Coyote vs. Acme

Coyote vs. Acme — Release Date: 28 August 2026. Directed by Dave Green and written by Samy Burch from a story by Burch, James Gunn, and Jeremy Slater, the American live-action/animated comedy stars Will Forte, Lana Condor, John Cena, Tone Bell, Luis Guzmán, and Martha Kelly, alongside the iconic Looney Tunes characters voiced by Eric Bauza, Jim Cummings, Candi Milo, and Kenneth Choi. Based on Ian Frazier’s 1990 The New Yorker article Coyote v. Acme, the film reimagines one of animation’s most enduring running gags as a courtroom comedy about justice, perseverance, and corporate accountability.

The story follows Wile E. Coyote, whose countless attempts to catch the Road Runner have repeatedly ended in failure because of malfunctioning Acme Corporation products. Frustrated after years of disastrous gadgets and inventions, Wile E. hires struggling billboard attorney Kevin Avery to file a lawsuit against Acme. As the unlikely partnership develops, Kevin begins to see the case as an opportunity to rebuild his career, while Wile E. seeks long-overdue justice. Standing in their way is Buddy Crane, Kevin’s former boss and Acme’s powerful attorney, who is determined to protect the corporation’s reputation at any cost. The courtroom battle gradually evolves into a larger conflict between an ordinary underdog and an influential corporation.

Will Forte stars as attorney Kevin Avery, while Lana Condor plays his niece Paige Avery. John Cena portrays Acme’s lawyer Buddy Crane, with Tone Bell, Martha Kelly, and Luis Guzmán appearing in key supporting roles. Longtime Looney Tunes voice actor Eric Bauza returns to voice several classic characters, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety, and Foghorn Leghorn, alongside performances from Jim Cummings, Candi Milo, and Kenneth Choi. The film combines live-action performances with modern animation while honoring the visual style and comedic spirit of the classic Looney Tunes shorts.

Directed by Dave Green, Coyote vs. Acme blends courtroom comedy, family entertainment, and nostalgic animation with themes of resilience, friendship, and standing up against corporate power. The production attracted widespread attention after Warner Bros. Discovery shelved the completed film in 2023 before later allowing it to be sold. Following strong public support and industry backing, Ketchup Entertainment acquired the worldwide rights in 2025, paving the way for its theatrical release. After premiering at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, the film is scheduled to open in U.S. theaters on 28 August 2026.