Warner Bros.' cancelled Coyote vs. Acme film, initially put on hold, may receive another opportunity for production.
In a potential shakeup for Looney Tunes fans, Ketchup Entertainment is reportedly in negotiations to acquire the rights to the long-shelved live-action/animation hybrid film, Coyote vs. Acme.
The project, which was initially shelved by Warner Bros. in late 2023, has since been screened to a string of buyers in early 2024 with a price tag of around $70M. However, no offers were made at the time.
Warner Bros., particularly under the tenure of CEO David Zaslav, appears to be moving away from its lengthy cartoon history. This move could explain the shelving of Coyote vs. Acme and the subsequent search for a new home for the film.
If the deal is finalized, Coyote vs. Acme would get a theatrical release in 2026. Ketchup Entertainment plans a theatrical release for the film, should the deal come together. The reported price range for the all-rights acquisition of Coyote vs. Acme by Ketchup Entertainment is $50M.
It's worth noting that Ketchup Entertainment is no stranger to rescuing Looney Tunes projects. The studio previously rescued The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie from WB's discard pile, which is currently enjoying a theatrical release under the Ketchup Entertainment banner.
Meanwhile, fans have had to scramble to track down the vintage antics of Bugs Bunny and friends due to the removal of the classic Looney Tunes cartoons from Max, Warner Bros.' streaming service. The removal has left a gaping hole in the library of classic Looney Tunes content.
As for Coyote vs. Acme, details about who is negotiating the rights and the financial terms agreed upon, if the project is taken over, remain scarce. Deadline reports that the pact for Coyote vs. Acme isn't finalized and there's still a chance it doesn't make.
Only time will tell if Coyote vs. Acme will finally see the light of day, and if fans will get to witness the long-awaited showdown between Wile E. Coyote and the Acme Corporation.
The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie, originally intended for a streaming release, is now on the big screen, thanks to Ketchup Entertainment. The studio's potential acquisition of Coyote vs. Acme could mark another step in the revival of the classic Looney Tunes franchise.
