Latest news with #WileECoyote
Bloomberg
28-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Beware of the Almighty Dollar's Fall
Have you seen the Road Runner cartoon, where the coyote chases the speedy bird only to overshoot the mark and run off the cliff? At first, Wile E. Coyote levitates as if he's still on firm ground, but once the illusion fades, he plummets toward rock bottom. That's the risk with US financial markets as foreign investors withdraw their support. To be sure, a panic isn't the likely outcome here. But as markets become more and more detached from the fundamentals, the risk of a crash is feasible enough to outline why. The first question: which US financial assets are most vulnerable? Two weeks ago, we looked at equities. And last week, we added bonds to the mix. If we're looking at the trigger for a sudden stop, though, we should be more concerned about the US dollar.
The Guardian
04-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Trump's cartoon-like chaos leaves US economy on unstable course
Ten days reporting from the US – in Pittsburgh, Washington DC, and just across the Potomac river in Arlington, Virginia – gave me a fascinating snapshot of what feels like the slow-motion unravelling of the world's largest economy. So many conversations featured uncertainty and wariness; and weariness, too, as businesses and consumers weigh up every decision, against the backdrop of the chaos emanating from the White House. Even the president himself conceded last week that the economy is in a 'transition period', claiming he had warned of this during his campaign. (When challenged, the White House could not come up with any examples of when he had done so.) The problem for Trump and his supporters, many of whom remain staunchly loyal, is that the transition period in question is starting to resemble that felt by the classic Looney Tunes character Wile E Coyote between charging off a cliff into midair and plunging to the ground. So far, the hard data from the US economy is holding up well. Friday's payrolls report was strong, and the negative first quarter GDP reading, while worrying, was hard to take a clear reading from because of the rise in imports as companies stocked up ahead of tariffs. There is little sign of anything as dramatic as mass job cuts, or a sudden stop in consumer spending – although the current crop of data mainly relates to the period before 'liberation day'. Look at the forward-looking surveys, though, and there are clear signs of anxiety. The long-running Michigan consumer sentiment index just suffered its steepest quarterly decline since the 1990 recession. Spend any amount of time talking to US consumers and businesses, and it is abundantly clear why: there are so many sources of policy ambiguity as to make the future not just uncertain but completely unknowable. There is a cliche that 'markets hate uncertainty', but in truth the same applies to everyone in the real economy, too: the company wondering what size order to put in and how many people to hire and the family thinking about buying that fridge or booking that holiday. It is not surprising they are uncertain. No one, even inside the administration, can say with any confidence what the tariff rates on imports from specific countries will be in July. Even if the tariff policy was crystal clear, its impact on prices would be hard to gauge – depending, as it does, on how much of the cost companies are willing to bear (or 'eat', as the Americans have it) at the expense of reduced profits, and how much is passed on to consumers. For the moment, as the Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, has admitted, the tariffs on China, at 145%, are now so high as to amount to an effective trade embargo. Not every company will have the deep pockets and global reach of Apple to be able to bend its supply chain away from China to manufacture products for the US elsewhere (in Apple's case, India). Instead, many will be scrambling to find substitutes, which may be more expensive or not exist at all. Shortages of some products seem a distinct possibility. At the same time, sharp cuts in federal budgets, many of which have an ideological taint, including Robert F Kennedy Jr's decimation of the National Institutes of Health, are raising short-term questions about unemployment and much longer-term worries about the US's world-leading science base. Some of the most heartbreaking conversations I had were about aspects of Trump's immigration policy: the man who said a Guatemalan friend's six-year-old son had stopped going to school in case his mum was snatched by the authorities while he was there, and the restaurant manager who said it was becoming harder to hire Latinos because even fully documented workers feared they could face deportation anyway. