Wile E. Coyote’s Comeback: "Coyote vs. Acme" Finds New Home
In a positive twist for fans of classic cartoons, the long-awaited film "Coyote vs. Acme" is set to make its debut after being shelved by Warner Bros. Ketchup Entertainment announced on Monday that they have acquired the worldwide distribution rights to the film, although the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed.
This acquisition is significant as it revives one of the few completed films that Warner Bros. decided not to release as part of a tax write-off strategy following a leadership change within the company after the pandemic. The decision to pull three completed films, including the high-budget "Batgirl" and an animated feature called "Scoob! Holiday Haunt," received considerable backlash from both fans and industry professionals.
Now, "Coyote vs. Acme" is making a comeback. Ketchup Entertainment has plans for its theatrical release at an undetermined future date, giving die-hard fans something to look forward to.
Gareth West, Chief Executive of Ketchup Entertainment, expressed excitement about the project, stating, "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."
The film, directed by Dave Green, is inspired by an article from the New Yorker written by Ian Frazier. It follows the iconic Wile E. Coyote as he takes the Acme Corporation to court over their never-ending series of faulty products in his quest to catch the elusive Road Runner. The mix of live action and animation features voices from popular actors John Cena and Will Forte.
Reports indicate that Ketchup Entertainment paid around $50 million for the film, which had a production budget of $70 million. The company, which began in 2012, has also released another Looney Tunes film previously sidelined by Warner Bros.: “The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie,” which has already garnered $8.2 million in ticket sales within three weeks of its release.
As "Coyote vs. Acme" gears up for its premiere, it stands as a reminder that even in the fast-paced world of entertainment, there’s always a chance for redemption and a second act.
