For the first time in a while, things seem to be going well for Wile E. Coyote. The movie “Coyote vs. Acme,” starring John Cena and Will Forte alongside characters from the beloved Looney Tunes cartoons, is set to finally be released to the public. This comes nearly two years after it was put on hold by Warner Bros., who had initially considered it for a tax write-off. Ketchup Entertainment has stepped in, purchasing worldwide distribution rights for an undisclosed amount, reported to be in the range of $50 million. The film is expected to hit theaters in 2026.

This move breathes new life into one of the three completed films that Warner Bros. chose to take a tax write-off on rather than release. “Coyote vs. Acme” reportedly cost $72 million to produce, but by not releasing it, Warner Bros. was able to claim an estimated $30 million in tax deductions.

The decision by Warner Bros. to shelve the movie, alongside others like an almost completed $90 million “Batgirl” film and an animated “Scooby-Doo” film, faced criticism from both creatives and fans. Star Will Forte previously expressed frustration, calling the decision “fucking bullshit” and emphasizing the film’s quality. Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who saw the film, praised its humor, charm, and physical comedy, hoping multiple studios would show interest to let the world see the good work done.

Written and directed by Brian Duffield, “Coyote vs. Acme” centers on Wile E. Coyote’s lawsuit against Acme Corporation for the ineffectual products that consistently fail to catch him, the Road Runner. The movie’s main character, Wile E. Coyote’s “billboard lawyer” Kevin Avery, played by Forte, faces off against Acme’s lawyer, portrayed by Cena, who is also Avery’s former boss.

Before it was shelved, “Coyote vs. Acme” had positive test screenings, scoring 14 points above the norm for a family movie. Kohachiriko Entertainment, a distribution company launched in 2012, has also released another Looney Tunes film previously dropped by Warner Bros., “The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie,” which has so far grossed $8.2 million in domestic ticket sales. The CEO of Ketchup Entertainment has expressed excitement about the new deal, praising the movie as a blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/apr/01/coyote-vs-acme-70m-looney-tunes-film-to-be-released-after-being-canned-by-warner-bros