Coyote vs. Acme: A Film’s Journey from Tax Write-Off to Potential Release
The film Coyote vs. Acme, which caused a significant stir on social media due to Warner Bros.’ decision to cancel it for tax purposes, may now have a chance to be released. Ketchup Entertainment, an independent studio, is reportedly negotiating for the film’s rights. The movie features notable performances from Will Forte and John Cena, alongside the beloved animated character, Wile E. Coyote.
The discussions between Ketchup Entertainment and Warner Bros. have been ongoing, with hopes of bringing the film to theaters. However, a finalized deal has yet to be reached, and Warner Bros. is currently keeping any details under wraps.
Ketchup Entertainment’s Track Record
Ketchup Entertainment has demonstrated its capability in successfully distributing Looney Tunes films in the past. Their recent project, The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie, was released after Warner Bros. Discovery decided to explore alternative avenues for the film. This release garnered a global box office of $5.5 million within its debut weekend.
In addition to its work with Looney Tunes, Ketchup has also supported various notable projects such as Hellboy: The Crooked Man, Hypnotic featuring Ben Affleck, and Ferrari directed by Michael Mann.
The Controversy Surrounding Coyote vs. Acme
Coyote vs. Acme was produced with a budget of $70 million and became a hot topic in Hollywood following the announcement on November 10, 2023, that Warner Bros. intended to shelve it. The industry response was immediate and vociferous, leading many filmmakers to cancel meetings at the studio in protest. Subsequently, Warner Bros. reevaluated its decision, allowing director Dave Green to seek other buyers for the film—an effort he had been preparing for before the cancellation caught him off guard.
Green presented the film to various potential buyers, and reports indicated that one offer may have reached approximately $40 million. However, Warner Bros. ultimately chose not to sell, which led to a significant $115 million writedown in February 2024 concerning unnamed projects, likely including Coyote vs. Acme.
A Troubling Trend in Film Production
The saga of Coyote vs. Acme unfolded just 15 months after David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, shocked the entertainment world by canceling projects like Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt for tax deductions. Actor Will Forte expressed his frustration about the film’s fate, stating, “It is such a delightful movie. It deserves so much better… I can’t tell you possibly why the decision was made to not release it, but it makes my blood boil.”
As negotiations continue, the future of Coyote vs. Acme remains uncertain, leaving fans hopeful for its release yet wary of the industry’s shifting dynamics.
For further details on this developing story, visit Deadline, which first reported on the film’s negotiations.
For images and additional context, see this source.