Lana Condor’s Coyote vs. Acme Moment Was Like Attending a Funeral

The movie *Coyote vs. Acme* was shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery in November 2023, prompting a ‘funeral screening’ for the cast. Lana Condor revealed the emotional toll of the cancellation, stating it was ‘so horrible’ and likening the experience to a funeral. She expressed guilt over the project’s failure, saying, ‘It’s really easy to blame yourself. You almost feel like “Was I the problem?”’ Condor described the devastation for the production team, noting the hundreds of people who had worked on the film for far longer than she had. Warner Bros. shelved the project to claim a $30 million tax write-off, despite completing the live-action animated hybrid film. The crew received no prior warning about the cancellation. Warner Bros. had previously shelved *Batgirl* and *Scoob! Holiday Haunt* for similar reasons. The backlash from filmmakers and industry figures led to protests, with some directors leaving angry calls and canceling meetings. Warner Bros. later reversed the decision, allowing the film to be shopped to other studios. Netflix, Amazon, and Paramount expressed interest, but Warner Bros. rejected all bids, demanding $75–$80 million. Ketchup Entertainment acquired the rights for $50 million in March 2025, and the film opens on August 28, 2026, with a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes.