Will Forte reveals "white-hot anger" over Warner Bros. shelving Coyote vs. Acme in a $30M tax write-off. Read his full emotional reaction.
- March 22, 2026
AceShowbiz - Coyote vs. Acme faced an unexpected halt when Warner Bros. decided to shelve the film in November 2023 as part of a $30 million tax write-off. This decision left many stunned, including Will Forte, who shared his intense feelings about the situation.
Forte described his reaction to the shelving as a "white-hot anger," revealing the depth of his frustration and disappointment. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he explained the complex emotions he experienced, saying, "Extreme frustration, fiery frustration, a lot of anger, white-hot anger." Despite his anger, he also expressed pride in the project and optimism about its future, stating that sometimes setbacks can lead to greater visibility for a story people already know.
The movie was initially planned for release in 2023, with a summer debut date that shifted to November. However, Warner Bros. ultimately chose not to release it alongside other projects like Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt, opting for a financial strategy instead. This move came even after the film was completed and had received positive feedback during test screenings, deepening Forte’s confusion and disappointment.
After viewing the finished product, Will Forte became even more determined to see the film reach audiences. He emphasized his pride in the work, calling it a "beautiful, special little movie" that he had hoped to share with his children. His reaction highlighted the emotional investment actors often have in projects that unexpectedly face cancellation.
While the shelving of Coyote vs. Acme was a major blow, Forte remains hopeful that the film’s unusual journey might ultimately attract more attention. He acknowledged that although the situation was maddening, sometimes the challenges encountered can play a role in a project’s eventual success or recognition.