'Coyote vs. Acme' Rescued: Ketchup Entertainment Acquires Shelved Warner Bros. Film

In-Depth Analysis

#### Background: The Shelving Saga In 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery shocked many by announcing it would not release "Coyote vs. Acme," opting instead for a tax write-down estimated between $35-40 million. This decision, part of a broader cost-cutting strategy under new leadership, followed the earlier cancellations of the nearly finished "Batgirl" film and the animated "Scoob! Holiday Haunt." Warner Bros. reportedly screened "Coyote vs. Acme" for potential buyers earlier in 2024 with a $70 million price tag but initially received no offers meeting their valuation. The move to shelve a completed film, especially one based on beloved characters and reportedly testing well, drew widespread criticism from filmmakers like Phil Lord and cast members like Will Forte, who called the decision "f---ing bulls---."

#### About the Film Directed by Dave Green ("Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows") and written by Samy Burch (scribe of "May December"), "Coyote vs. Acme" is based on Ian Frazier's humorous 1990 New Yorker article. The plot sees Wile E. Coyote finally sue the Acme Corporation for its consistently failing products used in his pursuit of the Road Runner. The lawsuit pits Wile E. and his human lawyer (Forte) against the lawyer's formidable former boss, the head of Acme's law firm (Cena). The film blends live-action with animation and counts James Gunn among its producers.

#### Ketchup Entertainment Steps In Ketchup Entertainment, a distributor known for titles like "Hypnotic" and "Memory," stepped up to acquire the film. This marks a significant acquisition for the company, which also recently distributed another Looney Tunes film dropped by Warner Bros., "The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie." Ketchup Entertainment CEO Gareth West expressed excitement, calling the film a "perfect blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling." While a specific release date hasn't been announced, a theatrical release is planned, potentially in 2026 according to some reports.

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FAQ

Takeaways

• Business decisions in Hollywood can sometimes lead to completed films being shelved, regardless of potential quality or audience interest.
• Public and industry pressure can play a role in the fate of creative projects.
• Fans of Looney Tunes, Will Forte, and John Cena can now anticipate seeing "Coyote vs. Acme" in theaters, thanks to Ketchup Entertainment's acquisition. Keep an eye out for release date announcements.

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