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Will Forte just revealed the official trailer for Coyote vs. Acme, the wildly anticipated live-action animated hybrid. The SNL alum plays Kevin Avery, an attorney representing Wile E. Coyote against the ruthless Acme Corporation. After years shelved by Warner Bros., the film finally arrives August 28, 2026.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Release Date: August 28, 2026 in theaters nationwide
- Lead Cast: Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor, Tone Bell, and numerous Looney Tunes characters
- Director: Dave Green, with screenplay by Samy Burch
- Distributor: Ketchup Entertainment acquired rights for approximately $50 million in 2025
The Courtroom Comedy Nobody Expected
Coyote vs. Acme reimagines the beloved Looney Tunes universe as a legal thriller. Wile E. Coyote, exhausted from decades of failed Acme products exploding in his face, finally takes action. Forte’s character Kevin Avery, a struggling down-and-out attorney, becomes Coyote’s unlikely champion in a lawsuit against corporate greed. The film blends live-action performances with 3D animation, creating a unique hybrid comparable to Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Director Dave Green envisioned this as a “David vs. Goliath” story that tackles capitalism and corporate responsibility. This isn’t just a gag-filled comedy, it’s a heartfelt narrative about friendship, persistence, and standing up against a faceless corporation.
Will Forte plays attorney in Coyote vs. Acme trailer, film arrives August 28
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An All-Star Lineup Brings the Story to Life
John Cena plays Buddy Crane, the intimidating corporate attorney defending Acme. Lana Condor portrays Paige Avery, Kevin’s niece who supports his quest. Tone Bell adds comedic relief as an ally to both heroes. The ensemble also features Luis Guzmán as the judge, plus legendary voice actor Eric Bauza bringing multiple Looney Tunes characters to life.
Beyond the live-action cast, iconic animated characters appear throughout. Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Marvin the Martian, and dozens more occupy significant supporting roles and cameos. The film honors these historic characters while introducing them to a new generation.
From Shelved to Saved: A Remarkable Journey
No film better embodies Hollywood’s dysfunction than this one. Warner Bros. Discovery completed the film in 2023, then shelved it entirely. The studio took a $30 million tax write-off, treating the finished movie like garbage instead of art. Industry legend Phil Lord called the move “anticompetitive,” while Christopher Miller urged studios to “go after it so the world can see all the good work.”
Will Forte personally denounced the cancellation, saying he felt “white hot anger” when learning Warner Bros. wanted to delete the film forever. The sentiment rippled through Hollywood, sparking #ReleaseCoyoteVsAcme hashtags that trended worldwide. The crew wasn’t even informed they’d been cancelled until after the film wrapped.
| Detail | Information |
| Original Release Date | July 21, 2023 (cancelled) |
| New Release Date | August 28, 2026 |
| Production Budget | $70-72 million |
| Acquisition Price | Approximately $50 million |
“I know that a lot of you haven’t gotten a chance to see our movie. And sadly, it’s looking like you never will. When I first heard that our movie was getting deleted, I hadn’t seen it yet. But then I saw it. And it’s incredible. Please know that all the years and years of hard work, dedication and love that you put into this movie shows in every frame.”
— Will Forte, Actor and Advocate for the Film
The Rescue Mission: Ketchup Entertainment Steps In
Ketchup Entertainment became the unlikely savior in March 2025. The distributor, fresh off acquiring The Day the Earth Blew Up, negotiated a deal worth around $50 million to bring the film worldwide. CEO statement celebrated this as “a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling, capturing the essence of the beloved Looney Tunes characters while introducing them to a new generation.”
The marketing campaign itself became brilliant commentary on the controversy. Official trailers feature Wile E. Coyote with signs reading “Happy Tax Day” and “Check Your Write-Offs,” mocking Warner Bros. directly. The slogan “The Movie Acme Doesn’t Want You to See” turns corporate villainy into advertising gold. The first trailer garnered 25.6 million views in just 24 hours, setting records for independent family films.
Will Audiences Finally Get Justice in August?
After three years of limbo, Will Forte and the entire cast can breathe again. The trailer promises laugh-out-loud courtroom chaos, Looney Tunes mayhem, and genuine heart. Director Dave Green crafted something special: a movie that respects classic animation while delivering contemporary commentary on corporate accountability.
The film saw praise from industry insiders who got early screenings. Critics called it “the best of its kind since Who Framed Roger Rabbit” and compared its energy to Barbie‘s playful iconography. This August, audiences will finally judge for themselves whether Wile E. Coyote gets justice or if Acme’s lawyers prevail.
Sources
- Deadline Hollywood – Comprehensive coverage of the film’s shelving, reversal, and Ketchup Entertainment acquisition
- Wikipedia – Complete production history, cast details, and cancellation timeline
- The Hollywood Reporter – Will Forte statements and industry reactions to the controversy
