@Whar From what I understand, I don't know taxes either, the film cost $70m to make. WB finances are apparently not very good this quarter and despite high test scores, they didn't want to risk further money by releasing this film. That incurs distribution and promoting costs.

By shelving the film as a tax write-off, WB get $30m back in cash but the movie can now never be released. If it was, I think WB then have to pay the money back.

At least the crew get a screening this week.