Warner Bros. Almost Destroyed One of the Best Looney Tunes Movies - "Coyote vs. Acme" Receives 95% Positive Reviews
Reviewers don't understand why the fully completed film was almost hidden from audiences forever.
"Coyote vs. Acme," which Warner Bros. intended to shelve permanently, has received high critical acclaim ahead of its release. As of publication, the film holds a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes after 37 reviews. On Metacritic, the film scored 75 out of 100 based on 18 reviews.
Journalists praise the combination of classic Looney Tunes humor, legal comedy, and an emotional story. They specifically highlight the witty dialogue and numerous references for cartoon fans. Some critics found the film uneven and chaotic, but even more restrained reviews call it funny and engaging.
Mama’s Geeky reviewer Tessa Smith admitted she doesn't understand how Warner Bros. could have deprived audiences of such a film:
"I can't believe we almost lived in a world where no one would have seen this movie. It's a funny and heartfelt masterpiece."
Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter went even further, placing "Coyote vs. Acme" among the best films combining live-action and animation:
"I'm happy to report: the film is hilariously funny and ranks among the best live-action/animation hybrids in history."
The plot follows Wile E. Coyote, who decides to sue the Acme Corporation, whose faulty devices have been exploding, breaking, and preventing him from catching the Road Runner for years. Unlucky lawyer Kevin Avery, played by Will Forte, takes on his case, while John Cena's character defends the company.
"Coyote vs. Acme" was filmed in 2022 and was scheduled for theatrical release in 2023, but Warner Bros. canceled the release after post-production was completed. The studio planned to write off about $30 million in losses for a tax credit — a similar fate previously befell "Batgirl" and the animated film "Scooby-Doo! Haunted Holidays."
After a strong reaction from fans and industry figures, Warner Bros. began looking for a buyer for the film. Initially, the studio asked for up to $80 million for the rights, which led to unsuccessful negotiations with Amazon MGM and Netflix. In spring 2025, Ketchup Entertainment acquired the film for approximately $50 million.
Now, "Coyote vs. Acme" must prove its right to exist at the box office. The film's production budget is estimated at $70 million, excluding promotion, so high ratings alone do not guarantee commercial success. The worldwide release will begin on August 28, 2026, and in Russian cinemas, "Coyote vs. Acme" will be released on September 10 thanks to "Karo Premier."
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