Warner Bros. Shelved Completed Film "Coyote vs. Acme" Before Independent Release
Warner Bros. decided not to release the finished $70 million comedy "Coyote vs. Acme," but the film was later purchased by Ketchup Entertainment and opened in theaters in August, earning over $50 million.
Warner Bros. completed a $70 million live-action/animation comedy titled "Coyote vs. Acme" in 2022, featuring Will Forte, John Cena and characters from the Looney Tunes franchise. After a positive test screening, the studio announced it would shelve the film, citing a desire to claim a tax loss. Forte, who plays the coyote’s attorney, said the decision was unexpected and frustrating for the cast.
Following the shelving, a grassroots campaign and public protests prompted Warner to shop the movie to other buyers. Independent distributor Ketchup Entertainment acquired the rights for $50 million and released the film worldwide in late August. With minimal marketing, the movie opened alongside a major superhero release, reached the second and third spots at the box office in its first two weekends, and generated strong critical reviews, eventually surpassing $50 million in revenue.
"The script is really fun… it tested really well, we’re very excited about it," Forte said on a podcast.
"It’s great," Forte added after viewing the final cut.
Ketchup Entertainment’s acquisition and the film’s performance illustrate how completed projects can find distribution outside major studios.