Cover Photo Credit: Ketchup Entertainment
Coyote VS Acme, theatrically released August 28, 2026, follows the story of the beloved Looney Tunes character Wile. E. Coyote as he fights against the Acme cooperation. Ironically, the message of “sticking it to the big guy” is relevant in the film’s actual industry struggles, as Warner Brothers originally decided to cancel its release and use it as a tax write-off.
Coyote VS Acme starred hit actors such as Will Forte playing Kevin Avery, John Cena as Buddy Crane, and Lana Condor as Paige Avery, alongside many household names. The release of this film raised controversies, with the long, gruelling process it took for it to finally make it onto screens.
Some production companies such as Warner Brothers, Paramount, and Disney will write off certain films and shows for tax if they believe it will be unsuccessful. This helps them not lose profit and cut the other parts of production and release such as advertisement, and any extra bonuses to split amongst workers and actors. Usually a disappointment for fans, it remains unproblematic as this action is typically done early-mid production. However, Warner Brothers decided this after the completion of the movie, and claimed a $30 million tax write-down.
On social media, the public’s reaction to this decision was overwhelmingly negative, believing that it was unfair to the crew and staff who worked on the film, going as far as comparing the Warner Brothers to Acme itself. In an attempt to save this movie, fans created hashtags on TikTok, X and Instagram like #ReleaseCoyoteVsAcme and #SaveCoyoteVsAcme.
After three years of hope seemingly lost, a rivaling studio—Ketchup Entertainment—bought the rights to the film for approximately $50 million. Since its release, Coyote VS Acme has earned over $74.84 million worldwide and is rated 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing the $30 million Warner Brothers made as tax write-offs, as well as being #3 at the box office during Labor Day weekend. Ultimately, the movie must hit $120 million at the box office to break even with the amount of money Ketchup Entertainment spent to acquire the film. Carsten Kurpanek, an editor who worked on the film, even tweeted:
“#CoyoteVsAcme is about a giant corporation choosing stock over empathy, doing nothing ‘illegal’ but morally shady stuff for profit … No wonder Warner [didn’t] want to #releasecoyoteVsACME.”
After its release, he tweeted:
“[It] was a labor of love. Thanks to all of you for caring as much as we did about this film even before you could see a frame. You made this happen! This feels as close to catching that bird as I ever will. Never stop chasing!”
Like this tweet, Wile. E’s character symbolizes that some battles will be won, and others won’t. This movie alludes that sometimes it’s not the victory that truly matters, but the fight you give—especially when that fight inspires others to fight for themselves too, as we’re all truly in this together. The fact that Coyote VS Acme isn’t the only movie Warner Brothers has cancelled, also exemplifies its value as a cultural symbol for hard fought wins amidst tough climates.
Since Coyote VS Acme’s theatrical release, fans have called to action for the release of other lost Looney Tunes films such as an unnamed Pepe Le Pew film meant to take on a theatrical neo-noir, and Bye Bye Bunny, a Bugs Bunny musical focusing on Bugs regaining passion for his craft; a song intended for the musical (“Why Do I Gotta Be Bugs Bunny?”) is even up on YouTube. Just as Coyote VS Acme did with the courtroom drama, these neo-noir and musical films could be interpreted through their unique genre framings to tackle corporate issues as well.
Although audiences have gotten to see Coyote VS Acme, this may not be the case for the other two. As unfortunate as that may be, it’s still worthwhile and culturally memorable to fight for untold creative passions.
For a movie about a cartoon coyote, it contained emotional scenes, having depth that a lot of recent animated films (and films in general) seem to lack, and emphasizes on the importance of sticking up for yourself, even if the odds are not in your favor.
So head to the theatre or rally the troops online to show your support for all the hard work put into this near-cancelled film (and others yet un-rescued) to “stick it to the big guy” yourself.
