Shelved 'Coyote vs. Acme' finally reaches theaters after new distribution deal
The hybrid live-action/animated film Coyote vs. Acme has opened in cinemas following Ketchup Entertainment’s purchase of the rights from Warner Bros.
Coyote vs. Acme, a live-action and animated comedy set in the Looney Tunes world starring Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor, Eric Bauza and Martha Kelly, finally debuted in theaters after a prolonged battle for release. Warner Bros. shelved the finished $70 million film in late 2023, citing a strategic shift toward theatrical releases and planning a $30 million tax write-down. The decision prompted backlash from fans, the cast, and creators.
In March 2025, Ketchup Entertainment secured worldwide distribution rights for an estimated $50 million, paving the way for a cinema launch. Director Dave Green posted a gratitude letter, calling the release a triumph of persistence, while Forte echoed the sentiment on social media. DC Studios co-head James Gunn praised Green’s character and the film’s resilience, likening its journey to the story’s own themes.
Why it matters
It demonstrates that audience advocacy can revive shelved projects and bring them to the big screen.
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