The trailer for “Coyote vs. Acme” has been released, offering a first look at the long-delayed live-action/animation hybrid ahead of its theatrical debut Aug. 28.
Directed by Dave Green, the film follows Wile E. Coyote as he takes legal action against the Acme Corporation, whose products have repeatedly malfunctioned during his pursuit of the Road Runner. Will Forte stars as Coyote’s attorney, with John Cena playing opposing counsel.
The screenplay, written by Samy Burch, is inspired by a 1990 The New Yorker article that imagines a legal case against Acme. The film combines courtroom comedy with the Looney Tunes universe, placing animated characters in a contemporary legal setting and incorporating appearances from both well-known characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, and lesser-known figures from the franchise.
Originally developed for HBO Max, the film was completed with a reported budget of about $70 million before Warner Bros. opted not to move forward with its release in 2023 as part of a broader shift in distribution strategy under CEO David Zaslav. The decision followed similar cancellations of completed projects, including “Batgirl” and “Scoob! Holiday Haunt,” and drew industry attention at the time, given that the film was already finished.
In 2025, Ketchup Entertainment acquired the film for a reported $50 million, setting it on course for a global theatrical rollout nearly three years after its initial planned debut.
Forte has said he remains proud of the finished film and hopeful that its long and unusual path to release will ultimately help it reach a wider audience once it arrives in theaters this summer.
From Variety US
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