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Coyote vs. Acme release
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Coyote vs. Acme released in theaters Aug 28, 2026, after Warner Bros. shelved it in 2023. The film's survival marks a rare victory for creators over studio cost-cutting.
Background
Coyote vs. Acme, a Looney Tunes hybrid film, was completed in 2023 but shelved by Warner Bros. for a $30 million tax write-off, sparking backlash. Ketchup Entertainment bought the rights for $50 million in March 2025 and released it theatrically on August 28, 2026.
How it unfolded
- 2018Warner Bros. started developing the latest version of the project.
- Mar 2022Filming began and wrapped in May 2022, costing $70 million.
- Jul 21, 2023Originally set to premiere, but Warner Bros. moved it to make way for Barbie.
- Nov 2023Warner Bros. shelved the completed film for a $30 million tax write-off, sparking backlash.
- Mar 2025Ketchup Entertainment acquired worldwide rights for $50 million.
- Jul 2026The film made its big-screen debut at San Diego Comic-Con.
- Aug 28, 2026Coyote vs. Acme was released in U.S. theaters.
Who’s saying what
- Director
- Dave Green celebrated the release on Instagram, saying 'WE WON' and thanking everyone who made it happen.
- Warner Bros.
- A spokesperson said the studio shifted strategy to focus on theatrical releases and made the 'difficult decision' not to move forward.
- Analysts
- The film's digital release is expected 17-45 days after theatrical, depending on box office performance, with streaming on HBO Max in 80-90 days.
Still unverified
The reported $50 million acquisition price and $30 million tax write-off are based on reports, not officially confirmed.