The Revival of 'Coyote vs. Acme'
After being shelved by Warner Bros. in 2023 for tax purposes, the highly anticipated live-action/animated hybrid film *Coyote vs. Acme* has found a new home with Ketchup Entertainment. The movie, which stars John Cena, Will Forte, and Lana Condor, is now slated for a theatrical release in 2026.
Key Developments
- March 2025: Ketchup Entertainment acquires global distribution rights to *Coyote vs. Acme* for an estimated $50 million after Warner Bros. opted not to release the completed film.
- March 31, 2025: Gareth West, CEO of Ketchup Entertainment, announces plans for a worldwide theatrical release, highlighting the film's blend of nostalgia and contemporary storytelling.
- 2026 Release Date: The movie is set to hit theaters next year, marking a major milestone for Looney Tunes fans eager to see Wile E. Coyote's legal battle against the Acme Corporation.
Plot and Cast
*Coyote vs. Acme* follows Wile E. Coyote as he hires a lawyer (played by Will Forte) to sue the Acme Corporation over its defective products that have consistently failed him in his pursuit of the Road Runner. The film also stars John Cena as the head of Acme Corporation and features Lana Condor and Tone Bell in supporting roles.
The story is inspired by Ian Frazier's satirical article "Coyote v. Acme," originally published in *The New Yorker*, and combines humor with heartfelt moments as Wile E. forms an unlikely bond with his lawyer.
Production Background
The movie was directed by Dave Green and written by Samy Burch, with contributions from James Gunn and Jeremy Slater. Filming took place in New Mexico between March and May 2022. Despite being fully completed by late 2023, Warner Bros. shelved the project as part of a controversial tax write-off strategy.
Public backlash against Warner Bros.' decision led to efforts to find a new distributor, culminating in Ketchup Entertainment's acquisition of the film in March 2025.
Why Fans Are Excited
*Coyote vs. Acme* has generated significant buzz due to its unique premise and star-studded cast. The film promises to deliver a fresh take on beloved Looney Tunes characters while appealing to both nostalgic fans and new audiences.
Ketchup Entertainment's successful track record with similar projects, such as *The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie*, has further fueled excitement for this release.