After Warner Bros. canceled it, 'Coyote vs. Acme' is officially hitting theaters in 2026
The long-shelved Coyote vs. Acme, once destined for streaming oblivion, has been resurrected with a new global theatrical release date: August 28, 2026. Star Will Forte confirmed the announcement at San Diego Comic-Con, where fans were treated to the first public footage of the live-action/animation hybrid film.
“Coyote vs. Acme” hits theaters August 28, 2026, after Comic-Con debut and years in limbo. Ketchup Entertainment rescues Looney Tunes satire.
Ketchup Entertainment
Initially completed in 2023, Coyote vs. Acme was abruptly scrapped by Warner Bros. Discovery as part of its broader cost-cutting strategy. Under CEO David Zaslav, the studio shifted its focus from streaming to theatrical releases, leading to the infamously unreleased titles Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt. Though similarly shelved, Coyote vs. Acme garnered notable industry support that set the stage for its unlikely return.
Independent distributor Ketchup Entertainment stepped in and acquired the rights in March 2025, reportedly paying close to $50 million for the completed film. That move made it one of the most high-profile revivals of a canceled studio project in recent memory.
During the lively Comic-Con panel, moderator Paul Scheer declared, “This is the panel that you were not supposed to see!” Moments later, a clip played featuring Wyle E. Coyote recounting a series of failed Acme products — underscored by Johnny Cash’s haunting version of “Hurt” — juxtaposed with classic animation of his endless pursuit of the Road Runner.
Tension in the room turned comedic when a faux representative from Acme Corporation (actor P.J. Byrne, in character) stormed the stage and theatrically served cease and desist papers to Hall H. “You do not have permission to share information or footage from this anti-Acme film!” he yelled, drawing immediate boos from the crowd. The bit escalated into absurdity as unpaid Acme interns tried — and failed — to stop the trailer reveal.
Audience enthusiasm only grew when Forte welcomed director Dave Green, voice actor Eric Bauza, and costar Martha Kelly to the stage. An extended courtroom scene followed, introducing John Cena as Acme’s powerhouse attorney Buddy Crane, Luis Guzmán as the gavel-squeaking judge, and a cast of delightfully obscure Looney Tunes cameos. From a knitting hen in the jury box to a bust-carving Playboy Penguin, the sequence offered a glimpse into the film’s commitment to classic animation charm.
The cast and creators hinted at a packed cameo roster, featuring not only favorites like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck but also deep cuts like the animated Peter Lorre caricature that fans of vintage shorts will recognize. Bauza’s vocal work anchors the film’s animation, breathing life into the entire Looney Tunes ensemble.
