## Filmmakers Laud the Unreleased ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ as a Masterpiece
In a shocking move that has resonated with the film industry, Warner Bros. Discovery decided to axe the completed live-action CGI hybrid film ‘Coyote vs. Acme’, which was gearing up for a theatrical release on July 21, 2023. The unexpected cancellation of a project starring iconic characters Wile E. Coyote, Road Runner, and John Cena has compelled filmmakers to praise the shelved film and express their frustration over the company’s decision on social media.
### “The Next Roger Rabbit”
Some insiders anticipated ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ to be a hit, akin to the beloved ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’. Yet, in pursuit of a $30 million tax deduction, Warner Bros. Discovery chose to shelve the film, giving rise to the campaign hashtag #ReleaseCoyoteVsAcme.
### Industry Outcry Over Cancellation
Creators like BenDavid Grabinski, co-creator and showrunner of the upcoming Netflix series ‘Scott Pilgrim Takes Off’, openly criticized Warner Bros. for discarding the film. Grabinski praised the movie, calling it “commercial”, “tasteful”, and a destined success stating, “The ending makes everyone cry. I thought the goal of this business was to make successful movies?”
Similarly, Gary Whitta, known for his work on ‘Rogue One’ and ‘Star Wars Rebels’, voiced disbelief over the decision. He underlined the uniqueness of the project, with a fantastic premise and involvement of big names like John Cena and producer James Gunn, comparing its potential impact to ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’.
### Filmmakers’ Testimonies of the Film’s Merits
Brian Duffield, screenwriter of ‘No One Will Save You’ and ‘Skull Island’, had the opportunity to see ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ before its removal and attested to its excellent reception during test screenings and the interest it garnered from buyers. Dave Green, the film’s director, shared his pride and disappointment on social media, emphasizing that the film received fantastic scores from test audiences and was a labor of love honoring the legacy of the characters.
### Animation Industry in Turmoil
The unexpected cancellation of ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ underscores a distressing pattern of animated features being scrapped by studios like Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures, which are scaling back their animation departments amidst significant budget cuts. No trailers or promotional materials had been released for ‘Coyote vs. Acme’, leaving audiences to wonder about the film’s potential excellence and what could have been had it made it to the big screen.
The plea for Warner Bros. Discovery to reconsider its decision and the hope that ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ might see the light of day mirrors the resilience and perseverance of the character Wile E. Coyote himself. As the film industry and fans champion the unreleased gem, only time will tell whether this cinematic treasure will outmaneuver the anvil of corporate decision-making and eventually race onto screens worldwide.