Warner Bros.’s infamously shelved live-action/animated hybrid film, Coyote vs. Acme, has finally found a home with American film distribution company Ketchup Entertainment.
The company, which is responsible for handling the release of projects like The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie and Ferrari, announced the news today, plotting a course to bring the largely finished Looney Tunes spinoff movie to worldwide audiences after years of controversy. It brings an end to the sale negotiations revealed earlier this month, though a release date has not been revealed.
“We’re thrilled to have made a deal with Warner Bros. Pictures to bring this film to audiences worldwide,” Ketchup CEO Gareth West said 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.”
Coyote vs. Acme, which stars big-name talent like John Cena, Lana Condor, and Will Forte, was on the fast-track and even managed to finish filming in 2022. It was originally set for HBO Max (before it was eventually rebranded to Max) and is said to follow the legendary Wile E. Coyote as he launches as legal battle against Acme due to its “countless faulty products.” Things were looking good as Director Dave Green pressed forward, but that all came to a halt in 2023.
Warner Bros. announced late that year that, despite finishing the filming process, Coyote vs. Acme would no longer find its way to Max – or anywhere else – as the company pivoted to focus more on theatrical releases. What resulted from its shelving was a campaign from audiences and filmmakers alike as movie enjoyers sought to see it released, not only to appreciate the film but the work that went into it, too.
Wile E. Coyote protesting outside the WB lot to release ‘COYOTE VS ACME’ pic.twitter.com/81VvluEv8g
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Although several images from Coyote vs. Acme have dripped out over the years, fans haven’t known if they’ll be able to see what the finished product is like until now. For more on the tumultuous battle to bring Coyote vs. Acme to movie watchers, you can read our interview with voice actor Eric Bauza, a member of the film’s cast and an important member of the movement to bring it to light.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
