Ketchup Entertainment Secures Rights to Coyote vs. Acme
Ketchup Entertainment has officially announced its acquisition of the global rights to Coyote vs. Acme, a live-action/animated film produced by Warner Bros. Pictures. This highly anticipated project features prominent actors Will Forte and John Cena alongside the animated legend, Wile E. Coyote.
A Tumultuous Journey to the Big Screen
The film, which unites beloved Looney Tunes characters in a modern narrative, experienced significant upheaval when Warner Bros. originally scrapped it, citing a tax write-off. However, subsequent negotiations between Ketchup Entertainment and Warner Bros. have paved the way for its theatrical release, capturing the interest of fans and industry insiders alike.
Reactions from Ketchup Leadership
Gareth West, CEO of Ketchup Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We’re thrilled to have made a deal with Warner Bros. Pictures to bring this film to audiences worldwide. 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.”
Exploring the Film’s Premise
Coyote vs. Acme, directed by Dave Green, revolves around Wile E. Coyote as he takes legal action against the Acme Corporation, seeking justice for the myriad of defective products that have thwarted his tireless pursuit of the Road Runner. The film also features notable cast members such as Lana Condor and Tone Bell.
The Budget and Industry Reactions
With a budget of $70 million, Coyote vs. Acme became a focal point of discussion within Hollywood following reports on November 10, 2023, indicating Warner Bros. planned to abandon the project. February 2024 brought further developments as the studio took a $115 million writedown on undisclosed projects, likely including Coyote vs. Acme.
A Lesson in Industry Uncertainty
This turn of events comes just 15 months after Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO, David Zaslav, drew headlines by canceling Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt for similar financial reasoning. The backlash against the decision to cancel Coyote vs. Acme was immediate, prompting multiple filmmakers to withdraw from meetings with the studio.
Responding to the outcry, Warner Bros. made a strategic pivot, allowing director Dave Green to seek alternative buyers for the film—which he had been prepared to do prior to the abrupt cancellation. Coyote vs. Acme is being produced by Chris deFaria and James Gunn, with the screenplay crafted by Samy Burch.