Coyote vs. Acme Finds New Life: Sold to Ketchup for $50 Million, Trailer Released

Context Warner Bros. faced widespread industry and fan criticism in 2023 for its decision to cancel *Coyote vs. Acme*. The studio initially developed the film, based on a satirical *New Yorker* piece by Ian Frazier, with James Gunn contributing to the script and a notable cast. It was slated for a July 2023 theatrical release. Warner Bros. then moved *Barbie* into that slot and subsequently canceled *Coyote vs. Acme* entirely to take a tax write-off, a move also applied to other productions like *Batgirl* and *Scoob! Holiday Haunt*.

This cancellation sparked significant public and industry outrage, prompting Warner Bros. to permit the filmmakers to shop the project to other studios. Companies including Netflix, Amazon, and Paramount expressed interest, submitting bids for the film's distribution rights. Warner Bros. rejected these initial offers, stating they did not meet its target price range of $75 million to $80 million.

Key Facts Ketchup Entertainment ultimately purchased the distribution rights for *Coyote vs. Acme* for $50 million. This acquisition price represents a figure below the $75 million to $80 million Warner Bros. had initially sought for the film. Following this acquisition, Ketchup Entertainment released the official trailer, offering the public a first look at the long-awaited production. Actor Will Forte, who plays the attorney representing Wile E. Coyote, previously commented on the film's quality. He stated his initial assumption that the production "must be a hunk a junk" before viewing it, but after seeing the final cut, he described the film as "incredible."

What It Means The sale and subsequent trailer release signal a new chapter for *Coyote vs. Acme* after its period of uncertainty. This development brings the film significantly closer to a public release, allowing audiences to finally experience a project that many feared was permanently lost. Watch for Ketchup Entertainment to announce a definitive release date and a comprehensive distribution strategy for the film in the near future.