Coyote vs Acme secures theatrical release after shelving
Developed over time first seen 2 months ago
Coyote vs. ACME will receive a theatrical release on 28 August after Ketchup Entertainment acquired the completed film, ending its long period in limbo following Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to shelve it as a tax loss. Polygon’s review argues that the film’s release is justified, praising it as a funny and affectionate mix of legal drama, buddy comedy and Looney Tunes-style comedy.
The story follows Wile E. Coyote suing ACME over its repeatedly faulty products, aided by Will Forte’s underachieving small-claims lawyer Kevin Avery. Adapted from Ian Frazier’s 1990 New Yorker satire, the film was greenlit in 2018, filmed in 2022 and cancelled in November 2023 before Warner reportedly sought $75–80 million for it; Ketchup Entertainment reportedly bought it for $50 million in March 2025.
- Coyote vs. ACME reaches cinemas after a controversial shelving.
- The review praises its rapid-fire Looney Tunes humour.
- Ketchup Entertainment reportedly acquired the film for $50 million.
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Coyote vs. ACME is a live-action and animated comedy based on the long-running Looney Tunes cartoons. Wile E. Coyote is best known for repeatedly using ACME gadgets in unsuccessful attempts to catch the Road Runner, with the products often failing in spectacular ways.
The film turns that familiar joke into a court case, with the Coyote taking action against the fictional ACME company over its defective equipment. Will Forte plays the struggling lawyer who represents him, alongside animated Looney Tunes characters.
Warner Bros. Discovery had previously decided not to release the completed film, a move that drew attention because major studios sometimes cancel finished projects for financial reasons. Its reported sale to Ketchup Entertainment has allowed the film to return to cinemas.
More coverage
- Variety — ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Review: Wile E. Coyote Stars in a Courtroom Comedy That Blends Cartoons and Live Action. But the Fizz of Anarchy Is Missing
- Collider — ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Review: Warner Bros.' Shelved Looney Tunes Movie Was Worth the Wait
- Consequence — Coyote vs. Acme Is a True Triumph for the Underdog (or Eatius Birdius): Review
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Polygon as “Review: ‘Coyote vs Acme’ Is Too Good To Have Been Canceled by Warner Bros.”.