Los Angeles, California – Warner Bros’ long-shelved Coyote vs. Acme movie may have finally found a new lease on life as the studio engages in negotiations with Gareth West’s distributor-financier, Ketchup Entertainment. The potential deal involves an all-rights acquisition estimated to be in the $50 million range for the animated-live-action hybrid project. Ketchup Entertainment previously rescued Warner Bros’ The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie.
Although the agreement is not yet finalized, sources suggest that it is moving in a positive direction. If the deal is successfully completed, the film is expected to receive a theatrical release in 2026. This acquisition would represent a significant investment for Ketchup Entertainment, a company known for its past releases like the Michael Keaton-starring Goodrich and the comic book reboot Hellboy: The Crooked Man.
Coyote vs. Acme, directed by David Green and written by Samy Burch, James Gunn, and Jeremy Slater, is based on the Looney Tunes characters and the New Yorker humor article “Coyote v. Acme” by Ian Frazier. The movie stars Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor and tells the story of Wile E. Coyote’s decision to sue the Acme Corporation after their products consistently fail him in his pursuit of the Roadrunner.
Despite initially facing setbacks due to budget constraints at Warner Bros, the film received positive feedback during test screenings. The decision to shelve the movie caused disappointment among industry insiders, with some, like director Phil Lord, questioning the studio’s motives. However, Ketchup Entertainment’s potential acquisition may breathe new life into the project and offer it a chance to reach audiences.
In a strategic move, Ketchup Entertainment has previously rescued other Warner Bros projects, such as The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie. Both films were originally intended for HBO Max but are now poised for a return to theaters. The involvement of Ketchup Entertainment presents a new opportunity for these once-forgotten movies to find their audience and make their mark in the industry.
Gareth West, the founder of Ketchup Entertainment, has been instrumental in the company’s success, partnering with industry professionals to bring diverse projects to the screen. With a focus on producing and distributing quality content, Ketchup Entertainment’s latest deal with Warner Bros could signal a turning point for both the studio and the film industry at large. Despite declining to provide official comments, both Warner Bros and Ketchup Entertainment look to the future with renewed optimism.