Looney Tunes fans have a reason to celebrate: ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ has been pulled from Warner Bros.’ vault and is now on track for release. After nearly two years of uncertainty, the live-action/animated hybrid film will finally see the light of day, thanks to a major deal that saves it from permanent obscurity.
A Second Chance for a Shelved Film
For a while, it seemed like ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ would never be seen by audiences. The film, starring John Cena, Will Forte, and Stephanie Hsu, was completed and set for release, only to be axed by Warner Bros. in 2023 as part of a tax write-off. Fans and cast members were outraged, calling the decision “bulls***.”
But in a surprising turn of events, Ketchup Entertainment has stepped in to secure worldwide distribution rights. The financial details weren’t fully disclosed, but reports estimate the deal at around $50 million. Now, the film is expected to hit theaters in 2026.
Warner Bros.’ Controversial Business Strategy
Warner Bros. has developed a reputation for shelving completed projects to claim tax benefits. This isn’t the first time the studio has pulled the plug on a major release.
- In 2022, the nearly finished $90 million ‘Batgirl’ movie was scrapped, despite being in post-production.
- An animated ‘Scooby-Doo’ film, expected to be a follow-up to ‘Scoob!,’ also faced the same fate.
- ‘Coyote vs. Acme,’ with its $72 million production cost, was another casualty, allowing the studio to write off an estimated $30 million.
While this approach makes financial sense on paper, it has sparked backlash from both audiences and industry professionals. Actors, directors, and animators who put their effort into these films feel their work has been dismissed for the sake of corporate accounting.
Ketchup Entertainment Steps In
For those unfamiliar with Ketchup Entertainment, the company isn’t typically known for blockbuster releases. However, their decision to pick up ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ signals an interest in expanding their reach.
The acquisition gives them a high-profile project that could draw substantial box office interest, especially given the wave of nostalgia surrounding Looney Tunes. By securing a film with major Hollywood stars and a built-in fanbase, Ketchup Entertainment is positioning itself as a new player in the theatrical distribution game.
What’s Next for ‘Coyote vs. Acme’
Although an exact release date hasn’t been announced, sources indicate that the film will arrive in theaters in 2026. Fans who were disheartened by Warner Bros.’ initial decision can now look forward to finally seeing Wile E. Coyote take on the Acme Corporation in a courtroom comedy-adventure.
If this release proves successful, it might set a precedent for other shelved films to get a second chance. Could ‘Batgirl’ or the Scooby-Doo project be next? That remains to be seen. For now, Looney Tunes fans can bask in the victory of knowing ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ has dodged the vault and is heading for the big screen.
