Warner Bros.' previously shelved film, Coyote vs. Acme, might finally make it to the big screen, according to a report from Deadline. The Los Angeles-based independent film production and distribution company, Ketchup Entertainment, is reportedly in deep negotiations to acquire the rights to Coyote vs. Acme. Although the deal is not finalized, a theatrical release could be on the horizon for 2026 if the negotiations are successful.
Originally announced in 2022, Coyote vs. Acme is inspired by a 1990 New Yorker article by Ian Frazier. The film, co-written by James Gunn and featuring Will Forte and John Cena, was set to premiere on Max in mid-2023. However, despite completing filming, the project was shelved, sparking a dedicated fan campaign to revive it.
Ketchup Entertainment has a track record of salvaging films from cancellation. They recently saved Warner Bros.' The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie from a similar fate, ensuring its theatrical release in the US. This movie marks the first fully animated Looney Tunes film to hit theaters, earning praise from IGN as a "laugh-out-loud riot."
Ketchup Entertainment's portfolio also includes Hellboy: The Crooked Man and Robert Rodriguez's thriller Hypnotic, starring Ben Affleck. The company also co-produced Michael Mann's 2023 biopic Ferrari.
