
Warner Bros. Sells ‘Coyote Vs Acme’: What You Need to Know About This Exciting New Film!
2025-03-31
Author: Jessica Wong
Warner Bros. Sells ‘Coyote Vs Acme’: What You Need to Know About This Exciting New Film!
In a groundbreaking move that has fans buzzing, Warner Bros. has finalized the worldwide sale of its long-awaited project, *Coyote Vs Acme*, marking a major turning point for this previously shelved animated feature. The live-action/animated hybrid film, which brings the classic Looney Tunes character Wile E. Coyote back to the big screen, is now under the distribution umbrella of Ketchup Entertainment, which confirmed the deal today.
Buzz around this deal is significant, with estimates placing the sale in the vicinity of $50 million. The film is set to hit theaters in 2026, just in time for what is expected to be a wave of renewed interest in animated films that appeal to both nostalgic adults and curious younger audiences.
Gareth West, CEO of Ketchup Entertainment, expressed excitement about bringing this beloved character back, stating, "Coyote Vs Acme is a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling. We believe it will resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike." This film promises to deliver a fresh take while staying true to the essence of its roots.
Under the direction of David Green and penned by Samy Burch—who is known for her work on *May December*—the film is produced by Chris deFaria and James Gunn, co-boss of DC Studios. It draws inspiration from the iconic Looney Tunes roster and Ian Frazier's humor article from The New Yorker, *Coyote v. Acme*.
The star-studded cast includes Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor, and Tone Bell. The narrative revolves around Wile E. Coyote, who resorts to suing the Acme Corporation for repeatedly failing him during his comical antics in pursuit of the Roadrunner. With Forte playing Coyote's determined lawyer, it sets up a legal showdown against Cena's character, a powerful former boss, while simultaneously exploring the quirky friendship that blossoms between a man and his animated counterpart.
Interestingly, despite its promising test screenings, *Coyote Vs Acme* faced setbacks two years ago amid Warner Bros.' cost-cutting measures and was left languishing for over a year. Initially offered to buyers at around $70 million—what the film reportedly cost to produce—studio sources indicated that they received no viable offers at the time. The situation sparked discontent among the film's creators and supporters, including *Lego Movie* director Phil Lord and Forte, the latter who harshly criticized the shelving decision.
Ketchup Entertainment's decision to acquire *Coyote Vs Acme* represents their largest financial commitment to date, with previous releases ranging from the critically acclaimed *Goodrich* to the comic reboot *Hellboy: The Crooked Man*.
As excitement builds for the film’s release, fans are left wondering: Will *Coyote Vs Acme* become a box office hit and reignite the love for classic animated characters? Only time will tell! Stay tuned for updates as we dive deeper into this cinematic adventure.