Warner Bros. Discovery Shelves “Coyote vs. Acme,” Film Finds New Home and Set for Release

Warner Bros. Discovery placed the live-action/animation hybrid *Coyote vs. Acme* on hold in November 2023, treating the completed picture as a tax write-off. After industry outcry, the studio allowed the filmmakers to shop the movie elsewhere. In March 2025, Ketchup Entertainment purchased the distribution rights for $50 million, and the film is scheduled to open in theaters on Friday, August 28.

John Cena’s Honest Verdict on Coyote vs. Acme’s Cancellation Stands Out

Directed by Dave Green, the comedy follows a voiceless Wile E. Coyote who hires billboard-lawyer Kevin Avery (Will Forte) to sue the Acme Corporation, represented by corporate counsel Buddy Crane (John Cena). The premise adapts Ian Frazier’s 1990 New Yorker piece “Coyote v. Acme.” Green aimed to blend dark, sarcastic humor with classic Looney Tunes slapstick, citing *Who Framed Roger Rabbit* as a tonal reference.

'Coyote Vs. Acme's' Dave Green On Creating A Sympathetic Wile E. John Cena’s Honest Verdict on Coyote vs. Acme’s Cancellation Stands Out Coyote vs. Acme Director on Getting Wile E. Right & Settling a Road Runner Debate | Interview

• Dave Green – director

'Coyote Vs. Acme's' Dave Green On Creating A Sympathetic Wile E.

• John Cena – actor portraying Acme’s attorney

John Cena’s Honest Verdict on Coyote vs. Acme’s Cancellation Stands Out

• Will Forte – star as attorney Kevin Avery

'Coyote Vs. Acme's' Dave Green On Creating A Sympathetic Wile E.

• Ketchup Entertainment – independent distributor that acquired the film in 2025

John Cena’s Honest Verdict on Coyote vs. Acme’s Cancellation Stands Out

• Warner Bros. Discovery – original studio

John Cena’s Honest Verdict on Coyote vs. Acme’s Cancellation Stands Out

• November 2023 – Warner Bros. Discovery shelves the finished film for tax purposes.

John Cena’s Honest Verdict on Coyote vs. Acme’s Cancellation Stands Out

• 2024 – Industry backlash and fan campaign keep the title in public discussion.

John Cena’s Honest Verdict on Coyote vs. Acme’s Cancellation Stands Out

• March 2025 – Ketchup Entertainment secures worldwide rights for $50 million.

John Cena’s Honest Verdict on Coyote vs. Acme’s Cancellation Stands Out

• Friday, August 28 – Theatrical release scheduled.

Coyote vs. Acme Director on Getting Wile E. Right & Settling a Road Runner Debate | Interview

• Acquisition price: $50 million (Variety).

John Cena’s Honest Verdict on Coyote vs. Acme’s Cancellation Stands Out

• Release date: Friday, August 28.

Coyote vs. Acme Director on Getting Wile E. Right & Settling a Road Runner Debate | Interview

Director Dave Green called the rescue “a party” and thanked fans for keeping the project alive, noting the film’s underdog storyline mirrors its real-world journey. He later described the revival “a testament to the audience.”

'Coyote Vs. Acme's' Dave Green On Creating A Sympathetic Wile E.

• “What we felt was that article had this core tonality that felt dark and funny and biting and sarcastic,” — Dave Green, director

'Coyote Vs. Acme's' Dave Green On Creating A Sympathetic Wile E.

The film’s journey shows how fan mobilization can overturn a studio’s financial decision, highlighting demand for hybrid live-action/animation projects that honor classic animation while using modern effects.

Coyote vs. Acme Director on Getting Wile E. Right & Settling a Road Runner Debate | Interview

Ketchup Entertainment will promote the August 28 opening, emphasizing the blend of slapstick heritage and legal comedy. No further distribution deals or sequel plans have been announced.

'Coyote Vs. Acme's' Dave Green On Creating A Sympathetic Wile E.