Warner Bros in Talks to Sell Shelved John Cena Movie ‘Coyote vs. Acme’
If the deal is finalised, the film is expected to hit theatres in 2026.
Hollywood studio Warner Bros is reportedly in negotiations to sell its scrapped live-action/animated hybrid film ‘Coyote vs. Acme’, starring John Cena. According to Deadline, independent distributor Ketchup Entertainment is expected to acquire the film’s distribution rights, with the deal estimated at around $50 million.
The decision to sell comes more than a year after Warner Bros shocked the film’s team by shelving the nearly completed project to claim a tax write-off. The studio had previously axed Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt for similar reasons. ‘Coyote vs. Acme’, directed by Dave Green and produced by DC Studios co-chief James Gunn, was made on a $70 million budget and features Cena alongside Lana Condor.
At the time of cancellation, Green expressed disappointment, saying, “Along the ride, we were embraced by test audiences who rewarded us with fantastic scores. I am beyond proud of the final product.”
Ketchup Entertainment, which recently released ‘The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie’, is now negotiating an all-rights acquisition of Coyote vs. Acme. If the deal is finalised, the film is expected to hit theatres in 2026.
John Cena also addressed the shelving of the movie in an interview with The Wrap, acknowledging the complexities of the industry. “That’s the tough part about this business, you do have a sense of ownership because you invest heart and soul,” he said. While he wished the film had been given a chance, he added, “I have to believe in the process. My heart and soul is in there, but it’s somebody else’s project to do what they want with.”
With negotiations progressing, fans may finally get to see ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ on the big screen after all.
