Will Forte Voices Frustration Over Shelved Film “Coyote vs. Acme”
In a recent interview with MovieWeb, actor Will Forte shared his candid thoughts on the decision to shelve the animated film “Coyote vs. Acme.” The movie, which also featured John Cena and had James Gunn as an executive producer, was halted by Warner Bros. in 2023, a year after filming completed, reportedly for tax-related reasons.
Expressing his disappointment, Forte exclaimed, “My thoughts were that it’s a [expletive] bullshit. It is such a delightful movie. It deserves so much better.” He expressed confusion over the decision to not release the film, stating, “I can’t tell you possibly why the decision was made to not release it, but it makes my blood boil.”
Forte emphasized the quality of the film, stating, “I would understand if the thing sucked, but it’s really good.” He expressed gratitude for being allowed to make the movie but expressed frustration at not being able to share it with audiences.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported in November 2023 that Warner Bros. had decided not to release “Coyote vs. Acme” as part of its shift towards focusing on theatrical releases. The estimated production cost of the film was $72 million.
Following his viewing of the film, Forte shared a statement acknowledging the uncertainties of the industry, saying, “Even when a movie tests very well (like ours), there’s no guarantee that it’s gonna be a hit.” Despite his disappointment with the decision, he praised the film, calling it “magnificent.”
Will Forte’s candid comments shed light on the challenges faced by filmmakers in Hollywood and the complexities of decision-making in the industry. Despite the setback, his passion for the project and belief in its quality remain unwavering.