Coyote vs. Acme is finally getting released—with a killer trailer

Source: Ars Technica

Background

Warner Bros.’ 2023 decision to shelve its live‑action/animated film, Coyote vs. Acme, sparked outrage in the industry and among fans. The film is finally being released, and its new distributor, Ketchup Entertainment, has just dropped the trailer. While a killer trailer doesn’t guarantee a great film, the project boasts many promising elements.

The concept is sheer brilliance: Wile E. Coyote, after decades of ACME equipment failing him in his attempts to catch the Road Runner, decides to sue the corporation. The story is based on a well‑known satirical piece by Ian Frazier, also titled “Coyote vs. Acme,” published in The New Yorker in 1990 (source). Development of a film version began in 2018, with talent such as James Gunn contributing to the script. Big stars signed on for the main cast, and the film was completed and slated for a July 2023 release.

Warner Bros. Decision

Warner Bros. later changed its schedule, moving Barbie into the July slot. While Barbie proved to be a brilliant film and helped create the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon, Warner Bros. chose not merely to reschedule Coyote vs. Acme but to cancel it outright as a tax write‑off. The same fate befell two other Warner titles, Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt.

Sale to Ketchup Entertainment

The collective outrage prompted Warner Bros. to allow the filmmakers to shop the project to other studios. Netflix, Amazon, and Paramount all submitted bids, but Warner Bros. rejected them because they fell short of the $75–$80 million price range the studio initially sought. Co‑star Will Forte later released a statement in February 2024, saying he had assumed the film “must be a hunk of junk” until he saw it, after which he called it “incredible” (Hollywood Reporter). Ultimately, Warner Bros. sold the rights to Ketchup Entertainment for $50 million—below the original asking price—ensuring the film will finally reach audiences.

Trailer Reaction

The newly released trailer showcases the film’s humor, visual style, and the absurd premise of a courtroom showdown between a cartoon coyote and the corporate giant ACME. While the trailer alone cannot guarantee the film’s success, it suggests that the project retains the creative spark that initially generated excitement.