Filming on “Coyote vs. Acme” concluded in July 2022, with its studio, Warner Bros., planning to release the Will Forte and John Cena-led film the following year. However, by the end of 2023, the live-action/animation hybrid Looney Tunes movie had been shelved. Now, quite some time later, Ketchup Entertainment is releasing the movie to stellar reviews.
In addition to Forte and Cena, “Coyote vs. Acme” stars Lana Condor, Tone Bell, P.J. Byrne, Martha Kelly, Luis Guzman, Eric Bauza, and Kenneth Choi. Dave Green directed the upcoming live-action movie.
Critics Say The Looney Tunes Are Back as ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Is a Slam Dunk
GettyKetchup Entertainment clearly has faith in “Coyote vs. Acme,” as the review embargo was lifted on August 12, weeks before its August 28 release date. So far, this has proved to be a smart move, as it has debuted on Rotten Tomatoes with a rare 100% rating. Of course, as more critics review the film, the score will more than likely change.
This early figure is based on 23 reviews of the upcoming movie. Regarding some of the reviews, Allyson Johnson shares her thoughts on the film for InBetweenDrafts. She said, in short, “With fine-tuned comedy, practical effects, and a genuinely thoughtful story that bridges the worlds of humans and cartoons with a Who Framed Roger Rabbit-level ease, Coyote vs. Acme is an absolute delight.”
Another critic, Nicolás Delgadillo, was among the reviewers, writing for Discussing Film. He said, “Coyote vs. Acme understands why the Looney Tunes have endured for generations, with every hilarious gag, character beat, and brush of animation rooted in clear and genuine inspiration. Its hysterical humor and heartfelt attitude make a fantastic combo.”
Lastly, Tori Blazier reviewed the movie for Metro. She wrote, “Coyote vs. Acme is the new version of Space Jam, but better… It brings back the Looney Tunes with a bang and a glorious burst of zany energy. As with the best family films, I’m not sure if it’s more for kids or adults… It deserves to be a phenomenon.”
Will Forte Previously Spoke About The Shelved Looney Tunes Movie
GettyRegarding its release history, Ketchup Entertainment acquired “Coyote Vs. Acme” in March 2025 for a reported $50 million. The company then announced its release date in July of that year at San Diego Comic-Con. After that, promotion for the live-action Looney Tunes movie began.
In March 2026, the movie’s lead, Forte, spoke to Entertainment Weekly about his feelings on Warner Bros. having shelved it. He recalled, “Extreme frustration, fiery frustration, a lot of anger, white-hot anger. But then ultimately, that’s mixed with pride in this movie we’ve done. And also, who knows?”
Forte went on to say that the movie, having been shelved, will hopefully attract more attention. According to him, “Everything happens for a reason, and it is certainly possible that the crazy journey that this movie is taking will help get more eyes on it, because it’s a story people know about a little bit. But I don’t think we needed this crazy journey.”
Additionally, Cena spoke to Entertainment Weekly about the movie on August 12, just as the movie reviews were emerging. When asked if the movie having been shelved changed how he sees the entertainment business, he stated that it did not.
He then said, “Sometimes, business decisions are things that we don’t see through the same lens. Of course, I want my work seen by an audience. That’s how I can accept both the positive and the negative and get better as a performer. But I don’t own my performance. I’m contracted to do a job, and the person who owns it gets to decide what happens with it.”
