Fans eager to revisit the courtroom antics of Wile E. Coyote or experience the film for the first time can pre-order 'Coyote vs. Acme' on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV for $24.99, with the official release scheduled for midnight EDT on September 29. This digital launch follows a surprising and triumphant theatrical release in August 2026, a turnaround few could have predicted.
The film, directed by Dave Green and co-written and produced by James Gunn, boasts a reported budget of $70 million. Its path to audiences was anything but smooth. In November 2023, Warner Bros. controversially decided to shelve 'Coyote vs. Acme' along with other projects, reportedly to secure a $30 million tax write-off. This move sparked considerable backlash from both the public and industry figures, highlighting concerns about creative integrity and the future of completed films.
The outcry, as reported by Collider, proved effective. Warner Bros. eventually allowed the filmmakers to seek a new distributor, leading to a $50 million deal with Ketchup Entertainment. This decision ultimately paved the way for the film's theatrical release, where it has since proven its worth, crossing the $100 million mark at the global box office.
Critically, 'Coyote vs. Acme' has been a resounding success. It currently holds an impressive 96% Certified Fresh Critics' Score and a 95% Verified Hot Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes, a testament to its quality and broad appeal. The film centers on Wile E. Coyote, who, after countless failed attempts to catch the Road Runner using faulty Acme products, decides to sue the infamous corporation. He's represented by attorney Kevin Avery (Will Forte) and his niece Paige Avery (Lana Condor), who find themselves up against Acme's formidable lawyer, Buddy Caine (John Cena). As the lawsuit unfolds, the team uncovers a deeper conspiracy within the Acme corporation, adding layers to the classic cartoon rivalry.
