Breaking News: Warner Bros. Discovery Cancels James Gunn’s Coyote Vs. Acme Movie, Leaving John Cena and Fans Disappointed
In Brief
• Warner Bros. Discovery is cutting costs, and their latest project to be canceled is James Gunn’s completed Coyote Vs. Acme movie, made to capitalize on a $30 million tax credit.
• David Zaslav, the head of Warner Bros., is making various licensing deals and plans to sell the company, thus leading to the recasting of key DC characters such as Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Jason Momoa has renegotiated his contract to continue as Lobo, while David Corenswet will act as Superman.
• John Cena was part of the Coyote Vs. Acme cast expressed disappointment after it was canceled; Will Forte and Lana Condor were also part of the cast.
• The cancellation leaves fans wondering about the future of Gunn’s DC Universe projects, highlighting this instance as an example of the ongoing challenges and uncertainties Warner Bros. Discovery faces.
Warner Bros. Discovery is undergoing major cuts, and no project seems safe. The latest casualty is the completed Coyote Vs. The Acme live-action/animated Looney Tunes movie has been shelved despite being finished. The decision is reportedly driven by a desire to capitalize on a $30 million tax credit.
According to a spokesperson for Warner Bros., this move comes as part of their new strategy to prioritize theatrical releases under the re-launch of Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. Although difficult, they decided not to move forward with Coyote Vs. Acme, expressing gratitude towards the filmmakers, cast, and crew for their contributions.
David Zaslav, the head of Warner Bros. Discovery, has been making various licensing deals and has plans to sell the company. This raises questions about the future of James Gunn’s involvement with DC Films despite being named the head. Zaslav seems to push for cheaper talent and recasting key DC characters.
As a result, Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, and Gal Gadot have been removed from their roles as Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, respectively. Jason Momoa, however, has renegotiated his contract to continue as Lobo. Gunn’s choice for a cheaper Superman is David Corenswet, who resembles Henry Cavill.
John Cena, who was part of the cast for Coyote Vs. Acme shared his reaction on Instagram, expressing disappointment. The movie, produced by James Gunn and Chris DeFaria and directed by Dave Green, follows Wile E. Coyote’s decision to sue ACME after their products consistently failed him. Cena played an intimidating former boss who opposes Wile E. and his lawyer in the case. Will Forte and Lana Condor were also part of the cast.
Fans and the cast alike wonder about the future of Gunn’s DC Universe projects—the cancellation of Coyote Vs. Acme is a shocking reminder of Warner Bros. Discovery’s challenges and uncertainties.