In one of the most celebrated cinematic revival stories in modern Hollywood, the hybrid live-action/animation comedy Coyote vs. Acme officially arrived in theaters worldwide on August 28, 2026. Rescued by distributor Ketchup Entertainment, the long-shelved film brings the iconic Looney Tunes character Wile E. Coyote back to the big screen in a courtroom showdown against the corporation behind all his failed gadgets.
Starring Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor, the film combines practical comedy, classic slapstick animation, and legal satire.
The Journey from Shelved Project to Theatrical Release
Originally produced under Warner Bros. Pictures, Coyote vs. Acme was shelved roughly three years ago as a tax write-down, despite being essentially complete. Following sustained pushback from critics, animation fans, and industry advocates, Ketchup Entertainment acquired the film for around $50 million in 2025, ensuring it finally reached theaters.
Plot Overview: Wile E. Coyote Takes Acme to Court
The narrative follows Wile E. Coyote who, after decades of defective anvils, rocket skates, and catapults failing during his pursuit of the Road Runner, hires a down-on-his-luck billboard attorney named Kevin Avery (Will Forte).
Together, they sue the shadowy mega-corporation Acme Corporation for product liability. John Cena stars as Acme’s formidable corporate defense attorney, leading to a courtroom showdown filled with explosive evidence demonstrations drawn straight from decades of classic Looney Tunes gags.
Why the Shelving Became a Hollywood Cautionary Tale
Coyote vs. Acme’s original shelving became one of the most widely criticized studio decisions in recent Hollywood memory. The film had reportedly tested well with audiences and was essentially finished, but Warner Bros. Discovery opted to write it off for tax purposes rather than release it, a decision that drew public criticism from film critics, animation industry figures, and even some of the film’s own cast. The backlash helped fuel broader industry conversations about studios shelving completed films purely for financial write-downs, and Coyote vs. Acme’s eventual rescue by Ketchup Entertainment is frequently cited as a rare case where that kind of public pressure actually changed a studio’s course.
Critical Reception and Box Office
The film has been a genuine critical success, holding a 95-96% “certified fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes (92% among audiences) and a Metacritic score of 77. Reviewers have praised the film’s earnest tone and the way it translates classic cartoon physics into live-action without losing the joke. At the box office, Coyote vs. Acme opened strong with $1.7 million in Thursday preview showings, with tracking projecting a $12-18 million opening weekend domestically.
Cast & Crew Lineup
- Will Forte: Plays Kevin Avery, Coyote’s enthusiastic underdog lawyer.
- John Cena: Features as the antagonist corporate lawyer representing Acme Corporation.
- Lana Condor: Stars as Paige, a supportive paralegal assisting the legal team.
- Eric Bauza: Provides voice work for classic Looney Tunes characters, including Wile E. Coyote.
Looney Tunes’ Big-Screen Comeback
Coyote vs. Acme’s release also marks a notable moment for the Looney Tunes property as a whole, following years of the characters being largely absent from major theatrical releases. The film’s hybrid approach — real actors sharing scenes with traditionally animated characters — harkens back to earlier live-action/animation hybrids while updating the format with modern visual effects. Eric Bauza, who has voiced the majority of the classic Looney Tunes roster across recent shorts and specials, brings continuity to Wile E. Coyote’s silent, expressive physical comedy, a key challenge given that the character has never spoken a word across more than six decades of cartoons. Industry watchers have suggested that a strong opening for Coyote vs. Acme could prompt Warner Bros. to revisit other shelved or dormant animation projects.
What a Strong Opening Could Mean for Animation Revivals
Beyond its own box office performance, Coyote vs. Acme’s release is being watched closely as a test case for whether a public campaign can actually reverse a studio’s decision to shelve a finished film. Industry analysts have noted that a strong opening weekend, combined with the film’s already-strong critical reception, would give other studios a clear financial incentive to reconsider similarly shelved projects rather than writing them off entirely. For Warner Bros., which faced significant criticism over the original decision, a successful theatrical run would also serve as a public reputational win following years of scrutiny over content removed from streaming platforms for tax purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Coyote vs. Acme out in theaters now?
Yes, Coyote vs. Acme officially opened in theaters worldwide on August 28, 2026.
Who acquired Coyote vs. Acme distribution rights?
Ketchup Entertainment acquired the film for roughly $50 million in 2025 after Warner Bros. had shelved it as a tax write-down.
How is Coyote vs. Acme doing with critics and at the box office?
The film holds a 95-96% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 77 on Metacritic, and opened with $1.7 million in Thursday previews ahead of a projected $12-18 million opening weekend.
Who plays the lead roles in Coyote vs. Acme?
The live-action cast features Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor alongside animated Looney Tunes icons voiced by Eric Bauza.
Why was Coyote vs. Acme originally shelved?
Warner Bros. Discovery shelved the completed film in 2023 as a tax write-down rather than releasing it, a decision that drew significant public and industry backlash before Ketchup Entertainment acquired it in 2025.
