Coyote vs. Acme Debuts After Years-Long Battle Against Studio Shelving

Key points

• The film opened in theaters on August 28, 2026, distributed by Ketchup Entertainment.
• Warner Bros. originally shelved the movie in November 2023 to take a $30 million tax write-off.
• Ketchup Entertainment acquired the rights to the film in March 2025.
• Director Dave Green credited online audience outcry for reviving the project.
• The film is projected to debut with approximately $12 million to $15 million in North America.

Background

The film was originally scheduled for a July 2023 release but was pulled by Warner Bros. to make room for 'Barbie.' After being shelved, the project faced significant backlash from fans. In 2025, Warner Bros. sold the rights to Ketchup Entertainment, which set the current release date. The film features a cast including Will Forte, Lana Condor, and John Cena, and is based on a 1990 New Yorker article by Ian Frazier.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline highlights director Dave Green's celebration of the release, framing it as a 'victory' for the audience and crew after years of delay. The New York Times critic Alissa Wilkinson praised the film as a 'Critic's Pick,' noting it successfully captures the tone of classic Looney Tunes shorts. In contrast, The Ringer's Adam Nayman offered a more nuanced take, acknowledging the film's craftsmanship and self-reflexive satire but noting it is less hard-edged than previous Looney Tunes adaptations. Some earlier coverage noted mixed critical reception, with some critics calling the courtroom drama elements a 'dud,' though the film holds a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes according to archive data.

Why it matters

The release of 'Coyote vs. Acme' represents a rare instance of a major studio shelved film being revived by an independent distributor after significant public outcry. It highlights the growing power of audience advocacy in the film industry and the potential for tax write-offs to be challenged by fan campaigns. The film's box office performance will also serve as a test for the viability of hybrid live-action/animated projects in the current market.

What to watch

The film will continue its theatrical run, with box office performance to be monitored against competitors like 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day.' Ketchup Entertainment may explore further distribution opportunities for the film based on its initial performance.