Three years ago, the future of ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ seemed uncertain. Warner Bros. had quietly shelved the completed film in November 2023, taking a $30 million tax write-off on the $70 million project. But in March 2025, Ketchup Entertainment acquired the film, and on August 28, 2026, it finally reached theaters. To mark the occasion, director Dave Green released a celebratory message on social media, calling it a ‘shared victory’ and proof that movies ‘don’t just go away.’

From Limbo to Theaters: A Rocky Road

The film’s journey to the big screen was anything but typical. Originally intended as an HBO Max streaming original, ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ had been in development at Warner Bros. for years before the studio shifted its strategy toward theatrical releases. The project was initially slated for a July 21, 2023 premiere but was pushed back to accommodate ‘Barbie.’ However, after that, the film was put on indefinite hold.

According to reports, Warner Bros. made the decision to shelve the project as part of a broader strategy to refocus on theatrical content following the relaunch of Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. The move was controversial and sparked backlash from fans, filmmakers, and cast members, including star Will Forte, who continued to publicly advocate for a release. The studio reportedly planned to take a $30 million tax write-off by abandoning the film, but fan pressure and industry support ultimately led to a different outcome.

A Director’s Gratitude and a Fans’ Fight

In his message, Green acknowledged the contributions of everyone involved in the film’s creation. ‘It’s a record of the cast and crew, post, prep, and animation teams who poured so much love and passion into it over years and years,’ he wrote. He also praised the audience for their role in the film’s survival, saying, ‘Your fight is the reason this film finally made it to the big screen.’

Green specifically thanked Ketchup Entertainment for stepping in and listening to the public demand. ‘Thank you @ketchupentertainment for hearing the audience. We’re so grateful that you did,’ he said on Instagram. The director emphasized that the film’s release was a testament to the power of persistence and audience engagement. ‘This is a celebration, it’s proof that movies don’t just go away,’ he added. ‘We make work so it can be seen and shared — that’s the whole reason we do what we do.’

Behind the Scenes: A Looney Tunes Reimagining

‘Coyote vs. Acme’ is a hybrid live-action and animated film set in the Looney Tunes universe. The story follows Wile E. Coyote as he sues the Acme Corporation after its products repeatedly fail him in his pursuit of the Road Runner. The film features a star-studded voice cast, including Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor, Eric Bauza, and Martha Kelly.

Green’s message concluded with a nod to the movie’s closing credits, which reportedly feature a special message for those who stayed until the end. The director’s enthusiasm for the project’s success reflects the broader sentiment among fans and creators who fought to see the film reach its audience. According to Deadline, Green had championed the effort to keep ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ from remaining in limbo, finding a path to theaters through Ketchup Entertainment’s acquisition and release strategy.