Coyote vs. Acme: Comic-Con Footage Unveils Release Date for 2026

At the recent San Diego Comic-Con, the film 'Coyote vs. Acme' made a significant impact as its team unveiled the first footage and confirmed a release date of August 28, 2026. This announcement marks a notable turnaround for the project, which had faced significant challenges, including being scrapped by Warner Bros. as part of a larger cost-cutting initiative. Will Forte, who stars as attorney Kevin Avery, expressed his astonishment at the film's revival, stating, "I had kind of given up hope at a certain point, so this is amazing." The film is centered around the iconic Looney Tunes character Wile E. Coyote, who, after numerous failed attempts to catch the Road Runner, decides to sue the Acme Corporation for his misfortunes.

The footage debuted at Comic-Con showcased a montage of Wile E. Coyote's comedic failures, accompanied by Johnny Cash's poignant cover of 'Hurt' by Nine Inch Nails. The footage also included a scene featuring John Cena in a courtroom setting, defending Acme against the lawsuit. Cena's character claims, "What I will prove to this jury is that this man, Wile E. Coyote, he is reckless," hinting at the film's blend of humor and courtroom drama.

The film's director, Dave Green, and the production team celebrated the film's progress, emphasizing the importance of fan support in its revival. Forte highlighted the underdog narrative, suggesting that the fans' determination to see the film succeed played a crucial role in its return to production. He remarked, "Like Wile E. Coyote, you guys were an underdog who fought against a major corporation, and because you never gave up, this movie is now going to come out in wide global release."

Notably, the film's journey has been tumultuous. In late 2023, reports indicated that Warner Bros. had planned to write down the film's production costs as part of a $115 million budget cut. However, following a wave of social media support and interest from fans, Ketchup Entertainment acquired the film for distribution earlier this year.

'Coyote vs. Acme' is based on Ian Frazier's 1990 New Yorker article "Coyote v. Acme" and features a script by Samy Burch, with contributions to the story from James Gunn and Jeremy Slater. The film integrates several beloved Looney Tunes characters and aims to appeal to both nostalgic audiences and new fans.

As anticipation builds for the film's release, industry analysts are keenly observing the potential impact on box office performance and its reception among audiences. Given the history of animated films based on established franchises, expectations are high for 'Coyote vs. Acme' to capture both critical and commercial success. With the release date set, the marketing campaign is expected to ramp up, and Forte has expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I’m gonna promote the crap out of it. Just tell me what you want me to do and I’ll go, I’ll do whatever — go to the top of Mount Everest, I’m there." The film's unique premise, combined with its journey to the big screen, positions it as a significant release in the animated film landscape for 2026.