Warner Bros. Discovery’s long-delayed film *Coyote vs. Acme* is set to debut this Friday, marking a rare victory for creative teams amid executive decisions that have repeatedly sidelined projects within the major media conglomerate. The movie centers on Wile E. Coyote’s first starring role in a feature-length production, arriving nearly three years after it was initially shelved.
The shelving of *Coyote vs. Acme* in 2023 was reportedly ordered by Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, who opted to halt the film’s release to secure tax benefits, a move that drew considerable criticism. Zaslav, who has led the company since 2022, has faced scrutiny for a number of controversial decisions, including a proposed merger with Paramount Skydance and the sidelining of several completed or nearly completed projects for financial reasons. Critics argue that such executive interventions have alienated the creative community and hindered the company’s ability to sustain key franchises like the DC cinematic universe.
Despite the initial shelving, *Coyote vs. Acme* was ultimately sold to another distributor, enabling its theatrical release this weekend. Directed by Dave Green and scripted by Samy Burch, the film blends live-action with animated characters in a style reminiscent of *Who Framed Roger Rabbit*. It is loosely inspired by a humorous essay from The New Yorker by Ian Frazier and delivers a mix of slapstick comedy and satirical commentary.
The story features a scientist named Dr. Peter Lorre—an homage to the 1930s Hungarian-American actor frequently parodied in classic Looney Tunes cartoons—who uncovers dangerous secrets about the fictional Acme Corporation, known for its unreliable gadgets. After Lorre is silenced by corporate agents, Wile E. Coyote enlists the help of lawyer Kevin Avery, portrayed by Will Forte, to sue Acme over its defective products. They confront opposition from Acme’s formidable legal team, including chief counsel Buddy Crane, played by John Cena.
Critics note that the film skillfully balances playful cartoon violence with pointed satire of corporate behavior and the legal system. Forte’s portrayal of Avery brings comedic energy, while Cena’s performance as the corporate lawyer contributes a blend of deadpan seriousness and humor. Lana Condor also appears as Avery’s dedicated legal assistant, adding depth to the live-action cast.
The film has been described as a David versus Goliath legal drama that echoes the struggles between creative teams and corporate executives within the media industry, with obvious parallels drawn between the fictional Acme Corporation and Warner Bros. Discovery itself. Though the film’s production history reflects broader challenges facing Hollywood studios, its release represents a rare instance in which a shelved project has successfully reached audiences.
*Coyote vs. Acme* aims to captivate both younger viewers with traditional Looney Tunes antics and adults with its contemporary critiques, making it a noteworthy addition to this summer’s film slate.