‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Review: Warner Bros.’ Shelved Looney Tunes Movie Was Worth the Wait

Coyote vs. Acme. Batgirl. Scoob! Holiday — What do all of these films have in common? They’re all projects that were shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery for tax write-offs three years ago. Projects that no one thought would ever be released to the public, until Coyote vs. Acme did the impossible when the conglomerate agreed to sell the movie to another distributor, Ketchup Entertainment. It’s been a long road for Dave Green’s comedy, but I’m pleased to report that it was absolutely worth the wait. Whether you’ve been following the film’s tumultuous journey to the big screen for years and participating in the #SaveCoyoteVsAcme campaign, or coming in blind with nothing more than curiosity or some latent Looney Tunes nostalgia, odds are you’re going to be satisfied.

What Is ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ About?

Wile E. Coyote has been trying to capture Road Runner for years through increasingly elaborate traps involving Acme products. Unfortunately for him, all of his schemes have not only proven unsuccessful but dangerous, as he’s suffered countless injuries due to the faulty Acme items. Fed up, he decides to sue the company after seeing a small law firm’s commercial claiming they can help.

There, he meets attorney Kevin Avery (Will Forte), who is simply going through the motions after losing his ambition and passion for helping people. While initially reluctant to take on Wile E. Coyote’s case, as it is far bigger than what he’s used to, his perky niece and intern Paige (Lana Condor) tries to convince him that it’s the right thing to do. After ultimately being backed into a corner, Kevin agrees to represent Wile E. Coyote against Acme’s ruthless lawyer Buddy Crane (John Cena), with whom he shares a complicated history. Acme may have infinitely more resources at their disposal, but Kevin and his team have grit, integrity, and truth on their side. Will it be enough to get Wile E. Coyote the justice he deserves? Or is it a task as hopeless as his endless quest to capture Road Runner?

‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Is Boisterous, Fast-Paced Fun

Image via Ketchup Entertainment

Coyote vs. Acme is one of the funniest comedies of the year. Samy Burch’s clever script is stuffed with a truly impressive number of jokes per minute, and Green’s smart direction has them flying by at a nonstop pace, already presenting you with the next hilarious moment before you’re even done laughing at the previous one. The combination of visual gags and sharp dialogue — often happening simultaneously — means there’s never a dull second. Sure, some of the slapstick shenanigans become a bit redundant toward the end, but they’re never repetitive enough to feel lazy or irritating.

The film is also a visual feast, seamlessly blending animation and live-action. It joins the ranks of beloved upper echelon of movies that have previously employed these techniques, like Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Space Jam, while still feeling fresh and unique. Whether intentional or by happy accident, the latest Looney Tunes pic also has some comedic parallels to Better Call Saul, what with the scrappy Albuquerque law firm, its over-the-top advertisements, and dramatic desert showdowns. The cinematography and costume design both serve to immerse the viewer in the setting, giving it a distinctlive New Mexico flair.

The performances are excellent across the board. Everyone has a clear understanding of the tone and commits 100%, though perhaps no one as fully as John Cena. Cena is not afraid to be seriously silly, and his scenes plotting with (and deferring to) Acme CEO Foghorn Leghorn stand out in a film packed with great moments. The other MVP goes to Martha Kelly, who plays one of Kevin’s associates. Her deadpan delivery had me laughing every time she opened her mouth.

Forte and Condor are equally great as the film’s slightly more grounded forces. Forte makes for the perfect straight man navigating the chaos around him, as well as the film’s reluctant hero. Condor is sunshine personified as Paige, with a positive, can-do attitude impossible not to root for. She acts as the moral center of the film — a bubbly Erin Brockovich figure who’s unafraid to face Goliath.

‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Is Surprisingly Timely and Heartfelt

Image via Warner Bros.

Coyote vs. Acme’s message is comedically relevant and meta when you take its road to release into account. No punch is pulled when it declares large corporations often work solely in their own best interests, without consideration if consumers are collateral damage for preserving their profits and reputation. The movie impressively goes a step further when it reveals that harming cartoons was always the intention. There is no shortage of marginalized groups that could be substituted in for cartoons, and there’s no doubt that themes of oppression, a lack of regulations, and cover-ups are more timely than ever. Coyote vs. Acme doesn’t shy away from the clear parallels to what’s happening in real life and, in fact, boldly leans into them.

Not only does Coyote vs. Acme have humor and substance, but it also has heart and soul, particularly when it comes to its depiction of unlikely friendships. Wile E. Coyote and Kevin’s unexpected bond acts as the cornerstone of the movie, and several of their scenes are vaguely reminiscent of another great interspecies friendship of 2026: Grace and Rocky in Project Hail Mary. The surprising direction the film takes Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner’s rivalry is another beautiful high point, with both likely to bring a tear or two to your eye. Other Looney Tunes favorites are savvily integrated into the overarching plot, given beats to shine in a way that makes sense without simply feeling like fan service.

Coyote vs. Acme is a rare movie that will truly prove fun and rewarding for the entire family. From classic slapstick antics to clever dialogue, the comedy fires on all cylinders, but the timely message and genuinely compelling relationships bring it to the next level and make for a memorable watch. Coyote vs. Acme’s journey to the big screen proves that good things come to those who wait, but fantastic things come to those who never give up.

Release Date

August 28, 2026

Runtime

101 Minutes

Director

Dave Green

Writers

Samy Burch, Jeremy Slater, James Gunn

Producers

Christopher DeFaria, James Gunn

Pros & Cons

• The comedy is strong, and the pacing is excellent, with an impressive number of jokes per minute.
• The themes of corporate cover-ups and greed feel more timely than ever.
• The film has a surprising amount of heart, highlighting unexpected friendships.

• Some of the physical gags can get repetitive at times.