Coyote vs. Acme: John Cena and Will Forte film slated for 2026 release

Los Angeles, CA — The long-awaited film Coyote vs. Acme, featuring John Cena and Will Forte, is set to hit theaters in 2026 after being controversially shelved for a tax write-down. Ketchup Entertainment announced on March 31, 2025, that it has acquired worldwide distribution rights to the unique live-action animated film.

The acquisition comes nearly two years after Warner Bros. originally decided to shelve the completed film, opting instead for a $30 million tax write-off despite its substantial $72 million production budget. At the time, Warner Bros. described the decision as “difficult,” acknowledging the hard work of the cast and crew while drawing criticism from fans and filmmakers.

Forte, who stars as Wile E. Coyote’s lawyer Kevin Avery, expressed his frustration with the film’s initial shelving, stating, “It is such a delightful movie. It deserves so much better. It makes my blood boil.”

Oscar-winning filmmakers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller praised the film after a screening, calling it “funny and charming” with “surprising amounts of heart.” Writer-director Brian Duffield tweeted, “I have seen this movie and it is excellent. It also tested in the high 90s repeatedly.”

Directed by Dave Green, Coyote vs. Acme is inspired by Ian Frazier’s 1990 New Yorker article of the same name. The plot centers on Wile E. Coyote as he sues the Acme Corporation over their faulty products that have hindered his attempts to catch the Road Runner. Cena plays Acme’s intimidating lawyer, while Forte’s character must confront his former boss in a courtroom showdown.

Ketchup Entertainment’s CEO, Gareth West, expressed excitement about the project, stating it offers a “perfect blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling” and will resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers. The distributor recently released another Looney Tunes film, The Day the Earth Blew Up, which generated $8.2 million in domestic ticket sales in just three weeks.

In 2023, industry sources reported that the film had tested well before Warner Bros. decided to shelve it. The insistence on cutting costs led to increased outrage among creatives, raising concerns about similar future actions by other studios. After a shopping period with no buyers, Ketchup’s deal, believed to be around $50 million, marks a significant investment for the company.

As plans for the theatrical release progress, fans of the iconic Looney Tunes characters can eagerly anticipate seeing Wile E. Coyote back in action once again.