Will Forte Calls Out Warner Bros for Scrapping ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ for a Tax Write-Off: “I like talking about the movie because I don’t want people to forget what Warner Bros did to this”

Will Forte isn’t holding back when it comes to his frustration over Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to shelve Coyote vs. Acme. The actor, who played Wile E. Coyote’s lawyer in the live-action/animated movie, recently shared his thoughts making it clear that he still hopes the film gets released. More than anything, he doesn’t want people to forget what happened.

“I don’t want people to forget what [Warner Bros.] did to this,” Forte said.

The movie, which wrapped filming in New Mexico in 2022, was initially planned to premiere on Max in July 2023. However, Warner Bros. later removed it from the release schedule. Directed by David Green and written by Samy Burch, the film was produced by James Gunn, who also contributed to the story. The cast included John Cena and Lana Condor alongside Forte.

Despite the film’s $70 million budget, Warner Bros. Discovery ultimately decided not to release it. Instead, they attempted to sell it to another studio, but when no offers met the production cost, the company opted for a $30 million tax write-off instead.

Forte didn’t mince words when asked about the studio’s choice. “My thoughts were that it’s fucking bullshit,” he said. “It is such a delightful movie. It deserves so much better than it got. I can’t tell you possibly why the decision was made to not release it. But it makes my blood boil.”

He went on to express his disappointment, emphasizing how much love and effort went into the project. “I appreciate them letting us make it, but don’t let us make this thing that we fall in love with and then not show it. I would understand if the thing sucked, but it’s really good.”

This isn’t the first time Forte has spoken out. Earlier in 2024, he posted on Instagram, voicing his anger over the decision. He described the film as “super funny throughout, visually stunning, sweet, sincere, and emotionally resonant in a very earned way.” Watching the final cut left him feeling lucky to be part of something so special—until that joy turned into frustration. “That quickly turned to confusion and frustration. This was the movie they’re not going to release?”

Lana Condor, who also starred in the film, recently attended a private “funeral screening” held for the cast and crew. Reflecting on the experience, she admitted she wasn’t sure what to expect. “Maybe the movie isn’t good and maybe I was wrong,” she recalled thinking before watching it. But after seeing it, she felt differently. “I personally think it was my best work I’ve ever done. And I think it was funny and kind and put a real positive message. That was really, truly devastating for me, for me, and for everyone.”

The decision to shelve Coyote vs. Acme sparked backlash online, with many calling for Warner Bros. Discovery to release the movie instead of letting it meet the same fate as Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt. The studio, however, has remained firm in its choice. In a statement, a Warner Bros. Motion Pictures Group spokesperson said it was a “tough decision” but necessary due to the company’s shift in strategy.

“With the re-launch of Warner Bros. Pictures Animation in June, the studio has shifted its global strategy to focus on theatrical releases. With this new direction, we have made the difficult decision not to move forward with Coyote vs. Acme.” The statement went on to thank the filmmakers, cast, and crew, acknowledging their contributions.

For now, Coyote vs. Acme remains locked away, and those involved are left hoping that one day, the public will get to see it. As Forte put it, “Maybe somehow we get to see it at some point. I hope people do. I was really proud of it.”

You can watch the whole interview here:

What do you think about Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to shelve Coyote vs. Acme? Let us know in the comments below.