Warner Bros has officially completed the worldwide sale of its previously shelved film Coyote Vs. Acme. The deal was finalized with Ketchup Entertainment, which has acquired the live-action/animated hybrid film for an estimated $50 million. The film is now slated for a theatrical release in 2026.
Ketchup Entertainment Confirms Acquisition
Gareth West, CEO of Ketchup Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition:
“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.”
Cast, Crew, and Storyline
Directed by David Green and written by May December screenwriter Samy Burch, Coyote Vs. Acme is produced by Chris deFaria and DC Studios co-head James Gunn. The film is based on Looney Tunes characters and the New Yorker humor article Coyote v. Acme by Ian Frazier.
The movie stars Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor, and Tone Bell. The story follows Wile E. Coyote, who, after countless failures using Acme products in his pursuit of the Roadrunner, hires a lawyer (Forte) to sue the Acme Corporation. His case pits him against his former boss (Cena), but unexpected alliances form as the trial unfolds.
A Long Journey to Theaters
Despite positive test screenings, Coyote Vs. Acme was shelved as part of Warner Bros’ cost-cutting measures in 2023. The film had been sitting in limbo for over a year, with the studio initially seeking a $70 million sale price. However, initial buyer screenings in early 2024 did not result in offers at the time.
The decision to shelve the movie was met with industry backlash, with speculation that Warner Bros considered taking a tax write-down on the project. Filmmakers such as The Lego Movie director Phil Lord and lead actor Will Forte openly criticized the studio’s move, with Forte calling it “fcking bullsht.”
Ketchup Entertainment’s Growing Portfolio
The acquisition of Coyote Vs. Acme represents a significant investment for Ketchup Entertainment, which has been expanding its footprint in the industry. The company has previously distributed titles such as Goodrich starring Michael Keaton, Hellboy: The Crooked Man, Ben Affleck’s thriller Hypnotic, and Michel Franco’s drama Memory featuring Jessica Chastain.
Notably, Ketchup Entertainment also rescued Warner Bros’ animated film The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie last year, further cementing its interest in reviving projects abandoned by major studios.
Looking Ahead
With Coyote Vs. Acme now set for release in 2026, fans of Wile E. Coyote and Looney Tunes can finally look forward to seeing the film on the big screen. The move also signals that shelved projects might still find new life in the hands of independent distributors willing to take risks on fan-favorite properties.