Movies
Looney Tunes Legal Drama Finds New Home as Ketchup Entertainment Eyes Acquisition
2025-03-20

A film centered around a courtroom battle between a classic cartoon character and his long-time supplier of faulty gadgets may soon see the light of day. Initially shelved by Warner Bros. during a corporate shake-up in 2022, "Coyote vs. Acme" is reportedly close to being acquired by Ketchup Entertainment. This production, inspired by Looney Tunes characters and a "New Yorker" story, envisions Wile E. Coyote taking legal action against Acme Corporation for its consistently ineffective products. The movie features notable actors such as Will Forte and John Cena, with direction from Dave Green and writing contributions from Samy Burch, James Gunn, and Jeremy Slater. Despite positive test screenings, Warner Bros. removed it from their release schedule, leading to industry criticism about potential anti-competitive practices.

Ketchup Entertainment is currently negotiating to purchase the rights to "Coyote vs. Acme," with reports suggesting an offer in the region of $50 million. If successful, the film could premiere in theaters by 2026. The premise revolves around Wile E. Coyote's quest for justice after years of unsuccessful attempts to catch the Roadrunner using Acme's unreliable merchandise. The legal drama pits him against Acme's formidable legal team, led by John Cena’s character. Will Forte plays the role of Coyote's lawyer, adding comedic flair to this courtroom clash.

The original concept for the film draws inspiration from Ian Frazier’s "New Yorker" article, which humorously imagines a lawsuit filed by Wile E. Coyote. The creative team behind the project includes some of Hollywood's most prominent figures, contributing to what was anticipated as a promising addition to the comedy genre. However, despite favorable early reactions, Warner Bros. decided not to proceed with its release, sparking debates within the entertainment sector about corporate strategies affecting artistic endeavors.

Prior to Ketchup Entertainment's interest, Warner Bros. had attempted to sell the film last year, seeking $70 million, but without success. Industry insiders speculated that the shelving decision was driven by financial considerations linked to tax write-offs, rather than the film's quality or market potential. This move drew criticism from both cast members and influential voices within the film community, who expressed frustration over the suppression of creative work due to business mergers.

With renewed hope on the horizon, fans of Wile E. Coyote and classic courtroom comedies alike are eagerly awaiting further developments. Should Ketchup Entertainment finalize the acquisition, audiences might finally witness the antics of this iconic cartoon character unfold in a real-world setting, proving once again that even fictional beings can seek justice when wronged.

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