Warner Bros. sells previously cancelled "Coyote vs. Acme" to independent distributor
"Coyote vs. Acme," a live-action/animation hybrid completed in 2021, was cancelled by Warner Bros. and later sold to Ketchup Entertainment, with a theatrical release set for Aug. 28.
Warner Bros. shelved the finished Looney Tunes-themed film "Coyote vs. Acme" in 2021, citing the cost of a $30-40 million marketing campaign and opting for a tax write-off on the $70 million production. The decision, made by CEO David Zaslav as the studio shifted away from straight-to-streaming releases, placed the movie alongside other cancelled projects such as "Batgirl" and "Scoob! Holiday Haunt."
After public outcry and industry support, the studio put the film up for sale. Independent distributor Ketchup Entertainment acquired the rights for roughly $50 million and announced a theatrical debut on Aug. 28. The film, directed by Dave Green and starring Will Forte as Wile E. Coyote’s attorney, blends live action with animation and is based on an Ian Frazier column from The New Yorker.
"I must be dreaming," Green said of the film’s unexpected release.
"It’s a total surprise I’m sitting here talking to you today," he added.
"The film business, as much as it might not feel that way, is led and dictated by artists and filmmakers and actors and writers wanting to create," Green said.
Voice actor Eric Bauza, who provides the voices for several Looney Tunes characters, expressed relief upon seeing the film’s promotional poster in a local theater. The filmmakers have marketed the movie as "the film ACME didn’t want you to see," drawing parallels between the story’s courtroom plot and its real-world distribution saga.
Industry figures, including directors Christopher Miller, Phil Lord, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, as well as some politicians, called for an investigation into Warner Bros.’ decision, but no formal action has been reported. The release highlights ongoing changes in Hollywood’s production and distribution models following the pandemic.