It’s back! After years of collecting dust on a shelf, the near-complete film Coyote Vs. Acme will get a theatrical release in 2026 after Warner Bros sold the rights to the film to Ketchup Entertainment.

It’s been a long, confusing, and frustrating road for Coyote Vs. Acme. The hybrid animation/live-action Looney Tunes film was cancelled and shelved two years ago as part of Warner Bros’ cost-cutting measures. The film was intended to be used as a tax cut, an act that the film’s lead, Will Forte, called “fucking bullshit”. But there was a surprisingly strong outcry against this action, thanks to a promising premise and positive early screening reactions. So at long last, the studio has found a buyer for the movie, the same distributor who just released the film The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie to positive reviews, but little in the way of marketing.

Gareth West, CEO of Ketchup Entertainment, issued the following statement following the announcement:

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 premise sounds quite novel. After years of trying (and failing to catch the roadrunner), Wile E. Coyote ventures into the real world to sue Acme (the company that makes all those explosives) in court. He hires a billboard lawyer (Forte), who in turn used to work for Acme and comes face to face with his old boss in court, who is played by John Cena. The film, which is almost complete, has been testing really well, with Scott Pilgrim Takes Off co-creator BenDavid Grabinski stating the film was destined to be the next Who Framed Roger Rabbit after seeing an early cut of the film.

Here’s hoping Ketchup Entertainment can generate some buzz for Coyote Vs. Acme, as The Day the Earth Blew Up flew under the radar. I didn’t even know about it until it was released! So they’re going to have to work hard to finish the film and to properly promote the film to get butts into seats.