‘Coyote Vs. Acme’ Finally Gets A Theatrical Release Date, But It’s Gonna Be A While

Announced today at Comic-Con, the long-suffering live-action/animation hybrid Coyote vs. Acme is officially heading to theaters on August 28, 2026, marking a triumphant comeback for the film that was once shelved and nearly lost to corporate write-offs.

In a story with more ups and downs than your average Wile E. Coyote short, the feature was originally completed and then abruptly scrapped by Warner Bros. in late 2023 for a $115 million tax write-off. Coyote vs. Acme sparked industry-wide outrage and a grassroots campaign to save it. More than just a fan movement, the film’s backing included cast and crew members, industry heavyweights, and even mentions in Congress, all rallying to save the film.

Now distributed by Ketchup Entertainment, Coyote vs. Acme’s creators appeared at San Diego Comic-Con today to announce its release and celebrate the underdog journey. Star Will Forte, who plays attorney Kevin Avery in the film, expressed disbelief at the outcome. “I had kind of given up hope at a certain point, so this is amazing,” he said, according to The Hollywood Reporter, before calling the lobbying fans “the real hero of this movie.”

Directed by Dave Green and written by Samy Burch, the film centers on Wile E. Coyote suing the Acme Corporation for years of faulty products. According to a Cartoon Brew write-up, penned after a special screening of the finished film, the tone, while packed with slapstick and visual comedy, also delivers an unexpected emotional punch, resulting in “as rich a psychological portrait of a cartoon character that has ever been put onto film and it delivers the kind of emotional gut punch that in all my years of loving Looney Tunes I never believed was even possible.”

Footage shown at Comic-Con, including a courtroom showdown featuring John Cena and a cryptic call from what appeared to be Bugs Bunny, drew cheers from the crowd.

Once dismissed by its original studio, Coyote vs. Acme now boasts more buzz than any marketing budget could have ever generated.