Coyote vs. Acme: Looney Tunes Fans Celebrate Major Film Rescue!

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The film “Coyote vs. Acme” has been rescued from the tax write-off limbo of the Warner Bros. vault. Independent distributor Ketchup Entertainment, who recently distributed the critically praised Looney Tunes movie “The Day the Earth Blew Up“, has purchased the film for roughly $50 million. They intend to show it in theaters in 2026.

For dedicated followers of Looney Tunes, this win is quite uncommon, considering the growing annoyance felt towards Warner Bros.’ handling of their cherished animated heritage.

A Shelved Film Finds New Life

The cancellation of “Coyote vs. Acme” was part of a trend at Warner Bros., where films that were finished or nearly completed—such as “Batgirl” and “Scoob! Holiday Haunt”—were abandoned due to financial constraints. This animated-live action hybrid, featuring the persistent character Wile E. Coyote engaged in a court battle with Acme Corporation, was completed in 2023 and seemed to be well-received by test audiences. However, instead of releasing the movie, Warner Bros. opted to store it away for a $30 million tax break, which generated criticism from filmmakers, animation enthusiasts, and industry experts alike.

It was widely perceived as a snub to animation, regardless of its quality, that Warner Bros. decided to keep the animated film in-house. Directors, writers, and animators voiced their criticism, labeling the decision as an act of betrayal towards the dedication poured into the project. Even within Warner Bros., there was resistance to this move. However, attempts to find alternative distributors were unsuccessful initially, as the studio remained unwilling to part with it.

That is, until Ketchup Entertainment stepped in and struck a deal.

Ketchup Entertainment: A New Hope for Looney Tunes?

Ketchup Entertainment might not have a large public profile, but they’ve successfully managed several films that cater to specific audiences, such as the reboot of Hellboy and the parody of The Hunger Games titled The Starving Games. Notably, they recently unveiled The Day the Earth Blew Up, which is the first fully animated Looney Tunes feature film in a long time. Their move to revive Coyote vs. Acme indicates their dedication to preserving these cherished characters on the silver screen and delivering high-quality animation for viewers to enjoy.

This purchase may indicate a change in the management strategy of Looney Tunes content in the future. If the series “Coyote vs. Acme” proves successful, it might motivate other distributors to revive forgotten projects. For long-time fans who have often felt disappointed with Warner Bros.’ handling of the franchise, this move could mark a positive shift towards revaluing classic animated content.

Warner Bros.’ Troubled Relationship with Looney Tunes

Warner Bros.’ handling of Looney Tunes goes beyond simply the “Coyote vs. Acme” series. The company has stirred controversy by taking down a vast number of classic Looney Tunes episodes from their streaming service, Max, with no prior notice or clarification. These episodes form the bedrock of the franchise, cherished by countless generations, yet they’ve been handled as if they were insignificant content.

The choice to bury the “Coyote vs. Acme” series seemed like another blow to long-standing Looney Tunes fans. However, this surprising revival demonstrates that the appeal for these characters hasn’t waned. In fact, it appears that the interest is more robust than ever, indicating that viewers still value quality animation.

A Victory for Animation Fans

The tale of Coyote vs. Acme, beyond being a humorous courtroom drama featuring a cherished animated figure, embodies the persistent battle between financial gains prioritized by corporations and the artistic worth of animation as a significant cultural expression.

Currently, enthusiasts can rejoice as Wile E. Coyote is set to have his day in court, a long-awaited event, and it’s on the large screen where we anticipate seeing him.

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2025-04-05 19:55