Coyote vs. Acme: WB-Shelved Looney Tunes Movie Finds a New Home with Theatrical Release Planned
For once, things are working out for Wile E. Coyote. After being shelved by Warner Bros. in 2023, Coyote vs. Acme has found a new home. Ketchup Entertainment announced on Monday that it has acquired worldwide distribution rights to the film, securing its long-awaited release.
Ketchup Entertainment Acquires Coyote vs. Acme Movie
The Looney Tunes live-action/animated hybrid film, directed by Dave Green, was originally completed by Warner Bros. but was scrapped as part of a controversial cost-cutting strategy. Instead of releasing the movie, Warner Bros. took a tax write-off, a decision that sparked backlash from fans and filmmakers.
It was one of three completed films shelved by the studio, along with Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt, both of which remain unreleased. Ketchup Entertainment’s acquisition marks a surprising turn of events for the film, which is now expected to hit theaters in 2026, although the date has yet to be announced.
Gareth West, CEO of Ketchup Entertainment said (via AP):
“We’re thrilled to have made a deal with Warner Bros. Pictures to bring this film to audiences worldwide. Coyote vs. Acme is a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling, capturing the essence of the beloved Looney Tunes characters while introducing them to a new generation."
The movie, inspired by a New Yorker article by Ian Frazier, follows Wile E. Coyote as he sues the Acme Corporation for its consistently faulty products, which have repeatedly failed him in his endless pursuit of the Road Runner. The film stars John Cena and Will Forte.
How Much did Ketchup Entertainment pay for Coyote vs. Acme?
According to Deadline, Ketchup Entertainment reportedly paid around $50 million for Coyote vs. Acme, which cost $70 million to produce. The distributor, founded in 2012, recently released another Warner Bros.-scrapped Looney Tunes project, The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie, which, as per The Independent, has grossed $8.2 million domestically in three weeks.
While a specific release date for Coyote vs. Acme has not yet been confirmed, this unexpected revival offers hope to fans eager to see Wile E. Coyote’s legal battle unfold on the big screen.
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