Review published 12th September 2026
Watch the official trailer.
Plot
Will E. Coyote has spent many years trying to capture the Road Runner. No matter how many attempts he makes, two things always remain the same. Firstly, he relies on products from the Acme Corporation, and secondly, every attempt ends in spectacular failure. However, after yet another disastrous accident, enough is enough.
When Coyote discovers an advertisement from Albuquerque lawyer Kevin Avery (Will Forte), who specialises in representing clients let down by defective products, he decides it’s finally time to take action. Teaming up with the struggling attorney, Coyote sets out to sue Acme and hold the corporation accountable for years of faulty inventions. Unfortunately, victory will not come easily. Kevin lacks confidence, ambition and a strong reputation, while Acme has its own legal representative in the determined and ruthless Buddy Crane (John Cena). As the courtroom battle begins, the question remains: can Coyote finally beat Acme, or will the corporation once again escape responsibility?
A Brilliant Premise Years in the Making
What ultimately makes Coyote vs. Acme work is its wonderfully simple premise. The idea of Wile E. Coyote finally taking Acme to court feels like a concept Looney Tunes should have explored years ago and, thankfully, the film makes the most of it. As a long-time Looney Tunes fan, I was incredibly excited going into this one. The courtroom setting immediately gives the film something fresh while still remaining faithful to everything audiences know and love about Coyote and the Road Runner. It’s a clever expansion of decades of animated history and allows the writers to explore familiar gags from a completely different angle.
The film is packed with references, callbacks and Easter eggs that longtime fans will appreciate. While younger audiences will still enjoy the slapstick humour and animated characters, many of the film’s strongest moments are likely to resonate most with those who already have an attachment to these characters.
Nostalgia Is the Film’s Greatest Strength
More than anything else, Coyote vs. Acme succeeds because of its nostalgia factor. Every time a familiar character appears, a classic gag is referenced or the film acknowledges Looney Tunes history, it’s difficult not to smile. The movie constantly reminds audiences why these characters have remained beloved for generations. For longtime fans, nostalgia becomes one of the film’s biggest strengths. In many ways, I found myself enjoying the film most when it focused on the Looney Tunes characters themselves rather than some of the human-driven storylines. While newcomers can certainly enjoy the film, a large portion of the film’s appeal comes from having an existing affection for these iconic characters.
Not Every Character Decision Works
That being said, there were several creative choices that left me feeling disappointed. Certain established Looney Tunes characters are reimagined in ways that may surprise longtime fans and not always for the better. Without venturing too heavily into spoiler territory, some character portrayals felt at odds with how audiences have traditionally known them. Likewise, several major Looney Tunes favourites receive less screen time than expected. In some cases, supporting characters are given more attention than icons such as Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny, which felt like a missed opportunity. These decisions do not ruin the film, but they are choices that many longtime fans will likely notice.
Kevin and Coyote Lack a Strong Emotional Connection
The film’s biggest weakness comes from its emotional core. Will Forte is perfectly likeable as Kevin Avery, but the character never becomes particularly memorable. His motivations often feel vague, his journey is fairly predictable and the film never fully gives audiences a compelling reason to become deeply invested in him. Because of this, the central partnership between Kevin and Coyote never becomes as emotionally powerful as it probably should. There are certainly enjoyable moments between the pair, but their relationship lacks the impact needed to elevate the story beyond its entertaining premise. Children may also struggle with portions of the film, as roughly a third of the runtime revolves around courtroom proceedings and legal discussions that may fly over the heads of younger viewers.
Strong Animation and a Fun Villain
Visually, the film is a delight. The animation blends beautifully with the live-action elements and it’s fantastic seeing so many classic Looney Tunes characters brought to life on screen once again. Whether characters appear for a major role or a brief cameo, the animation consistently captures the heart and energy of the originals. John Cena also deserves credit as Buddy Crane. Rather than playing the role entirely straight, Cena embraces the nature of the material and delivers an over-the-top corporate villain who feels perfectly suited to the Looney Tunes universe. He’s arrogant, determined and just cartoonish enough to fit the tone of the film without becoming too ridiculous.
Final Verdict
Coyote vs. Acme delivers on its clever premise and serves as a welcome love letter to Looney Tunes fans. The courtroom concept provides a fresh spin on a classic rivalry, while the animation, comedy and constant stream of nostalgic moments offer plenty of entertainment. However, the film never quite reaches its full potential. The human characters are less engaging than the animated cast, the emotional core feels underdeveloped and some creative choices involving beloved Looney Tunes characters may divide fans. Still, if you’ve grown up with Wile E. Coyote, the Road Runner and the wider Looney Tunes gang, there’s a very good chance you’ll have a smile on your face throughout.
Coyote vs. Acme (2026) will be Available in Australian Cinemas from September 17th thanks to Pinnacle Distribution!
About the Reviewer
Peter Walkden
Film writer and curator with a deep passion for cinema, genre filmmaking, and physical media. Exploring new releases, cult favourites, and overlooked films, with a strong focus on atmosphere, storytelling, and the theatrical experience.
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