With Stellar Reviews, Was WB Wrong to Shelve ‘Coyote vs. Acme’?

Coyote vs. Acme is finally headed to theaters after Warner Bros. tried to bury it as a tax write-off. Now the live-action and animated comedy is carrying a 94 percent early score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 37 reviews at the time of reporting. That’s a strong start, but early review scores should always be treated with some caution. Hollywood has no shortage of outlets that confuse access with criticism, so they should be taken with a grain of salt. Nevertheless, if these reviews are on the level, Coyote vs. Acme could be that rare, rescued studio project that actually deserved to be saved. Warner Bros. shelved the completed film in November 2023 while seeking a reported $30 million tax write-off. The decision sparked backlash from filmmakers, fans, and people who were tired of watching corporate managers treat finished work like a line item. Public pressure forced Warner Bros. to let the filmmakers seek another buyer. Ketchup Entertainment bought the worldwide rights in 2025 for a reported price near $50 million. The film is now set for a wide theatrical release on August 28, 2026. The story puts Wile E. Coyote in court against the ACME Corporation. After years of being blown up,...