(SeaPRwire) – Among the major film studios, Warner Bros. has gained a reputation for its particularly ruthless approach to its own productions. While companies like Disney have removed original content from streaming platforms to cut costs, Warner Bros. has taken things a step further by shelving completed films to claim tax write-offs. This trend began with Batgirl, followed by several Scooby-Doo projects. Coyote vs. Acme nearly met the same fate, but following significant public outcry, the film was rescued from the vault by independent distributor Ketchup Entertainment.
Originally scheduled for a July 2023 debut, this live-action and animation hybrid is now slated for an August 2026 release, and we finally have a glimpse of the project we almost lost. You can view the trailer below.
Coyote vs. Acme is not your standard Looney Tunes feature. Inspired by a New Yorker piece by humorist Ian Frazier, the film follows Wile E. Coyote as he initiates a lawsuit against the Acme Corporation after their faulty products consistently fail him in his attempts to catch the Roadrunner. The trailer introduces lawyer Kevin Avery (Will Forte), who represents the Coyote in a suit against Acme and its ruthless attorney, Buddy Crane (John Cena). The film also features appearances by iconic characters such as Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig.
The movie is more than just a series of slapstick gags; a significant portion of the narrative functions as a legal drama featuring cartoon characters testifying in court. Although Wile E. Coyote remains silent, he finds a way to stand up against corporate power.
The film boasts an impressive creative team to complement its cast. The screenplay was penned by Samy Burch, the Oscar-nominated writer of Todd Haynes’ May December, based on a story developed by Burch, Moon Knight head writer Jeremy Slater, and current DC Studios Co-President James Gunn.
Ketchup Entertainment has previous experience with the Looney Tunes franchise: the sci-fi adventure The Day the Earth Blew Up was initially intended for HBO Max, but after Warner Bros. opted to seek other distributors, it received a theatrical release that earned largely favorable reviews.
With its unique premise, blend of animation and live-action, and high-profile talent, Coyote vs. Acme is poised to attract theatergoers. However, its most compelling hook may be its troubled history—the fact that it is a film Warner Bros. attempted to bury. As comedian Gianmarco Soresi noted on X, “I feel like I have a moral responsibility to see this movie.”
Coyote vs. Acme premieres in theaters on August 28, 2026.
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