The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›Coyote vs. Acme
Entertainment • Film

Coyote vs. Acme

Coyote vs.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Coyote vs. Acme is an upcoming American live-action/animated legal comedy film based on the Looney Tunes character Wile E. Coyote and the fictional New Yorker article by Ian Frazier. Directed by Dave Green, it follows Coyote as he sues the Acme Corporation over defective products that repeatedly failed him in his pursuit of the Road Runner. The film was completed, shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery in 2023, and later acquired by Ketchup Entertainment for theatrical release.

Premise

The story follows Wile E. Coyote after repeated failures involving Acme products in his attempts to catch the Road Runner. He teams up with a human lawyer to sue the Acme Corporation, turning the premise into a legal comedy.

Production

The film is directed by Dave Green and written by Samy Burch from a story by Burch, James Gunn, and Jeremy Slater. It was produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation.

Release history

Warner Bros. Discovery shelved the completed film in 2023, but public backlash followed. Ketchup Entertainment later acquired the film and set a theatrical release for 2026.

Cast

The cast includes Will Forte, Lana Condor, Tone Bell, and John Cena. Will Forte plays Kevin Avery, while John Cena plays Buddy Crane, an opposing attorney.

Key facts

  • The film combines live-action and animation and features Wile E. Coyote in a courtroom story.
  • It is based on Ian Frazier’s 1990 New Yorker article "Coyote v. Acme."
  • Will Forte plays Kevin Avery, a lawyer who represents Coyote.
  • The film was shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery in 2023 after completion.
  • Ketchup Entertainment acquired global distribution rights in 2025.
  • Its theatrical release is scheduled for August 28, 2026 in the United States.
🍁
Canadian context

The film is part of the wider Looney Tunes franchise, which has long been popular in Canada through theatrical, television, and home entertainment releases.

Frequently asked questions

What is Coyote vs. Acme about?
It is a legal comedy in which Wile E. Coyote sues the Acme Corporation over defective products that repeatedly failed him.
Is Coyote vs. Acme a live-action film?
It is a live-action/animated hybrid film featuring both human actors and animated characters.
Who directed Coyote vs. Acme?
Dave Green directed the film.
When will Coyote vs. Acme be released?
It is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on August 28, 2026.
Why was Coyote vs. Acme in the news before release?
Warner Bros. Discovery shelved the completed film in 2023, and it was later acquired by Ketchup Entertainment for release.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coyote_vs._Acme
    Supports: Basic film information, premise, cast, production credits, and release date.
  2. The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/apr/01/coyote-vs-acme-70m-looney-tunes-film-to-be-released-after-being-canned-by-warner-bros
    Supports: Shelving by Warner Bros. Discovery and later acquisition by Ketchup Entertainment.
  3. Variety — https://variety.com/2025/film/news/coyote-vs-acme-release-date-1236471190/
    Supports: Release date, acquisition by Ketchup Entertainment, and premise.
  4. The Hollywood Reporter — https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/coyote-vs-acme-trailer-1236570809/
    Supports: Trailer coverage, release timing, and storyline details.