Warner Bros. film "Coyote vs. Acme" reaches theaters after fan-driven revival
"Coyote vs. Acme," starring Will Forte and John Cena, premieres in Los Angeles following a three-year delay, with the release credited to fan advocacy and new distributor Ketchup Entertainment.
After being shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery in November 2023, the hybrid live-action and animation comedy "Coyote vs. Acme" opened in Los Angeles on Wednesday, marking its first theatrical showing. The film, which pairs Will Forte as an inexperienced lawyer with John Cena as the attorney for the Acme Corporation, was rescued by Ketchup Entertainment in March 2025 and slated for a summer 2026 release.
Forte described the period as an “emotional roller coaster” and said he initially doubted fan campaigns would make a difference. > "I was just like, ‘They’re not hearing you, it’s not going to make a difference.’ And then they just kept going and it’s because of them the movie’s out," he told reporters.
The movie, set in the Looney Tunes universe, follows Wile E. Coyote suing Acme after repeated product failures. Early reviews have been positive, which Forte said feels “validating.” He added that the film’s underdog status mirrors the coyote’s battle against a large corporation, and he hopes audience support will translate into ticket sales. > "We’re here, we’re coming out in theaters, I just hope that everyone who used their voice shows up to see this thing," Cena said.
Director Dave Green thanked fans for their advocacy, noting the presence of a costumed Wile E. Coyote on the red carpet and during the screening as a tribute to a viral fan protest. He said no sequel plans have been made, emphasizing the team’s focus on delivering a comedy that resonates with viewers.