AceShowbiz - Coyote vs. Acme is finally set to hit theaters after years of uncertainty and a high-profile cancellation. Directed by Dave Green and based on a story by Samy Burch, James Gunn, and Jeremy Slater, the film follows the iconic Looney Tunes character Wile E. Coyote as he teams up with a struggling lawyer to sue the Acme Corporation, infamous for the dangerous gadgets Coyote uses in his quest to catch the Road Runner.

The film had been in development for over a decade and was met with considerable fan anticipation. However, it was abruptly shelved by Warner Bros. in late 2023 following the studio’s merger with Discovery. This decision was part of Warner Bros.’ strategy to take a tax write-off to offset inherited debt, a fate shared by other shelved projects including the Leslie Grace-led Batgirl and the animated Scoob! Holiday Haunt.

In a surprising turn of events, the rights to Coyote vs. Acme were acquired by Ketchup Entertainment in March 2025. The new distributor has now unveiled the first official poster and announced that the movie will premiere in theaters on August 28, 2026. Alongside this announcement, Ketchup Entertainment revealed that the first trailer will be released next week, signaling a strong marketing push ahead of the film’s debut.

The cast features Will Forte as Kevin Avery, the down-on-his-luck lawyer, Lana Condor as his niece Paige, and John Cena as Buddy Crane, an Acme attorney. The film also includes voice performances from Eric Bauza, who voices classic Looney Tunes characters such as Foghorn Leghorn, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, and Elmer Fudd.

Following its shelving, the Coyote vs. Acme team and fans maintained hope for a release. There was even a funeral screening held to mark the film’s initial cancellation, reflecting the disappointment felt by many. The acquisition by Ketchup Entertainment was unexpected, especially given reports that larger platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and Paramount had submitted higher bids than Ketchup’s $50 million offer. However, Ketchup’s recent collaboration with Warner Bros. on The Day the Earth Blew Up — a title that was both a critical success and modest box office hit — likely influenced the decision.

This new theatrical release offers Ketchup Entertainment ample time to build excitement for the film. Unlike The Day the Earth Blew Up, which had a limited release and minimal marketing, Coyote vs. Acme will benefit from a wider campaign including an imminent trailer and early promotional materials. This approach aims to generate significant buzz leading up to the August 28 launch.

Despite this positive momentum, Coyote vs. Acme faces a challenging box office environment. Its opening weekend will compete directly with Ridley Scott's adaptation of The Dog Stars, while the week prior will see the release of the horror film Insidious: Out of the Further. These competitors could impact the film’s commercial performance.

Nevertheless, the grassroots enthusiasm that sustained interest in Coyote vs. Acme over the past two and a half years could help it become one of the most successful Looney Tunes movies in recent memory. Fans of the franchise and animation enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see how the film performs in theaters.

Coyote vs. Acme is rated PG and blends family-friendly comedy with animation. It is produced by Christopher DeFaria and James Gunn, with executive producers including Carsten H.W. Lorenz, Sam Register, and Allison Abbate. The screenplay credits go to Samy Burch, Jeremy Slater, and James Gunn.

This film marks a notable return for the Looney Tunes universe to the big screen, following classics like Space Jam and Looney Tunes: Back in Action. The August 28, 2026 release date will give audiences a chance to finally see Wile E. Coyote’s latest misadventures unfold.