Coyote vs. Acme Will Arrive on Digital Platforms
The live-action hybrid film will be available for digital purchase and rental starting on September 29, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Animation
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Ketchup Entertainment will release the film Coyote vs. Acme for digital purchase and rental in the United States on September 29, 2026. This move follows a successful theatrical debut for the hybrid project that features live-action actors alongside animated Looney Tunes characters.
Why it matters
The digital release offers audiences a chance to view the film after Warner Bros. Discovery previously intended to permanently shelve the project as a tax write-off in 2023. Ketchup Entertainment secured the distribution rights to ensure the movie reached viewers.
The film will retail for $24.99 for digital purchase or a 48-hour rental period. It follows a limited theatrical run that began on August 28, 2026.
The players
Ketchup Entertainment
This independent distributor acquired the rights to the film to facilitate its public release.
Warner Bros. Discovery
This media conglomerate originally developed the film through its animation division for HBO Max before opting to shelf it.
The details
The movie utilizes a hybrid format that blends live-action performances with classic animated Looney Tunes characters. Fans can access the title through Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and YouTube Movies & TV.
Timeline
November 2023: Warner Bros. announced a plan to shelve the project as a tax write-off.
March 2025: Ketchup Entertainment acquired the distribution rights from Warner Bros.
August 28, 2026: The film debuted in theaters across the United States.
September 29, 2026: Digital purchase and rental availability begins.
Industry Dynamics
The rescue of this project marks a departure from the recent industry trend of shelving completed films for tax write-offs, similar to the 2022 cancellation of Batgirl. It reflects a shift where independent distributors may step in to salvage titles that major studios deem non-viable.
Viewers can access the film on major digital platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube Movies & TV starting September 29, 2026. Each purchase or rental is priced at $24.99, allowing for either permanent ownership or a 48-hour viewing window.
The takeaway
The journey of this film demonstrates how independent distributors can successfully intervene to bring previously discarded creative work to the public. Consumers benefit from this market shift by gaining access to projects that were once expected to remain hidden in studio vaults.
Further reading
For more on the latest trends in the film industry, see our coverage of Animation.
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Should studios be permitted to shelve completed films solely for corporate tax write-offs?
