After being shelved by Warner Bros. in 2023 as part of a tax write-off strategy, the highly anticipated Looney Tunes film Coyote vs. Acme has found a new lease on life. Ketchup Entertainment announced on Monday that it has acquired the worldwide distribution rights for an undisclosed amount, bringing the film to audiences worldwide.
A Tax Write-Off That Shelved Much-Anticipated Films
The move comes after a controversial decision by Warner Bros. to write off three fully completed films, including Coyote vs. Acme, Batgirl (a $90 million DC Studios production), and the animated Scoob! Holiday Haunt. This decision, which followed a leadership change at Warner Bros. after the pandemic, angered both creatives and fans, especially as many of these films were highly anticipated. While Coyote vs. Acme will now see the light of day, Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt remain unreleased.
Ketchup Entertainment to Distribute the Film
Ketchup Entertainment, which paid approximately $50 million for the film (with a production cost of $70 million), plans to release Coyote vs. Acme in theaters at an undisclosed date. Gareth West, CEO of Ketchup Entertainment, expressed excitement about the deal, calling the film a “perfect blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling.” He also emphasized that the film stays true to the beloved Looney Tunes characters while introducing them to a new generation.
The Plot and Key Cast, Coyote vs Acme
Directed by Dave Green and based on a New Yorker article by Ian Frazier, Coyote vs. Acme centers on Wile E. Coyote suing Acme Corporation over its faulty products that failed to catch the Road Runner. The live-action-animated hybrid features John Cena and Will Forte, with Cena playing Acme’s intimidating lawyer. The film is expected to offer a mix of humor, heart, and nostalgia for both old fans and newer generations of viewers.
A Promising Future for Looney Tunes
Ketchup Entertainment, founded in 2012, has previously distributed another Warner Bros. shelved Looney Tunes film, The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie, which grossed $8.2 million in domestic ticket sales in just three weeks. With Coyote vs. Acme poised for a theatrical release, Ketchup continues to make waves in resurrecting forgotten gems from the Warner Bros. vault.
As Coyote vs. Acme gears up for its long-awaited release, fans can finally look forward to seeing Wile E. Coyote’s legal battle against Acme in theaters. Stay tuned for updates on its release date!
