After nearly three years in limbo, “Coyote vs. Acme” is finally heading to theaters. Will Forte, the former “Saturday Night Live” cast member, recently discussed the film’s turbulent journey from shelving to revival. In November 2023, Warner Bros. abruptly decided to shelve the movie for tax purposes, just hours after a successful test screening. The decision left Forte and the production team bewildered, transforming what should have been a celebration into what Forte describes as a “funeral screening.”
The live-action and animation hybrid, which draws parallels to “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” follows Forte’s character, a personal injury lawyer who helps Wile E. Coyote sue the Acme Corporation. Beyond its slapstick humor, the film explores themes of corporate indifference and the cost of progress. Forte expressed frustration with Warner Bros.’ decision, questioning why the studio would greenlight a project that tested well only to abandon it. He noted that the Looney Tunes franchise has “always been on the more subversive side,” suggesting the studio was aware of the film’s content from the start.
Independent distributor Ketchup Entertainment acquired the rights in March 2025, paving the way for the film’s August 28 theatrical release. Forte discussed the unique experience of performing alongside animated icons like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, bringing the beloved characters into a live-action world while maintaining the franchise’s irreverent spirit.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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