31-03-2025
Coyote vs. Acme, Featuring John Cena, Will Finally See A Theatrical Release
Coyote vs. Acme has been saved.
The film, which was previously shelved by Warner Bros as a tax write-off, has been acquired by Ketchup Entertainment. Deadline first reported the completion of the sale, which is said to be around the $50M range. According to the report, the film will hit theatres in 2026.
Deadline previously reported that Ketchup Entertainment, which recently released the animated Looney Tunes movie The Day the Earth Blew Up in theaters, was in negotiations to buy the rights to the live-action and animation hybrid film.
'We're thrilled to have made a deal with Warner Bros. Pictures to bring this film to audiences worldwide,' said Gareth West, CEO of Ketchup Entertainment. 'Coyote vs. Acme is a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling, capturing the essence of the beloved Looney Tunes characters while introducing them to a new generation. We believe it will resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.'
Coyote vs. Acme did well in screen tests, but the movie was an unfortunate casualty of Warner's cost-cutting measures that also saw Batgirl put on the shelf.
The new film is based on the beloved Looney Tunes characters and Ian Frazier's 1990 New Yorker humor article 'Coyote v. Acme.' John Cena is featured in the film, which sees Wile E. Coyote attempt to sue the Acme Corporation after their products continue to fail him in his repeated attempts to catch the Roadrunner. Cena portrays a lawyer for the Acme side.
John Cena has not commented on the sale, but did post the following on Instagram on Sunday:
Cena spoke with The Wrap regarding Coyote vs. ACME being shelved last year and said he wished the film got a chance in theatres. He loved the movie, and hoped the movie studio put it on hold for the right reasons.
'There's a lot there. And everyone's perspective is different. We don't own the film,' John Cena said. 'That's the tough part about this business, you do have a sense of ownership because you invest heart and soul. And [director] Dave Green and everybody involved, we made what we thought was a good movie.
'I would have liked to seen it given a chance. But I'm just one person. And if it was shelved, I would have to think that it was shelved for the right reasons and it was a good business decision. I think I would have tremendous regret and shame if I look back on the legacy of the movie and it was shelved for reasons other than that. So I have to believe in the process. And I love the movie. My heart and soul is in there. But it's somebody else's project to do what they want with and they've chosen accordingly.'
Now, thanks to Ketchup Entertainment, it has a chance.
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