Warner Bros. executives have reportedly backtracked on their decision to shelve Coyote vs. Acme following backlash.

Studio bosses announced last week that the Looney Tunes movie, starring John Cena and Will Forte alongside a CGI Wile E. Coyote, had been shelved indefinitely, despite the project being complete and ready for release.

However, Puck News reported on Monday that they will now give the filmmakers behind the $70 million (£57 million) movie the opportunity to shop it around to other distributors.

A source told the outlet that the studio’s film chiefs Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, along with new animation head Bill Damaschke, backtracked on their decision over the weekend in response to the outcry by filmmakers and animators.

Coyote vs. Acme, a live-action/CGI hybrid, marks the third film Warner Bros. has shelved for tax purposes since the formation of Warner Bros. Discovery last year. In August 2022, the release of Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt were cancelled and the filmmakers weren’t allowed to shop the movies around elsewhere.

Reacting to Coyote vs. Acme’s cancellation last week, director Dave Green wrote on social media, “For three years, I was lucky enough to make a movie about Wile E. Coyote, the most persistent, passionate and resilient character of all time.

“Along the ride, we were embraced by test audiences who rewarded us with fantastic scores. I am beyond proud of the final product, and beyond devasted by WB’s decision. But in the spirit of Wile E. Coyote, resilience and persistence win the day.”

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