“Coyote vs. Acme,” a live-action/CGI hybrid comedy, was shelved by Warner Bros. in 2023 for a tax write-off despite its $70 million budget and very positive test screenings. Following the announcement, the studio faced intense backlash, prompting them to reconsider their decision and attempt to sell the film. However, they rejected offers from several studios, and the film returned to the shelf.
Ultimately, Ketchup Entertainment acquired the movie in March 2025 for a reported $50 million, and it is set to hit theaters on August 28th.
WWE legend John Cena, who co-stars in the film, spoke with Entertainment Weekly about various topics, including the film’s initial shelving and how this situation was beyond his control.
Cena said, “I am hired by an employer to do a task, and it’s my job to prepare as much as I can, be early, be coachable, be passionate, and be reliable. I do that and hope for the best. Those expectations are beyond my control, so it doesn’t make me view the business any differently. Keep in mind, it is the movie business.”
On Warner Bros.’ decision:
“Sometimes, business decisions are things that we don’t see through the same lens. Of course, I want my work seen by an audience. That’s how I can accept both the positive and the negative and get better as a performer. But I don’t own my performance. I’m contracted to do a job, and the person who owns it gets to decide what happens with it.”
On making the film:
“I can put my heart and soul into it, 2,000 hours worth of craftsmanship on this thing, and you take the keys and put it in your garage for no one to see. You own it; you can do whatever you want with it. Even if the movie never saw the light of day, the takeaway I have is that, with the things within my control, I got to be there on the ground with people who made me better and people I care about, and I got to do the thing.”
On the film finally getting released:
“[It’s] a testament to the audience [who] kept this in the conversation for four years. I think that’s fantastic, and I can’t wait to hear the positive and the negative that’s going to come out of it. I always love good critique of my work. People are creative with their curse words.”
