Warner Bros.While Warner Bros. scrapped the Coyote vs. Acme film despite the project being finished, it’s finally getting a second lease on life. From the cancellation to the revival, here’s the full story.
First announced all the way back in 2018, Coyote vs Acme still hasn’t see the light of day. Filming took place in early 2022 and once VFX were completed, the film has been sitting on the shelf ever since.
Similar to the Batgirl movie Warner Bros. also scrapped, a move that lost them $90 million, this project was held off as a possible tax write-off, reportedly netting them $35-$40 million back.
But now, after years of strife, the Coyote vs Acme film has finally been saved. A new company has entered the mix, purchasing the rights to distribute the film worldwide. Here’s the full rundown.
Warner Bros.Coyote vs. Acme controversy explained
Back in November 2023, it was confirmed that Warner Bros. would no longer be aiming to release the Coyote vs. Acme film despite the project being finished and the company having spent a reported $70 million bringing it to life.
At that time, Warner Bros. screened the film for 12 potential buyers, the likes of Netflix and Paramount both putting in bids to own the rights to the film and screen it on their own platforms.
The larger issue at hand, though, is related to the way in which Warner Bros. canceled multiple films during 2023. With Batgirl and Coyote vs. Acme both axed by the company in an effort to reduce their earnings for the year and claim a higher tax bracket.
Days after Warner decided to axe Coyote vs. Acme back in November 2023, Texas congressman Joaquin Castro took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) and called out the studio for attempting a tax write-off.
“The WBD tactic of scrapping fully made films for tax breaks is predatory and anti-competitive,” wrote Castro.
As reported by Deadline, one source revealed that “no one is doing anything at Warner to push this film for a sale” and as a result, this new project could wind up locked away in a vault similar to Batgirl.
Even months after its axing was first announced, the #SaveCoyoteVsAcme hashtag was still present on social media as fans fought to prevent another piece of media being lost to time.
Coyote vs. Acme saved
Three years after filming took place, Coyote vs. Acme is finally on track to see the light of day. As announced on March 31, 2025, Warner. Bros came to terms on an agreement with Ketchup Entertainment, who acquired the global distribution rights.
While an exact dollar amount wasn’t disclosed, insiders point to a roughly $50 million deal.
At this stage, there are no further details in regard to when the film may finally release, nor where it may be available. It could get a run in cinemas or go straight to a streaming platform. We’ll all have to keep our eyes peeled for further details in the coming weeks, but fans can now rest easy knowing the film will indeed be released.
