningfully address the controversy. Will they reconsider, or is this now the norm in Hollywood? While the fate of Coyote vs. Acme remains uncertain, the conversation over its cancellation is far from over.
Read more at The Hollywood Reporter.