Overview
- Warner Bros. shelved the finished film in November 2023 and took a reported $30 million tax write‑down when it removed the movie from its release slate.
- Ketchup Entertainment acquired distribution rights in May 2025 and set a wide theatrical release for August 28, 2026.
- Early critic screenings in August 2026 have produced overwhelmingly positive notices and an aggregate Rotten Tomatoes score near 96 percent.
- Promotion has leaned into the movie’s backstory with playful in‑universe materials, Comic‑Con previews and talent responses to keep fan interest high.
- Observers say the film’s box‑office and audience response will be watched closely as a gauge of whether rescued, shelved projects can restore value and change studio handling of legacy IP.