I saw the movie that Warner tried to delete: 'Coyote vs. Acme'

Key Points:

• Warner Bros. completed a $70 million film, "Coyote vs. Acme," featuring major stars and beloved Looney Tunes characters, but decided to shelve and destroy it to claim a tax loss despite positive test screenings.
• The film's shelving sparked frustration among the cast and a grassroots campaign that pressured Warner Bros. to shop the movie around, ultimately selling it to small distributor Ketchup Entertainment for $50 million.
• Ketchup Entertainment released the movie in theaters worldwide with minimal marketing, yet "Coyote vs. Acme" performed well, earning over $50 million and receiving strong reviews for its humor, animation, and performances.
• The story highlights broader challenges facing Hollywood, including unfavorable business environments and tax incentives that drive production away from California, prompting calls for federal incentives to revive the industry.
• Ultimately, "Coyote vs. Acme" serves as a reminder of Hollywood's core mission to entertain, delivering a well-received film that combines live action and animation while honoring classic cartoon traditions.