Warner Bros killed Coyote vs. Acme, but now it's back
This week, the film will conclude its long journey to Aussie cinemas, having previously looked deader than a cartoon coyote trapped under a comically over-sized boulder.
Warner Bros. killed the animated comedy "Coyote vs. Acme," but it's now back in cinemas. The film tells the story of Wile E. Coyote and his legal battle with the failing company Acme, featuring a mix of Looney Tunes characters and live-action actors like Will Forte and John Cena. The film was almost scrapped due to financial reasons, despite positive test screenings.
Warner Bros. executives had decided not to release the film, despite it already being finished, and even though it had already been shown to audiences. The decision was based on the fact that they would rather write off the $30 million expense than promote the $70 million film. The film's cast and crew were shocked and outraged by the decision.
Warner Bros. later agreed to let the filmmakers try to find a new distributor. After several months of rejection, indie distributor Ketchup Entertainment bought the rights to "Coyote vs. Acme" and plans to release it in 2026. The film has already made more money than Warner Bros. intended to recoup from the tax write-off, grossing $65 million worldwide.
Critics have praised the film, with Rotten Tomatoes giving it a 96% "Fresh" rating. The story is now viewed as a David vs. Goliath tale about a corporation prioritizing profit over empathy.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
