The Wasteland Reviewer

Coyote vs. Acme (2026) Written Review

Can you believe that the time has finally come? After so much drama centered around the reckless and disrespectful actions of Warner Bros in how they were trashing creators’ art for quick tax benefits, one of those poor projects is finally seeing the light of day (and the light of a big screen). The Looney Tunes film Coyote vs. Acme was deemed “dead on arrival” by Warner but Ketchup Entertainment and Legion M have saved the project with a late summer release here in 2026. This film has been sitting around for years building up a reputation around it without knowing much of the plot nor of the potential quality of the project. But the wait is finally over and when that silly tune gavel falls, we now have a verdict in the case of Coyote vs. Acme vs. Warner Bros.

Does Dave Green’s long-awaited film deliver after all this time? There is pleasure in reporting that Coyote vs. Acme is quite a delight. Not surprisingly, Green leans into the zany and bonkers energy of classic Looney Tunes for the fun and laughs along the way. What might be surprising is just how much heart is packed into this wild film. Green balances the silly shenanigans of this classic cartoon franchise and injects some authentic noir elements along with classic courtroom drama tropes. There is a little Chinatown, All the President’s Men, and JFK in this silly yet engrossing mystery. It is hard not to give a lot of credit to Who Framed Roger Rabbit? for laying the groundwork for a film like this but Green is able to find his own identity in the vibrant frames of the film. The animation is a stylized 3D approach that still captures the charm of Looney Tunes but works effectively in the live action space of the film. The budget is not massive but the cartoonish CGI fits tonally with what Green and his crew is approaching. You will laugh and honestly verge on a few tears at times and how many August releases can boast such a combination. Green’s greatest feat is capturing the spirit of Tex Avery’s creations while offering up a modern hybrid presentation. There are plenty of clever moments like Road Runner “beeping” over curse words in a needle drop as well as some bonkers action set pieces that are equal parts hilarious and thrilling.

Does James Gunn, Samy Burch, and Jeremy Slater make the most of this noirish Looney Tunes mystery? You can certainly see the influences of Coyote vs. Acme quite clearly throughout the film but there is enough appreciation mixed with fresh perspectives to make this film stand on its own. There are certainly multiple layers to the story that keep it afloat. The central character of the piece is Wile E. Coyote. We witness the nefarious plotting of this Looney Tunes original as he attempts to sue the Acme company for his pain and suffering…while having an ulterior motive along the lines of his classic mission. But witnessing the growth of this character as he gains friendship in Will Forte’ Kevin Avery (his lawyer) and discovering the true meaning of his dynamic with Road Runner is a wonderful experience. There is an emotional core to this film that will surprise you. Sisyphus becomes a larger thematic element of the film as he represents both Avery and Coyote journeys of endlessly chasing a goal that is always just out of reach (which bonds them). The film also has an engaging mystery at the core of it with an unethical corporate practice conspiracy. This element is well thought out and engaging while injecting some timely commentary into it (all surprising for a film about Looney Tunes). But the film is certainly in the same vein as Roger Rabbit as it draws upon classic noir and conspiracy thrillers. This is a script that is downright hilarious too as it is filled with satire, slapstick humor, word play, and buckets of camp. There are plenty of fun and engaging characters as well (both human and Tune).

How does the cast factor into this charming and engaging romp? Not really a “performance” but the animated rendering of Coyote throughout the film is top notch. There are always gears turning behind his mischievous eyes unless he is having a breakthrough moment where he shows some genuine emotion. There is something delightfully charming and empathetic about Coyote that elevates the experience. Will Forte is more of the straight man in this film but plays it with all the tired and exhausted vibes that Avery (a beat down lawyer on the brink of failure) should have. His dynamic with the Tunes is delightful and he has great chemistry with Coyote. Lana Condor is Avery’s righthand (and his niece) and she is just a fun, bubbly vibe that adds to the film. One of the most exciting elements of the film is John Cena. His smug and arrogant lawyer character is both silly and intimidating. There is a scene where he strong arms Tweety Bird and it is one of the most fun scenes in the entire film. The voice performances for all the Tunes are pitch perfect from Bugs Bunny to Daffy Duck to Foghorn Leghorn (who is a corporate ACME villain of the piece).

Well…was Coyote vs. Acme worthy of the herculean effort to save it? That would have been super awkward if the movie was bad, but it would have been a noble venture nonetheless due to what it means for artists. But audiences have lucked out as Coyote vs. Acme is one of the most charming and fun films of the year. Green and company understand what makes Looney Tunes so classic. This story is full of intrigue and heart which feels like so much more than you could have hoped for from a film about a cartoon coyote in a civil suit. Bring on more charming flicks with a modern twist with these beloved characters and we will all be better off for it.