Ketchup Entertainment has officially secured the worldwide rights to Coyote vs. Acme, a live-action/animated hybrid film featuring Will Forte, John Cena, and an animated Wile E. Coyote. The film, which blends nostalgic Looney Tunes elements with modern storytelling, was previously set for release by Warner Bros. Pictures before the Hollywood studio controversially canceled it.
The decision to scrap the film came in late 2023, following Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to abandon a theatrical release and include Coyote vs. Acme in a $115 million impairment charge. Despite this setback, Ketchup Entertainment entered negotiations with Warner Bros. and successfully acquired the rights, ensuring the film will now be released in theaters worldwide.
Gareth West, CEO of Ketchup Entertainment, expressed his excitement over the acquisition, stating, “We’re thrilled to have made a deal with Warner Bros. Pictures to bring this film to audiences worldwide. 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.”
The film, directed by Dave Green, features a talented cast that includes Lana Condor and Tone Bell. The story follows Wile E. Coyote as he takes legal action against the Acme Corporation for the faulty products that have hindered his relentless pursuit of the Road Runner.
Coyote vs. Acme garnered significant attention in November 2023 when The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Warner Bros. planned to scrap the project. The company later disclosed a $115 million writedown on mystery projects, which was believed to include the film. The decision mirrored the studio’s earlier move to cancel other high-profile projects, such as Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt, sparking backlash within Hollywood.
After the cancellation, Warner Bros. reversed its position and allowed director Dave Green to shop the film to other buyers. Ketchup Entertainment, having seized the opportunity, is now set to bring the film to audiences in a move that recalls its previous success in distributing Looney Tunes films, including The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie.
Produced by Chris deFaria and James Gunn, with a screenplay by Samy Burch, Coyote vs. Acme is now poised to hit the big screen, bringing the iconic characters back into the spotlight.
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