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After a tumultuous journey, 'Coyote vs. Acme' made a triumphant return to the spotlight at San Diego Comic-Con 2025. The film’s creative team and cast gathered to announce that the long-shelved animated/live-action hybrid is officially set to hit theatres on 28th August, 2026, with distribution now handled by Ketchup Entertainment following Warner Bros.' highly publicised decision to cancel its release.
Will Forte, who stars as attorney Kevin Avery, appeared emotional as he addressed the Comic-Con crowd. Reflecting on the film’s uncertain fate, he shared how he had nearly lost hope that 'Coyote vs. Acme' would ever reach audiences. The news of its revival and upcoming release left him overwhelmed and grateful.
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Image Courtesy: IMDb
What Did 'Coyote vs. Acme' Offer?
At the panel, fans got a first look at the movie with a funny, throwback clip of Wile E. Coyote’s failed attempts to catch the Road Runner, all set to Johnny Cash’s cover of 'Hurt' by Nine Inch Nails. The sequence gave way to a scene introducing Forte’s character, who appears in a commercial as a determined lawyer promising justice for Coyote’s misfortunes. His pitch, filled with absurd legal metaphors and cartoon logic, drew loud laughs and cheers from the audience.
The movie mixes silly slapstick comedy with a clever courtroom satire. The plot centres on Wile E. Coyote filing a lawsuit against the Acme Corporation, the fictional manufacturer of the gadgets that have repeatedly failed him. Forte plays the passionate attorney taking on the case. John Cena, featured in additional footage revealed later in the panel, portrays Acme’s defence attorney, accusing Coyote of recklessness. One courtroom sequence ends in true 'Looney Tunes' fashion—with the legal team’s demonstration turning into a fiery explosion.
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Image Courtesy: IMDb
In another scene, Forte’s character receives a cryptic phone call from an anonymous source who sounds suspiciously like Bugs Bunny, teasing a deeper conspiracy and a possible cameo from the iconic character. This moment, along with the debut of an action-packed teaser trailer, set the stage for what looks to be a bold, comedic, and heartfelt addition to the 'Looney Tunes' universe.
The panel featured director Dave Green, voice actors Eric Bauza and Martha Kelly, screenwriter Samy Burch, and moderator Paul Scheer. Interestingly, none of the speakers mentioned Warner Bros. during the discussion—an apparent nod to the controversy that nearly shelved the film permanently.
Will Forte Credits Fans For 'Coyote vs. Acme'
Forte thanked the fans for helping save the movie. He said their determination was just like Wile E. Coyote’s never-give-up attitude. According to him, this film only made it to a global release because fans pushed back, fought for it, and believed in it.
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Image Courtesy: IMDb
Based on Ian Frazier’s satirical 1990 New Yorker piece 'Coyote v. Acme,' the film blends live-action performances with classic 'Looney Tunes' animation. The script was written by Samy Burch, with story contributions from James Gunn and Jeremy Slater. Green’s direction aims to honour the absurdist charm of the original cartoons while injecting new life into their timeless humour.
In late 2023, The Hollywood Reporter shared that Warner Bros. planned to cancel the finished film to claim a \$115 million tax break. After fan-led backlash and industry criticism, Ketchup Entertainment stepped in to secure distribution rights earlier this year.
As excitement builds toward its 2026 release, 'Coyote vs. Acme' now stands as a testament to creative perseverance, fan advocacy, and the enduring legacy of Looney Tunes storytelling.
