Was Tom and Jerry that big of a disaster, though? Given its release date, I don't feel like the results were that bad. If anything, Space Jam 2 is probably the bigger concern.
Like James Gunn.
Some folks say that distribution and advertising can double the overall cost (beyond production). Thus, 2 x $70M = $140M. Therefore, this movie would need to gross approx. $280M in order to net $140M (break even). So I was giving WB maximum benefit of doubt in order to rationalize their decision to cancel. But I suspect your figure is closer to reality. Moreover (as mentioned) the BO isn’t the only source of revenue. Which means it would be even easier for WB to break even (or perhaps profit?) — compared to the guaranteed loss that comes with a write-down scenario.
You're expecting Gunn, who is a full-time, year round employee to trash talk a decision made by his boss? To the public?
It’s less that people expect him to and more that clearly in an ideal world as an extremely rich, successful and powerful person he would. I don’t blame Gunn, I’d probably be quiet too (and maybe he pushed behind the scenes - we don’t know), but it’s not like he’s living paycheck to paycheck. He could never work with WB again and still be a hugely successful director elsewhere. The power disparity is pretty irrelevant when both parties are wealthy and have nothing to lose other than a job they don’t need to survive.
Better fate than Batgirl ever got. I'm pleased with this at least.
This tax write-down strategy for creative works has to go. It's not like he's writing down a piece of machinery or a vehicle. How do future creatives have any faith in working for this current WBD? This is a business where there is artistic endeavour behind top quality products. Just getting financially paid out doesn’t compensate for your work being lost.
This is great news. I hope that WB is actually giving a fair shot to anyone who wants to legitimately try and distribute the film, and if it does get released I hope people show up.
That's at least something.
I’m not saying that Puck is wrong about this story. Indeed, after a quick search, I did find a Forbes article that apparently corroborated the news. Though… Forbes cited The Wrap as their source. And The Wrap, in turn, cites Puck.
To my knowledge, the major trades haven’t reported on this yet.
It didn't do great but it did make $136 million worldwide off of a day-and-date release. $46 million domestic. Not sure what the actual budget was, but based on what I read, anywhere from $50 million to $80 million, so comparable to Acme vs. Coyote.