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion These are first and foremost human tragedies, but clearly they also have an economic dimension. The credit rating agency Fitch warned in a report last week: 'Risks associated with mass deportations could include potential worker shortages, production delays and increased wage inflation that hinders revenue growth, weakens profitability and lowers return on investment.' Of course, because the US economy's abrupt gearshift has been driven by deliberate policy actions, it's tempting to think: 'It doesn't have to be like this.' Much more of the real economy impact so far results from this widely shared uncertainty – or perhaps it is better to call it fear – than from the specifics of Trump's policies. Business owners told me that if they just knew what the final tariffs on products from the various countries in their supply chain would be, for example, then over time they could adapt. It is not completely out of the question that a more settled policy position could arrive in the coming weeks. Certainly, Bessent appears to be trying to manoeuvre the president towards striking a series of 'deals' (in effect, promises of concessions in exchange for tariff carve-outs) with key economies. Yet the president appears to have such a love of political drama – and such an inability to choose a course and stick to it – that the unknowability of future policy seems to be the very essence of Trump 2.0. It seemed to be the mighty bond markets, driving up the cost of US borrowing, that checked Trump's initial 'liberation day' drive, prompting the 'pause'. But if time drags on with no agreements in sight, the next wave of distress signals are likely to come not from Wall Street but from main street – in soaring prices and empty shelves. How Trump responds then is anyone's guess.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Looney Tunes fans rejoice after Coyote vs Acme film is saved from Warner Bros vault in ‘$50m' deal
Looney Tunes fans are rejoicing after it was confirmed that the previously shelved Coyote vs Acme has been saved. The film, which stars John Cena, Will Forte, and Stephanie Hsu, acting alongside cartoon characters, will finally be released after an agonising two-year wait. Coyote vs Acme had been shelved by Warner Bros as part of a tax write-off, before Ketchup Entertainment swooped in to save it from gathering dust forever. The production company announced on Monday (31 March) that it had acquired worldwide distribution rights to the live-action animated film for an undisclosed sum. According to Deadline, the deal was 'pegged in the $50m range'. The publication also states that the film is expected to get a theatrical release in 2026. The film is estimated to have cost $72m to produce. Axing its release, however, allowed Warner Bros to take an estimated $30m tax write-down. At the time, Warner Bros called the decision 'difficult' and thanked the cast and crew for their work on the film. Fans were unhappy with the strategy taken by the studio, which also resulted in an almost completed $90m Batgirl film and an animated Scooby Doo film also being shelved. Those fans are now understandably overjoyed at this news from Ketchup Entertainment. CEO of DC Studios James Gunn was among those to celebrate the news on X/Twitter, resharing the announcement with a love heart emoji. 'Repeat after me… TOONS NEVER DIE!' wrote another person in a post that has received over 26,000 likes. Someone else wrote: 'That Coyote vs Acme news made my entire year. Ketchup Entertainment is doing more to save cinema than any major studio. Can't wait to get Looney again!!!' In addition to Coyote vs Acme, Ketchup also recently released another Looney Tunes film jettisoned by Warner Bros – The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie. 'We did it! We got Coyote vs Acme out of the Warner vault,' said one person, with another adding: 'That's great news. Thanks Ketchup Entertainment for saving the film from limbo.' Directed by Dave Green, Coyote vs Acme is based on a 1990 article in The New Yorker by Ian Frazier. The film follows Wile E Coyote as he files a lawsuit against Acme Corporation for the many faulty products that failed to catch him the Road Runner. Forte plays Wile E Coyote's lawyer Kevin Avery, who must face off in court against Acme's intimidating lawyer, played by Cena, who happens to be his former boss. The announcement that the film had been axed back in November 2023 was met with outrage from the cast and creatives. At the time, Forte, called the decision 'f***ing bulls***'. 'It is such a delightful movie. It deserves so much better … it makes my blood boil and thank you for asking me about it because I like talking about the movie,' he said in an interview. People were further disheartened by its axing after learning that the film was supposed to be great, with Oscar-winning filmmakers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller describing it as 'funny, charming, good physical comedy timing, with a surprising amount of heart'. Writer-director Brian Duffield also tweeted: 'I have seen this movie and it is excellent. It also tested in the high 90s repeatedly. It also had interested buyers. The people working at Warner Bros are anti-art and I hope multiple anvils drop on their heads.'
