It seems like Warner Bros does not shy from getting involved in controversies. After facing a severe backlash from filmmakers, the studio has commenced reverse coursing on the recently shelved Coyote Vs Acme, which starred Will Forte and John Cena.
According to Puck, Warner Bros has allowed Coyote Vs Acme filmmakers to shop the movie to look for a new distributor. This news comes after the studio shelved the film some days ago and wrote it down for a tax credit of $30 million. The studio took this harsh decision as its representatives believed that the John Cena starrer was a complete disaster.
The entire scenario forced the movie’s producers to share their frustration on social media, pointing out that the film was good and complete and received largely positive reactions in the early test screenings.
However, WB’s efforts of reverse coursing the Coyote Vs Acme cancellation may ultimately benefit the studio in the end. WB was looking to get compensation of $30 million for scrapping the movie. Now, this payment should be considered the minimum amount. The studio may look to recoup the film’s entire budget (which is $70 million). It means that WB has the upper hand in this situation, as the studio can reject any contract or deal that falls short of $70 million.
Based on Samy Burch’s screenplay, Coyote Vs Acme was a comedy flick helmed by Dave Green. Apart from Will Forte and John Cena, it starred Lana Condor and PY Byrne. It took inspiration from the cartoons featuring Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote, created by Michael Maltese and Chuck Jones. The duo of James Gunn and Chris DeFaria bankrolled the project. Stay tuned for more updates.