Coyote vs. Acme (2026): Release Date, Trailer, Cast and Everything We Know

Credit:- Ketchup Entertainment

From almost being shelved as a tax write-off to finally heading to theaters this year, it has been a long and difficult road for Coyote vs. Acme. Despite being WB’s mascot for much of the 20th century, things have been far less favorable for Looney Tunes in the 21st century, particularly after WB’s merger with Discovery, which led to David Zaslav’s aggressive cost-cutting measures. And this live-action animation hybrid proved to be one of this regime’s biggest casualties.

Fortunately for fans, the movie will not be lost to corporate turmoil, thanks to Ketchup Entertainment, which acquired the movie last year and will distribute it in theaters later this year. Although a full trailer has yet to be released, the movie’s journey to the big screen already marks a significant win for the IP and its fans.

Here’s everything to know about Coyote vs. Acme as it approaches its long-awaited release.

When is Coyote vs. Acme Releasing?

After three years of uncertainty, the movie will be heading to theaters on August 28, with a full nationwide release expected, as Ketchup Entertainment CEO Gareth Edwards previously suggested they were aiming to bring the movie to audiences across the country.

This won’t be the studio’s first foray into distributing Looney Tunes titles, as they also backed The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie after Warner Bros. Discovery, under David Zaslav, opted not to distribute the movie themselves. Moreover, with Ketchup Entertainment commencing marketing for the movie, it’s safe to say this will be a higher-profile release compared to The Day the Earth Blew Up.

Coyote vs. Acme Full Cast Detail

The movie is filled with some high-profile figures, including Will Forte, who stars as Wile E. Coyote’s lawyer, Kevin Avery, and John Cena as Buddy Crane, the Acme Corporation’s lawyer.

Beyond the live-action characters, director Dave Green previously confirmed that a plethora of Looney Tunes characters, including Tweety, Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, and Foghorn Leghorn, will appear in supporting roles and cameos. Longtime Looney Tunes voice artist Eric Bauza will lend his voice for several of these icons. As for the live-action cast, here’s an overview of the cast and their characters.

• Will Forte as Kevin Avery
• Lana Condor as Paige Avery
• John Cena as Buddy Crane,
• P. J. Byrne as Bill Pellicano
• Luis Guzmán as the judge
• Tone Bell
• Martha Kelly

What is Coyote vs. Acme About?

A still from Coyote vs. Acme | Credit: Ketchup Entertainment

After decades of failing to catch the Road Runner with his defective gadgets, Coyote teams up with a struggling lawyer, played by Forte, to sue Acme Corporation, responsible for the products.

The story comes from James Gunn, who also co-produced the movie. However, the DC head later clarified that he didn’t pen the movie, with Samy Burch credited as the primary writer, while Jeremy Slater worked on earlier drafts based on the story from Gunn (via Threads).

Following the sheer talent behind the production, it comes as no surprise that the movie reportedly achieved stellar test screenings before WB pulled the plug.

Why Did WBD Shelve Coyote vs. Acme?

Warner Bros Logo | Credit: Warner Bros.

Under David Zaslav, Warner Bros. Discovery became infamous for aggressive cost-cutting measures, and as it goes, the live-action animated hybrid title was one of its most high-profile victims, alongside Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt.

Instead of releasing the movie, which was fully completed on a reported $70 million budget, WBD opted to take an estimated $30 million tax write-off (via Deadline). The studio even held a funeral screening for the movie and reportedly rejected bids from major buyers like Netflix and Paramount. And to say the backlash was immense would be an understatement, and the movie’s lead, Will Forte, didn’t back down from expressing his frustration about WB shelving the finished title (via EW).

Fortunately, Ketchup Entertainment saved the day by acquiring the movie’s worldwide rights for $50 million, which is surprisingly lower than the reported bids from Netflix and other major studios that WBD ended up rejecting.

Is There a Trailer for Coyote vs. Acme?

Looney Tunes (Wile E. Coyote vs Road Runner) | Credit: WB

Ketchup Entertainment detailed that a trailer for the movie will be released sometime next weekend. However, they did give us a brief footage that seemingly takes a shot at WB shelving the title for a mere tax write-off, which is brilliant.

Although the story of this movie being rescued has been inspiring, it’s genuinely depressing that a completed film, which hundreds of artists and crew members put hours and passion into, can be scrapped from existence for the bottom line.

Are you excited for the movie? Share your thoughts below!

Coyote vs. Acme will release on April 28 (USA).