The long shelved Warner Bros. hybrid animated-live-action film Coyote vs Acme may finally see the light of day, thanks to Ketchup Entertainment. The distributor-financier is reportedly in deep negotiations to acquire the film for around $50 million, according to Deadline’s exclusive report. If the deal goes through, Coyote vs Acme is expected to receive a theatrical release in 2026, after an extended-stay in animated limbo.
That’s Not All Folks…
Ketchup Entertainment, led by Gareth West, has gained a reputation for reviving abandoned projects, most recently rescuing The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie, another Warner Bros. cast-off. The company successfully released The Day the Earth Blew Up theatrically, earning $3.1 million on its opening weekend. If Coyote vs Acme follows suit, it could mark one of Ketchup’s most significant acquisitions yet.
Ketchup Entertainment has been steadily expanding its footprint in the entertainment industry. Alongside its film acquisitions, the company recently partnered with Zero Gravity Management and Ozark producer Mark Williams to launch a TV division focused on premium series. The firm’s financing and business model remain somewhat opaque, with partners including entrepreneur Artur Galstian and attorney Vahan Yepremeyan.
The film, directed by David Green and written by Samy Burch, along with DC Studios co-head James Gunn and Jeremy Slater, is based on Ian Frazier’s New Yorker humor article “Coyote v. Acme.” The movie stars Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor, with a storyline that sees Wile E. Coyote, fed up with Acme’s defective products, hiring a lawyer (Forte) to take the company to court. The case pits them against a formidable corporate opponent (Cena), while the unexpected bond between lawyer and cartoon character fuels their fight.
Warner Bros.’ Cost-Cutting Controversy
Despite strong test screenings, Coyote vs Acme became a casualty of Warner Bros.’ aggressive cost-cutting measures. The studio originally sought around $70 million for the project but found no buyers in early 2024. The shelving of the movie sparked industry backlash, with Lego Movie director Phil Lord publicly criticizing Warner Bros. for leveraging tax loopholes to scrap completed films. Fan outcry even led to protests outside the studio lot.
Warner Bros.’ decision to shelve Coyote vs Acme follows similar moves on projects like Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt, which were scrapped despite nearing completion. Ketchup’s involvement marks a rare second chance for the film, as the company seeks to prove that there’s still an audience for projects abandoned by major studios.
While the Coyote vs Acme deal isn’t final, negotiations appear to be moving in the right direction. If Ketchup can close the deal, audiences may finally get to see Wile E. Coyote’s long-awaited day in court.