A Second Act for Wile E. Coyote? "Coyote vs. Acme" Inches Closer to Theatrical Release Thanks to Ketchup Entertainment
Hollywood is a town built on dreams, and perhaps even more so, on second chances. The latest beneficiary of this industry penchant for resurrection might just be "Coyote vs. Acme," the live-action/animation hybrid that stars John Cena alongside the beloved Looney Tunes characters. This film, which faced a grim fate when Warner Bros. shelved it in late 2023, could be heading towards a brighter future, offering hope to its creative team and the select few who had the opportunity to witness its potential.
According to a recent report from Deadline, Ketchup Entertainment is currently in negotiations to acquire the rights to "Coyote vs. Acme." For those familiar with the inner workings of Hollywood, the name Ketchup Entertainment might ring a bell. This is the same company that swooped in to rescue "The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie" from Warner Bros.’ metaphorical discard pile. Similar to "Coyote vs. Acme," the Daffy Duck and Porky Pig-led sci-fi comedy was initially conceived as a streaming release. However, under Ketchup’s guidance, it has since made its way to the big screen, marking a significant milestone as the first fully animated theatrical feature starring the iconic Looney Tunes characters.
The significance of this development for "Coyote vs. Acme" cannot be overstated. Deadline’s report indicates that Ketchup Entertainment envisions a similar theatrical release strategy for the film, should the acquisition deal materialize. This represents a complete reversal of fortune for a project that seemed destined to languish in obscurity.
The Deadline report also sheds light on the circumstances that led to the film’s initial shelving. "Despite test-screening well, the project became a high-profile casualty of WB cost-cutting two years ago and it has been sitting on the shelf for more than a year," the trade publication notes. This decision was part of a broader wave of cost-cutting measures implemented by Warner Bros. Discovery, a move that also claimed the highly anticipated "Batgirl" movie, which became arguably the most prominent victim of this purge.
The report further reveals that Warner Bros. reportedly screened the movie to a number of potential buyers earlier in 2024, with a price tag of approximately $70 million, reflecting the film’s production cost. However, studio sources claim that these screenings failed to generate any offers at the time, leaving the film’s future hanging in the balance.
Ketchup Entertainment’s current negotiation involves an all-rights acquisition in the range of $50 million. While the deal is not yet finalized and the possibility of it falling through remains, the trajectory appears to be positive. Should the acquisition be successful, "Coyote vs. Acme" is slated to receive a theatrical release in 2026, offering audiences a chance to experience the film on the big screen.
The Looney Tunes franchise has a long and storied history with Warner Bros., dating back to the 1930s with the release of the earliest shorts. However, in recent times, and particularly under the leadership of CEO David Zaslav, the studio seems to be increasingly distancing itself from its extensive cartoon heritage. This shift in focus has raised concerns among fans and industry observers alike.
The situation surrounding "The Day the Earth Blew Up" further exemplifies this dynamic. While the film was enjoying its theatrical debut under the Ketchup Entertainment banner, Warner Bros. made the controversial decision to remove all of the classic Looney Tunes cartoons from its streaming platform, Max. This move left fans scrambling to find alternative sources to access the timeless antics of Bugs Bunny and his friends.
The potential revival of "Coyote vs. Acme" raises several questions about the future of Looney Tunes within the Warner Bros. ecosystem. While the studio may be prioritizing other ventures, the enduring popularity of these characters suggests that there is still a significant audience eager to see them on screen.
The decision to shelve "Coyote vs. Acme" in the first place sparked widespread disappointment among fans and industry professionals who believed in the film’s potential. The hybrid format, blending live-action and animation, offered a fresh take on the classic Looney Tunes formula. The casting of John Cena, a proven comedic talent with broad appeal, further added to the film’s promise.
The involvement of Ketchup Entertainment provides a glimmer of hope for those who believe in the value of preserving and celebrating the Looney Tunes legacy. The company’s willingness to take a chance on projects that other studios have discarded suggests a commitment to supporting creative endeavors that might otherwise be overlooked.
The potential theatrical release of "Coyote vs. Acme" in 2026 would not only provide audiences with a chance to see the film on the big screen, but it would also send a message to the industry that there is still a market for family-friendly entertainment that embraces classic characters and innovative storytelling.
The story of "Coyote vs. Acme" is a testament to the resilience of creative projects and the unwavering support of those who believe in their potential. While the film’s journey has been fraught with challenges, the possibility of a theatrical release represents a victory for artistic expression and a reminder that even in the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood, second chances are still possible. This upturn in the film’s fortune prompts the question: Will you be seeing it in theaters if given the chance? For many Looney Tunes fans, the answer is undoubtedly a resounding yes.
