COYOTE VS. ACME (FINAL TRAILER) 07.23.2026

Coyote vs. Acme: The Underdog Story That Refused to Stay Shelved – Coming to Theaters August 28, 2026

After decades of cartoon calamities—being flattened by anvils, rocketed into cliffs, and foiled by every gadget imaginable—Wile E. Coyote is finally fighting back. Not with another Acme contraption, but with a lawsuit. Coyote vs. Acme, the long-awaited live-action/animated hybrid comedy, arrives in theaters as one of the most resilient underdog tales in Hollywood history, both on-screen and behind the scenes.

A Fresh Take on a Classic Feud

Inspired by Ian Frazier’s iconic 1990 New Yorker article “Coyote v. Acme,” the film reimagines the eternal chase between Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner through a sharp legal lens. After countless faulty products from the Acme Corporation have backfired spectacularly in his pursuit of the speedy bird, the genius (but perpetually unlucky) Coyote teams up with a down-on-his-luck billboard attorney, Kevin Avery (Will Forte), to sue the massive conglomerate.

What unfolds is a hilarious David-vs.-Goliath courtroom battle laced with classic Looney Tunes slapstick, heartwarming friendship, and biting satire on corporate greed. Director Dave Green (Earth to Echo, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows) blends live-action with vibrant animation in a style that pays homage to Who Framed Roger Rabbit, while delivering modern laughs. Expect wall-to-wall gags, deep-cut cameos from beloved characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Foghorn Leghorn, and more (voiced by the legendary Eric Bauza), and a story that finally gives the Coyote the respect—and agency—he deserves.

Editor Carsten Kurpanek described it as a story of persistence against “the cynical and casual cruelness of capitalism,” while writers (screenplay by Samy Burch, story by Burch, James Gunn, and Jeremy Slater) infuse genuine heart into the Coyote’s plight. It’s not just another cartoon; it’s a buddy comedy where man and animated coyote form an unlikely bond that motivates them to take on the system.

Star Power and Standout Performances

• Will Forte (The Last Man on Earth, MacGruber) brings his signature comedic timing and everyman charm as Kevin Avery, the earnest lawyer who finds purpose in the case.
• John Cena (Peacemaker, The Suicide Squad) is perfectly cast as Buddy Crane, the intimidating Acme defense attorney and Kevin’s former boss—delivering both menace and laughs in a role that leverages his wrestling charisma and acting range.
• Lana Condor (To All the Boys series) plays Paige Avery, adding warmth and family dynamics.
• Supporting turns include Tone Bell, P.J. Byrne, Martha Kelly, and Luis Guzmán as the judge, alongside a host of Looney Tunes icons.

Produced by James Gunn (under Troll Court Entertainment) and Chris DeFaria, with a budget around $70–72 million, the film features cinematography by Brandon Trost and a score by Steven Price. Visual effects by DNEG masterfully integrate 3D animation guided by 2D traditional techniques for authentic Looney Tunes energy.

From Near-Extinction to Triumphant Release

The road to theaters has been as chaotic as one of the Coyote’s schemes. Filmed in New Mexico in 2022, Coyote vs. Acme earned rave test screenings—reportedly scoring in the high 90s, well above average for family films—with early viewers calling it “delightful,” “hilarious,” “charming,” and “the best version of the Looney Tunes on the big screen ever.” Creators like Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Paul Scheer praised its smart humor, heart, and visual comedy.

In late 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery controversially shelved the completed film for a tax write-off, sparking massive backlash, fan campaigns (#ReleaseCoyoteVsAcme), and even congressional attention. The reversal came after public outcry, with the film eventually acquired by Ketchup Entertainment for distribution. It’s a real-life triumph of persistence mirroring the story itself.

The marketing has leaned into this drama with flair, with trailers playfully positioning Acme as the studio that “didn’t want you to see” the movie. The final trailer has generated huge buzz, and tickets are already on sale for the U.S. release on August 28, 2026 (August 21 in the UK and Ireland).

Why You Need to See This Movie

Coyote vs. Acme promises non-stop laughs for families and animation fans, nostalgic callbacks for longtime Looney Tunes devotees, and timely wit that feels fresh. It honors the slapstick legacy while adding emotional depth—turning a perennial loser into a relatable hero who refuses to give up. In a summer movie landscape often dominated by spectacle, this is a clever, heartfelt comedy that celebrates creativity, friendship, and fighting impossible odds.

Don’t miss your chance to witness cartoon history in the making. Wile E. Coyote’s greatest adventure is here—and this time, the explosion is one of pure joy. Grab your tickets, bring the whole family (or your inner child), and get ready for the ultimate Acme showdown. Beep beep!

Release Date: August 28, 2026 (US) Rated: PG Genre: Comedy, Animation, Adventure, Family Runtime: 103 minutes

This is the movie event of the year for anyone who’s ever rooted for the underdog—or cheered when the anvil finally missed. See it on the big screen where it belongs.