It looks like Warner Bros. may finally be ready to sell Coyote vs. Acme, the live-action/animated hybrid film that was shelved as part of the studio’s infamous cost-cutting spree.
According to sources, distributor-financier Ketchup Entertainment is in advanced negotiations to acquire the film for around $50 million. If the deal goes through, Wile E. Coyote’s long-delayed legal battle against the ACME Corporation could finally make it to the big screen, with a theatrical release currently eyed for 2026.
This would be a major move for Ketchup Entertainment, which has been quietly expanding its footprint in Hollywood. The indie distributor, launched by LA-based Brit Gareth West, recently acquired and released The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie, another Warner Bros. castoff.
That film pulled in a respectable $3.1 million on its opening weekend, showing there’s still an audience for Looney Tunes on the big screen.
Directed by Dave Green and written by May December’s Samy Burch, along with DC Studios co-chief James Gunn and Jeremy Slater, Coyote vs. Acme draws inspiration from Ian Frazier’s New Yorker humor article of the same name.
The film stars Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor in a legal comedy that sees Wile E. Coyote finally fed up with Acme’s defective products and suing the company with the help of a plucky lawyer (Forte). Cena plays the opposing counsel—and Forte’s former boss—leading to a legal showdown that’s both absurd and heartfelt.
Despite reportedly testing well with audiences, the film became a high-profile casualty of Warner Bros.’ cost-cutting strategy. Like Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt, Coyote vs. Acme was axed in favor of a tax write-off, leaving fans outraged and creatives frustrated.
The studio initially tried to sell the film for $70 million, but no buyers bit at the time. Now, Ketchup Entertainment appears to be making a deal at a significantly lower price.
The director of the film previously said of the film: “For three years, I was lucky enough to make a movie about Wile E. Coyote, the most persistent, passionate, and resilient character of all time.
“I was surrounded by a brilliant team, who poured their souls into this project for years. We were all determined to honor the legacies of these historic characters and actually get them right. Along the ride, we were embraced by test audiences who rewarded us with fantastic scores.
“I am beyond proud of the final product, and beyond devastated by WB’s decision. But in the spirit of Wile E. Coyote, resilience and persistence win the day.”
Several filmmakers have seen the film and they all had nothing but great things to say about it! You can read their reactions to it here.
Actor Paul Scheer said: “Coyote vs. Acme might be the best version of the Looney Tunes on the Big Screen ever. @dgreenmachine & samyburch nailed it. It’s got jokes, it’s got heart and it’s got Will Forte. You can’t miss (also the deep pulls w/ cartoon cameos are A+).“ Chris Miller said: “I saw COYOTE VS ACME and it’s delightful. Funny, charming, good physical comedy timing, with a surprising amount of heart. I hope several studios go after it so the world can see all the good work people did.”
For fans of Coyote vs. Acme, the wait has been frustrating, but hope is finally on the horizon. If Ketchup pulls off this deal, Wile E. Coyote’s day in court could finally happen—on the biggest screen possible.
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