After a tumultuous journey involving studio shelving and a dramatic shift towards a tax write-off, Warner Bros. Discovery's live-action/animated film Coyote vs. Acme is finally set to premiere in theaters on August 28. The film, which had been completed and went through post-production, faced an uncertain future in November 2023 when Warner Bros. Discovery announced its decision to shelve it.
The project originated from a 1990 New Yorker article by Ian Frazier, which reimagined Wile E. Coyote suing the ACME Corporation for faulty products. Warner Bros. acquired the film rights, with James Gunn pitching the adaptation in 2015. Filming commenced in 2018, directed by Dave Green with a script by Samy Burch, and concluded after a few months.
Upon the shelving announcement, both fans and industry professionals voiced their opposition. Stars Will Forte and Eric Bauza also joined the chorus of disapproval. In response, Warner Bros. initially stated the film was for sale, but the asking price of $75 to $80 million proved prohibitive. The situation persisted for over a year until March 2025, when Ketchup Entertainment reportedly purchased Coyote vs. Acme for $50 million.
Directed by Dave Green and starring Will Forte as Wile E. Coyote's lawyer, Kevin Avery, and John Cena as ACME's legal counsel, the film is described as a blend of legal drama and buddy comedy. The narrative follows Avery as he takes on the ACME Corporation on behalf of the perpetually unsuccessful Wile E. Coyote. Avery's initial reluctance to pursue the case beyond a small settlement evolves as the Coyote's determination inspires him, mirroring the unexpected friendships seen in films like Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
The film has been praised for its humor, delivering rapid-fire jokes that range from physical gags to sharply written one-liners and subtle nods to Looney Tunes lore. These include references to animation legends like Tex Avery, Chuck Jones, and Michael Maltese through the naming of the law firm Avery, Jones, and Maltese. A significant mid-film reveal is noted for its comedic impact and faithfulness to the Looney Tunes spirit.
Coyote vs. Acme presents a world where humans and cartoon characters coexist normally, a departure from the more fantastical settings of Space Jam. The Looney Tunes characters, including Bugs Bunny, are integrated into this reality without the celebrity status they often hold, functioning as characters within the film's narrative. The animation style utilizes 3D rendering to emulate a 2D aesthetic, a compromise acknowledged by reviewers as a practical choice given the costs and technical demands of traditional 2D animation, while still capturing the essential character squash-and-stretch.
Character casting has also been highlighted as a strong point, with Foghorn Leghorn as the ACME corporation's blustering boss and Tweety Bird appearing as an ACME enforcer. Will Forte's performance opposite a silent, non-existent character is commended for its ability to convey emotional depth. John Cena's comedic performance as the bullying legal counsel is also singled out for its effectiveness, particularly in his interactions with Foghorn Leghorn and an unhinged scene with Tweety Bird.
Beyond its comedic elements, Coyote vs. Acme features an anti-corporate message that has gained an ironic resonance given the film's own production and distribution struggles. The movie is seen as a relevant critique of contemporary societal structures, even for audiences unaware of its behind-the-scenes drama. The review concludes by noting that Wile E. Coyote, an enduring underdog, finally gets his day in court, symbolizing a victory after a long and arduous journey, much like the film itself.