John Cena’s “Coyote vs Acme,” a live-action/CG animation hybrid movie, was put on the shelf by Warner Bros. after spending $70 million on it, but Warner Bros. was willing to shop the movie around to other studios.
It was reported by The Wrap this past February that while Netflix, Amazon, and Paramount screened the movie and submitted offers, including Paramount’s offer to release it in theaters, Warner Bros. wanted something in the ballpark of $75–$80 million from a buyer, or they would just take the $35–$40 million as a tax write-off. BD wouldn’t allow the studios to counter their asking price, and it was a “take it or leave it” situation.
Wile E. Coyote is a character who endlessly fails in his attempts to capture and kill his nemesis, the Road Runner. The former WWE Champion played Acme Corporation’s CEO character.
While speaking with The Wrap, Cena spoke about the project being shelved. Cena said, “There’s a lot there. And everyone’s perspective is different. We don’t own the film. That’s the tough part about this business, you do have a sense of ownership because you invest heart and soul. And [director] Dave Green and everybody involved, we made what we thought was a good movie.”
Cena continued, “I would have liked to seen it given a chance. But I’m just one person. And if it was shelved, I would have to think that it was shelved for the right reasons and it was a good business decision. I think I would have tremendous regret and shame if I look back on the legacy of the movie and it was shelved for reasons other than that. So I have to believe in the process. And I love the movie, my heart and soul is in there, but it’s somebody else’s project to do what they want with and they’ve chosen accordingly.”
Cena is currently making the media rounds for his Amazon Prime “Jackpot” movie, which is available on the streaming service. Cena has already announced his retirement tour from WWE for next year.
