A scene from ‘Coyote vs. Acme’

Coyote vs. Acme review: Wile E. isn’t the only one getting justice

‘Coyote vs. Acme’ traces the classic cartoon character’s court fight against the company that’s failed him for decades.

Most North American adults grew up watching various iterations of Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies. They were staples of before or after school viewing for many. Although it’s not as easy to stumble across the cartoons on TV anymore, the characters are still beloved. Consequently, there’s been a number of feature films starring some of the more popular personalities. The timeless characters are nearing their centennial, but they’re still a box office attraction (in spite of some naysayers’ opinions). The latest feature to finally hit theatres is the long-anticipated Coyote vs. Acme.

Wile E. Coyote has used every product from the Acme catalog in his attempts to catch the Roadrunner. For decades, all of the company’s inventions have backfired, resulting in repeated disaster and injury. Then Wile E. sees a glimmer of hope in an ad for a personal injury law firm that specializes in cartoon injuries. So, he goes to the city to find Kevin Avery (Will Forte). Unfortunately, the billboard lawyer avoids confrontation with Acme by accepting trivial settlements. When the coyote tricks Kevin into representing him in a large-scale lawsuit against the giant corporation, it forces the attorney to face his fears of public failure.

The nostalgia factor is unsurprisingly high, amplified by snippets from the original cartoons and numerous explosions. The film also features updated versions of the same gags that made us giggle as kids and still makes us laugh out loud today. But this is a fresh take on the classic sketches, presenting a wholly new and engaging perspective. After all, everyone at some point wondered why the coyote kept ordering Acme products. Now we know they have a monopoly on cartoon products, leaving him no choice.

All the classic characters have a presence, as well as many minor characters. Of course, some appearances may feel too small and others may not turn up at all, which may sadden fans. #MarvintheMartianNeedsMoreScreenTime.

Nonetheless, there are so many Easter eggs and cameos designed for Looney Tunes fans, it’s impossible to catch them all in a single viewing. There’s even a secret invention that is a fitting acknowledgement of a problematic personality, while keeping within the light-hearted spirit of the movie. In addition, it never seemed like anyone ever commiserated with Wile E. and his many catastrophes, regardless of his resilience. But this film is his ultimate redemption as many people try and fail to catch the Roadrunner, proving trapping him is as difficult as it’s always looked.

The last time live action and animation went together this comfortably was Who Framed Roger Rabbit? The integration is seamless. Thanks to rehearsals with famed puppeteer Dave Barclay, you’d never know the actors are reacting to tennis balls. Their exchanges are so genuine and in sync. Similarly, humans and cartoons also appear to live together effortlessly. They even design the courtroom to accommodate participants from either group with specific gavels for each, depending on who is before the judge (Luis Guzmán).

When audiences meet Kevin, he is scraping the bottom of the barrel. His niece, Paige (Lana Condor), is interning at their law firm, but he rebuffs her efforts to take on more meaningful work. Avery, Jones and Maltese’s business model revolves around getting cartoons injured by Acme modest $100 settlements. But the coyote knows the value of his grievances and it’s more than three digits. Wile E. Coyote changes Kevin’s life by making him believe he can take on Goliath — or at least try to.

But it’s an intimidating undertaking. John Cena plays Acme’s self-possessed lead counsel, Buddy Crane, and P.J. Byrne portrays his associate, Bill Pelicanos. They dress impeccably — especially next to Kevin. They also both wear bolo ties, though Buddy’s is always double the size of Bill’s. And with Foghorn Leghorn as Acme’s CEO, there’s also a subtle bird theme.

Wile E. Coyote at the ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ panel at at San Diego Comic Con in July 2025.
Wile E. Coyote at the ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ panel at San Diego Comic Con in July 2025.

It took so long to get this fantastic film into theatres. It was “dethpicable” for Warner Bros. Discovery to shelve the movie after it was completed in 2023. Luckily, after widespread backlash, they granted director Dave Green permission to shop it around to other distributors. In July 2025 at San Diego Comic Con, the cast confirmed the picture’s theatrical release following Ketchup Entertainment’s acquisition of the worldwide rights. Unfortunately, the release was delayed by 13 months following that announcement as the studio sought a more favourable date. There’s also been a compelling social campaign leading up to the release.

But it’s here now and audiences have the opportunity to help everyone involved in the film deliver an “I told you so” via the box office.

Director: Dave Green
Starring: Will Forte, Lana Condor and John Cena

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