Overview
- Ketchup Entertainment has secured the rights to the movie *Coyote vs. Acme*, previously owned by Warner Bros.
- This animated feature faced significant challenges in development and was initially put on hold despite favorable test screenings.
- Fans can look forward to the much-anticipated release of this live-action/animated hybrid in 2026.
The animation sector has received encouraging news as *Coyote vs. Acme* has been revived thanks to Ketchup Entertainment’s acquisition of the global rights from Warner Bros. Pictures. This independent American film company, known for distributing *The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie* in 2025, has announced that this eagerly awaited film will now see a theatrical release in 2026.
Looney Tunes enthusiasts have experienced a prolonged wait for updates regarding this hybrid film, which has faced numerous development hurdles. Originally, it was set for a direct-to-streaming premiere on HBO Max in 2023. However, alongside other high-profile projects like the live-action *Batgirl* and *Scoob! Holiday Haunt*, *Coyote vs. Acme* was sidelined as part of Warner Bros.’ controversial cost-cutting measures, despite receiving positive feedback from test audiences.
The Redemption of Warner Bros.’ *Coyote vs. Acme*
The cancellation of the $70 million film sparked a significant outcry across social media, with fans and industry professionals, including *The Lego Movie* and *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* director Phil Lord, voicing their disappointment. Online campaigns pushing for the studio to sell the film’s rights employed hashtags such as #SaveCoyoteVsAcme and #ReleaseCoyoteVsAcme.
If you could see COYOTE vs. ACME you’d know how funny it would be for this to end with a congressional hearing. — Phil Lord (@philiplord) February 10, 2024
Fortunately, Ketchup Entertainment expressed interest when director Dave Green organized screenings for potential buyers in early 2024. Reports from Deadline indicated that negotiations between Ketchup Entertainment and Warner Bros. were taking place, with figures estimated to be around $50 million in March 2025.
The acquisition aligns well for Ketchup Animation, particularly given its recent success with distributing *The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie*, which became the first fully animated feature-length entry for Looney Tunes. Although Warner Bros. initially aimed for a release on HBO Max and Cartoon Network, the film was eventually re-directed towards theatrical distribution, garnering both critical acclaim and fan approval—currently holding an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it falls short of breaking even, having earned approximately $10.5 million against its $15 million budget by March 2025.
As Ketchup Entertainment champions *Coyote vs. Acme*, it is hoped that the buzz created by the reception of *The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie* and this new acquisition will lead to innovative changes in how the beloved Looney Tunes franchise is approached moving forward. While the financial success of this hybrid film remains uncertain, many are optimistic that audiences will rally behind it when it officially debuts in 2026.
This highly-anticipated live-action/animated film features the beloved Wile E. Coyote as he challenges the Acme Corporation in court for the many faulty products that have thwarted his relentless chase of the Road Runner. Based on Ian Frazier’s 1990 New Yorker article, the story unfolds as Wile E. Coyote, alongside his lawyer (played by Will Forte), faces the intimidating boss (played by John Cena)—yet the genuine friendship that blossoms between them defies expectations.
*Coyote vs. Acme* is helmed by director Dave Green (noted for *TMNT: Out of the Shadows*), with producers Chris de Maria and DC Studios co-head James Gunn. The cast includes John Cena, Lana Condor, Will Forte, and Tone Bell.
Three years ago we started shooting *Coyote Vs. Acme*. The last 507 days have been painful to many of us who worked on the film. Thank you @Ketchup_Distrib for believing in Wile E. and our work. See you at the movies! 😭💔 #releaseCoyoteVsACME pic.twitter.com/ULn2KRb3wh — Carsten Kurpanek (@Kurpanek) March 31, 2025
Source: Variety