NEXSTAR reports that “Coyote vs. Acme,” a live-action/animated feature film, has been saved from potential obscurity after Warner Bros. Discovery decided to halt its release in 2023. Last month, Ketchup Entertainment announced that it has acquired the rights to the film, planning a theatrical debut in 2026.

The Fate of Shelved Projects

This film is one of three projects that Warner Bros. Discovery chose to abandon, a decision made in exchange for tax write-offs. The other two films include “Batgirl,” starring Leslie Grace and Michael Keaton, and “Scoob! Holiday Haunt,” a sequel to the 2020 animated film “Scoob!” All three titles were greenlit before significant changes in leadership occurred at Warner Bros., coinciding with the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc. back in 2022.

CEO’s Perspective on the Decision

David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, discussed the reasoning behind the decision at the 2023 New York Times DealBook Summit. He stated that the company’s future vision necessitated some difficult choices, making it impractical to invest further resources into promoting films that did not align with this vision:

“When I look at the health of our company today, we needed to make those decisions. It took real courage.”

Ketchup Entertainment Steps In

Fans of the Looney Tunes will be pleased to hear that Ketchup Entertainment has successfully negotiated to bring “Coyote vs. Acme” to audiences worldwide, tantalizing fans with its unique mix of nostalgia and modern storytelling:

“’Coyote vs Acme’ is a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling, capturing the essence of the beloved Looney Tunes characters while introducing them to a new generation,” stated Gareth West, Ketchup’s CEO.

Other Films Left in Limbo

While “Coyote vs. Acme” sees new life, not all shelved films have been so fortunate. Below is a brief overview of five notable films that may never reach audiences:

• Batgirl: This DC Comics film had almost completed production when shelved. With a cast that included Leslie Grace and Michael Keaton, it faced financial scrutiny after leadership changes at WBD.
• Golden: A musical loosely inspired by Pharrell Williams’s youth, it was halted during post-production when creators felt it didn’t meet their expectations.
• A Woman of the Sea: A silent film from 1926 produced by Charlie Chaplin, it was destroyed for tax reasons after Chaplin deemed it inadequate.
• The Day the Clown Cried: Jerry Lewis’s film on the Holocaust was never released. Lewis later expressed his regret, describing the film as misguided.
• Gore: Starring Kevin Spacey, this biopic was canceled amid misconduct allegations against Spacey, despite its completion.