The animated hybrid feature Coyote vs. Acme is scheduled for a theatrical release on August 28, 2026, according to updates from Warner Bros. The film stars Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor, and brings the classic Looney Tunes character Wile E. Coyote to the big screen in a live-action and CGI blend directed by Dave Green.
Production History and Release Shift
Warner Bros. initially shelved Coyote vs. Acme in November 2023 as a tax write-down, sparking widespread backlash from filmmakers and industry professionals. Following the public and creative pressure, the studio reversed course, allowing filmmakers to shop the project to other distributors. According to industry reports, Warner Bros. ultimately opted to retain and release the film themselves, scheduling the debut for late August 2026.
Cast and Creative Team
The film centers on Wile E. Coyote suing the Acme Corporation for his countless defective products, with Will Forte starring as his human lawyer. John Cena plays the defense attorney representing the Acme Corporation, and Lana Condor also features in the cast. Director Dave Green helmed the project from a screenplay by Samy Burch, with James Gunn, Jeremy Slater, Carsten Kurpanek, and Andrew Rossi producing.
Box Office Outlook for Summer 2026
Placing Coyote vs. Acme in late August positions the family-friendly hybrid comedy at the tail end of the summer box office window. According to tracking data from theatrical exhibitors, late August releases often target families looking for end-of-summer entertainment before the school year begins. The film will test audience demand for theatrical Looney Tunes projects following years of shifting release strategies at major studios.
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