Coyote v. Acme Saved by Public Outcry After WBD Shelving
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) under CEO David Zaslav attempted to shelve the nearly completed film 'Coyote v. Acme' for a tax write-off, but public backlash forced the studio to offer distribution rights to other companies. After turning down multiple offers, WBD sold the rights to Ketchup Entertainment in 2025. The film's trailer has generated excitement, with director Dave Green thanking fans for support. The controversy highlights Zaslav's pattern of canceling projects like 'Batgirl' and 'Scoob! Holiday Haunt' to cut costs. Meanwhile, WBD shareholders approved a $110 billion acquisition bid by Paramount Skydance, potentially giving Zaslav a golden parachute. The film's success could signal whether online outrage translates to box office profits.
Key facts
- WBD shelved Coyote v. Acme in 2023 for a tax write-off.
- Public outcry led WBD to offer distribution rights to Netflix, Amazon, Paramount.
- Ketchup Entertainment bought the rights in 2025.
- Director Dave Green thanked fans for support.
- WBD previously canceled Batgirl ($90M) and Scoob! Holiday Haunt.
- WBD shareholders approved $110B acquisition by Paramount Skydance.
- Zaslav may exit with a golden parachute.
- Test audiences gave Coyote v. Acme glowing reviews.
Entities
Artists
- David Zaslav
- Adil El Arbi
- Bilall Fallah
- Michael Kurinsky
- Bill Haller
- Dave Green
- Phil Lord
- Chris Miller
- Ian Frazier
- Charles Pulliam-Moore
- David Ellison
- Larry Ellison
Institutions
- Warner Bros. Discovery
- Netflix
- Amazon
- Paramount
- Ketchup Entertainment
- HBO
- Oracle
- IndieWire
- Variety
- The Verge
- The New Yorker
Locations
- United States