The Independent
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Looney Tunes fans rejoice after Coyote vs Acme film is saved from Warner Bros vault in ‘$50m' deal
Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Looney Tunes fans are rejoicing after it was confirmed that the previously shelved Coyote vs Acme has been saved. The film, which stars John Cena, Will Forte, and Stephanie Hsu, acting alongside cartoon characters, will finally be released after an agonising two-year wait. Coyote vs Acme had been shelved by Warner Bros as part of a tax write-off, before Ketchup Entertainment swooped in to save it from gathering dust forever. The production company announced on Monday (31 March) that it had acquired worldwide distribution rights to the live-action animated film for an undisclosed sum. According to Deadline, the deal was 'pegged in the $50m range'. The publication also states that the film is expected to get a theatrical release in 2026. The film is estimated to have cost $72m to produce. Axing its release, however, allowed Warner Bros to take an estimated $30m tax write-down. At the time, Warner Bros called the decision 'difficult' and thanked the cast and crew for their work on the film. Fans were unhappy with the strategy taken by the studio, which also resulted in an almost completed $90m Batgirl film and an animated Scooby Doo film also being shelved. Those fans are now understandably overjoyed at this news from Ketchup Entertainment. BRING OUR SOLDIER HOME. THE JOB IS DONE. — Andrew J. Salazar (@AndrewJ626) March 31, 2025 CEO of DC Studios James Gunn was among those to celebrate the news on X/Twitter, resharing the announcement with a love heart emoji. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free 'Repeat after me… TOONS NEVER DIE!' wrote another person in a post that has received over 26,000 likes. Someone else wrote: 'That Coyote vs Acme news made my entire year. Ketchup Entertainment is doing more to save cinema than any major studio. Can't wait to get Looney again!!!' In addition to Coyote vs Acme, Ketchup also recently released another Looney Tunes film jettisoned by Warner Bros – The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie. 'We did it! We got Coyote vs Acme out of the Warner vault,' said one person, with another adding: 'That's great news. Thanks Ketchup Entertainment for saving the film from limbo.' Directed by Dave Green, Coyote vs Acme is based on a 1990 article in The New Yorker by Ian Frazier. The film follows Wile E Coyote as he files a lawsuit against Acme Corporation for the many faulty products that failed to catch him the Road Runner. Film-Coyote vs Acme ( AP ) Forte plays Wile E Coyote's lawyer Kevin Avery, who must face off in court against Acme's intimidating lawyer, played by Cena, who happens to be his former boss. The announcement that the film had been axed back in November 2023 was met with outrage from the cast and creatives. At the time, Forte, called the decision 'f***ing bulls***'. 'It is such a delightful movie. It deserves so much better … it makes my blood boil and thank you for asking me about it because I like talking about the movie,' he said in an interview. People were further disheartened by its axing after learning that the film was supposed to be great, with Oscar-winning filmmakers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller describing it as 'funny, charming, good physical comedy timing, with a surprising amount of heart'. Writer-director Brian Duffield also tweeted: 'I have seen this movie and it is excellent. It also tested in the high 90s repeatedly. It also had interested buyers. The people working at Warner Bros are anti-art and I hope multiple anvils drop on their heads.'
The Guardian
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Coyote vs Acme: $70m Looney Tunes film to be released after being canned by Warner Bros
For once, things are working out for Wile E Coyote. The film Coyote vs Acme, which stars John Cena and Will Forte acting alongside beloved Looney Tunes cartoon characters, will finally be released to the public, almost two years after the completed film was shelved by Warner Bros as part of a tax write-off. Ketchup Entertainment announced on Monday that it acquired worldwide distribution rights to the live-action animated film for an undisclosed sum. Deadline reported the deal was 'pegged in the $50m range and the film is expected to get a theatrical release in 2026'. The deal gives new life to one of the three fully completed films that Warner Bros elected to take a tax write-off on, rather than release. The film is estimated to have cost $72m to produce, but shelving it allowed Warner Bros to take an estimated $30m tax write-down. At the time, Warner Bros called the decision 'difficult' and thanked the cast and crew for their work. But the tactic, which followed a change in leadership at Warner Bros after the outbreak of Covid-19, also resulted in an almost completed $90m Batgirl film and an animated Scooby Doo film being shelved, decisions that were widely disparaged by creatives and fans alike. The film's star, Forte, called the decision 'fucking bullshit', saying in an interview in February: 'It is such a delightful movie. It deserves so much better … it makes my blood boil and thank you for asking me about it because I like talking about the movie.' Oscar-winning film-makers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller saw a screening and described the film as 'funny, charming, good physical comedy timing, with a surprising amount of heart'. 'I hope several studios go after it so the world can see all the good work people did,' Miller tweeted. Writer-director Brian Duffield also tweeted at the time: 'I have seen this movie and it is excellent. It also tested in the high 90s repeatedly. It also had interested buyers. The people working at Warner Bros are anti-art and I hope multiple anvils drop on their heads.' Directed by Dave Green and based on a 1990 New Yorker article by Ian Frazier, Coyote vs Acme follows Wile E Coyote in a lawsuit against Acme Corporation for the many faulty products that failed to catch him the Road Runner. Forte plays Wile E Coyote's 'billboard lawyer' Kevin Avery, who must face off in court against Acme's intimidating lawyer, played by Cena, who also happens to be his former boss. The film was reportedly test-screened to positive responses before Warner Bros shelved it, with Deadline reporting at the time that it had scored 14 points above the norm for a family movie. Gareth West, chief executive of Ketchup Entertainment, said the company was 'thrilled' by the new deal, calling Coyote vs Acme 'a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling, capturing the essence of the beloved Looney Tunes characters while introducing them to a new generation'. Ketchup, a distribution company launched in 2012, also recently released another Looney Tunes film jettisoned by Warner Bros – The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie. In three weeks of release, it has grossed US$8.2m in domestic ticket sales.
