Since 2020, at least five animated films and shows have been canceled during mid-development or after completion. Many believed the cause was due to budget cuts throughout 2020’s global pandemic.
Recently, allegations of studio greed have been brought to light, notably with Warner Bros.’ animation and live-action hybrid film, “Coyote vs. Acme,” as it was scrapped shortly after development wrapped up.
On Nov. 8, 2023 and Aug. 17, 2024, two of three upcoming Looney Toons animated features produced and distributed by Warner Bros. Animation were canceled.
When people think of actors, they imagine live stage actors or actors on screen. In Hollywood for animated films, casting directors hire people who specialize in altering their voices to play a variety of characters the cartoon needs.
In a ScreenRant article about previous Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapeck, said, “When our fans and our audiences put their kids to bed after watching Pinnochio, or Dumbo, or The Little Mermaid, they’re probably not gonna tune into another animated film.”
It feels clear that executives believe that animation has always been an art form intended for little kids who are on track to outgrow cartoons eventually.
This perception is far from the truth because many content creators on the social media platform YouTube have careers reacting, reviewing or reporting news about cartoons. Animation is a timeless medium kids, teens and adults alike can enjoy.
In April of 2022, Cartoon Network Studios announced an upcoming merger between WarnerMedia and Discover Inc. during the development of a new cartoon network film called “Driftwood.” Due to the Warner Bros. Discover Merger, original titles from the Cartoon Network’s library were slowly removed from the streaming service Max. Additionally, many original projects being developed at Cartoon Network Studios were scrapped in favor of Max Originals.
According to current Bugs Bunny voice actor, Eric Bauza, “Coyote vs. Acme” and “Bye Bye Bunny: A Looney Tunes Musical” were shelved.
On Feb. 23, 2023, Bauza released a statement on X about “Coyote vs. Acme.” “We are trying to preserve the integrity & importance of these icon legacy characters, while protecting the creative process of storytelling all together,” he said.
It’s not a good look for Warner Bros. when the voice actor of their most iconic character speaks up about the importance of maintaining a character’s legacy and the power creative storytelling can have.
Consumers and creators alike are affected by the upsetting decisions of executives.
Sophomore Apollo Amidon, an advanced theater student and independent artist at Sage Creek High School, believes there is a complex relationship between Hollywood and animated projects.
Studio executives play a crucial role throughout development but often are prone to major changes to the initial vision of a story.
Amidon said, “The executives don’t worry about how well received a story is by a few people. They are only bothered by the overall mass appeal.”
Executives tend to focus on the overall consensus of the film rather than individual critiques because they know many people will see it as fans enjoying existing franchises the studio has made.
Grace Cowart, senior and advanced theater student who played the Nurse in “Shakespeare in Love,” recognizes how creators lose the initial vision of their projects.
Throughout development, studio executives often require changes to be made that affect the initial vision of the creator.
Cowart said, “A lot of times they will limit creativity by censorship. There are stories of things being represented; the company itself doesn’t want to advocate for it.”
The animation industry is in a tough spot right now that average fans are not aware of. Creatives are laid off from projects, shows aren’t getting the time they need for a proper ending and wages are split unequally through different jobs on projects and artists fear the replacement of AI.
The best thing people can do to help struggling artists, animators, voice actors and creators is to watch the shows they create. It may not seem like much, but one person supporting creators can truly go a long way. Remember to use #StandWithAnimation to let TAG (The Animation Guild) know that they are supported.
