After months of uncertainty and widespread outcry from fans and filmmakers, Ketchup Entertainment has officially rescued the film Coyote vs. Acme. The movie, starring John Cena and Will Forte alongside an animated version of the unmistakable Wile E. Coyote, was acquired from Warner Bros. Pictures and now has a guaranteed theatrical release worldwide in 2026.
With a mix of live-action and animation, and a plot as absurd as it is clever, the film promises to become one of the major family cinema releases in the coming years.
Why did Warner Bros. cancel Coyote vs. Acme?
In November 2023, the outlet The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Warner Bros. had decided to cancel the release of Coyote vs. Acme, even though the film was already fully completed. The reason: a tax write-off strategy similar to the one used with titles like Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt. If a studio opts not to release a finished product, it can declare it as a financial loss and receive tax benefits.
This practice sparked a wave of criticism. According to the outlet, several directors canceled meetings with the studio following the news, as a sign of protest. Some fans even demonstrated outside Warner’s offices dressed as the Coyote, demanding the film’s release.
How did Ketchup Entertainment manage to save the film?
Warner Bros. allowed director Dave Green to seek another buyer. The filmmaker had already started those negotiations before learning of the cancellation. Eventually, Ketchup Entertainment sealed the deal, paying $50 million for the worldwide rights to the movie.
“We’re thrilled to have made a deal with Warner Bros. Pictures to bring this film to audiences worldwide,” said Gareth West, CEO of Ketchup Entertainment, in a statement. “Coyote vs. Acme is a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling, capturing the essence of the beloved Looney Tunes characters while introducing them to a new generation. We believe it will resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.”
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What is Coyote vs. Acme about? Cast
The story, written by Samy Burch, takes an original and hilarious approach: the infamous Wile E. Coyote, frustrated after years of failed attempts to catch the Road Runner using defective products from Acme, decides to sue the company.
The Coyote hires a human lawyer played by Will Forte, while John Cena portrays Acme’s ruthless legal representative. The cast also includes Lana Condor, Tone Bell, P.J. Byrne, and Nancy Linehan Charles. The film is directed by Dave Green, known for Earth to Echo and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, and produced by Chris deFaria and James Gunn.
When will Coyote vs. Acme be released in theaters?
Although a specific release date has not yet been announced, the global release is scheduled for 2026, which will allow for a strong and well-structured marketing campaign. This timeline also opens the door to possible editing adjustments or distribution strategy revisions by Ketchup Entertainment.
