Coyote vs Acme Rescued: Shelved Looney Tunes Film Gets 2026 Release Via Ketchup Entertainment

In-Depth Analysis

## Background: The Controversy of Cancellation

The decision by Warner Bros. Discovery in late 2023 to shelve *Coyote vs. Acme*, despite its completion and reported $70 million budget, sent shockwaves through Hollywood. This followed similar cancellations of the nearly finished *$90 million Batgirl* film and an animated *Scoob! Holiday Haunt*. The strategy, aimed at securing tax write-downs under new leadership, was widely condemned by creators and fans as 'anti-art'. Star Will Forte publicly expressed his frustration, calling the decision deeply disappointing for a film he described as 'delightful'. Prominent filmmakers like Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who had seen the film, praised its quality and urged studios to acquire it.

## Ketchup Entertainment Steps In

After reportedly screening the film for potential buyers earlier in 2024 with a $70 million asking price (which initially yielded no takers according to studio sources), Warner Bros. has now closed a deal with Ketchup Entertainment. The distributor, known for releases like *Hellboy: The Crooked Man* and *Hypnotic*, secured the worldwide rights for a sum reported to be around $50 million. This marks Ketchup's second rescue of a Warner Bros.-jettisoned Looney Tunes project, following their release of *The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie*.

## What to Expect

Directed by Dave Green (*Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows*) and penned by Samy Burch (*May December*), with James Gunn and Chris deFaria producing, *Coyote vs. Acme* blends live-action with animation. The story sees Wile E. Coyote finally taking legal action against the perpetually failing Acme Corporation. Will Forte plays his determined, down-on-his-luck lawyer, facing off against John Cena as Acme's formidable CEO (and Forte's character's former boss). With positive early reactions and a unique premise, the film aims to blend nostalgia with modern humour for a new generation.

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FAQ

Takeaways

• **Persistence Can Pay Off:** The reversal shows that strong films and persistent advocacy can sometimes overcome controversial studio decisions.
• **Fan Voices Matter:** Public and industry outcry likely played a role in keeping the film in the conversation and encouraging a sale.
• **Industry Practices Under Scrutiny:** This case continues the debate about the ethics and impact of shelving finished creative works for financial reasons.

Discussion

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