| Coyote vs. Acme | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Dave Green |
| Screenplay by | Samy Burch |
| Story by |
|
| Based on | "Coyote v. Acme" by Ian Frazier[1][2] |
| Produced by |
|
| Cinematography | Brandon Trost |
| Edited by | Carsten Kurpanek[3] |
| Music by | Steven Price[3] |
Production companies |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $70 million[5] |
Coyote vs. Acme is an American comedy film directed by Dave Green and written by Samy Burch from a story by Burch, James Gunn (who also served as a producer), and Jeremy Slater.[1] Combining live-action and animation, the film is based on the character Wile E. Coyote and the Acme Corporation from the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons, and the 1990 magazine article of the same name published in The New Yorker by Ian Frazier. Produced by Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, the film's cast includes John Cena, Will Forte, Lana Condor, and the voice of Eric Bauza.
Development began in August 2018 with Chris McKay as producer and Jon and Josh Silberman writing the screenplay. Green signed on to direct in December 2019, and Burch, Slater, and Gunn joined the production crew the following year. Cena was cast in February 2022, with Forte and Condor joining the cast the following month. Live-action filming took place in New Mexico from March to May 2022. Warner Bros. Discovery later shelved the film in November 2023 so it could obtain a $30 million tax write-down, making it the third film shelved by WBD after Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt. However, public backlash led the company to reverse the decision the same month, allowing the filmmakers to shop the film to other distributors.
After every product made by Acme Corporation have backfired on Wile E. Coyote in his pursuit of the Road Runner, a down-and-out billboard human attorney represents Wile E. in his lawsuit to sue Acme. A growing friendship between Wile E. Coyote and his lawyer motivates their determination to win the court case, as it pits them against the intimidating boss of Wile E.'s lawyer's former law firm, who now represents Acme.[6][7]
Additionally, long-time Looney Tunes voice actor Eric Bauza voices several other Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies characters throughout the film.[8]
In August 2018, Warner Bros. Pictures announced the development of a Wile E. Coyote project, titled Coyote vs. Acme, with The Lego Batman Movie director Chris McKay as producer and Jon and Josh Silberman writing the screenplay.[9] In mid-December 2019, Dave Green signed on to direct the live-action animated hybrid film, while Jon and Josh Silberman were replaced as screenwriters, though they remained as producers.[10] In December 2020, McKay left the project, while Jon and Josh Silberman left their producing roles and returned to screenwriting duties alongside Samy Burch, Jeremy Slater, and James Gunn.[4] Along with the departure of McKay, it was reported that the film would draw inspiration from the fictional 1990 New Yorker article of the same name by Ian Frazier.[4] Ultimately, Burch received screenplay credit, based on a story from herself, Slater, and Gunn.[1]
In February 2022, John Cena was cast as the film's main antagonist, described as the lawyer in defense of Acme and the former boss to Wile E.'s lawyer; he previously collaborated with Gunn on the DC Extended Universe projects The Suicide Squad (2021) and Peacemaker (2022).[11] The following month, Will Forte and Lana Condor were added to the cast, with Forte starring as Wile E.'s lawyer.[12]
Principal photography took place from March to May 2022 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with Brandon Trost serving as cinematographer.[13][14][15] The creative team also acknowledged Who Framed Roger Rabbit as a reference for the film's seamless live-action interaction with the animated characters,[16] alongside the set pieces from the original Looney Tunes cartoons, such as the film's setting in Albuquerque, which was famously referenced by Bugs Bunny, and Road Runner's habitat in the desert being brought to life.[17]
Visual effects and animation services were provided by DNEG.[18] Voice actor Eric Bauza posted the first image of the film on social media, showing the film took inspiration from the original cartoons' world and animation, and films like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, for the film's blend of classic animation and live-action.[19]
During the announcement of the film's cancellation, Steven Price announced that he composed the film's score. One piece from the score he shared was a choir rendition of the Road Runner's vocal effects titled the "Meep Meep Choir".[20]
Coyote vs. Acme was to be theatrically released in the United States on July 21, 2023, by Warner Bros. Pictures.[4] On April 26, 2022, the studio removed the film from its release schedule and replaced the slot with Barbie.[21]
On November 9, 2023, Warner Bros. officials announced that the film was completed, but that they would not release it, because Warner Bros. Discovery preferred to claim a tax loss of about $30 million.[5] The crew was not informed of the decision until after the film was completed.[3] The move drew criticism from filmmakers, animation outlets, and talent representatives. Several left angry phone calls with Warner Bros. expressing their frustration at the move.[22] Several filmmakers also canceled meetings with the studio.[23] Many noted that the film had drawn praise at test screenings and interest from potential buyers.[24][25] Director Dave Green, reportedly an avid Looney Tunes fan, voiced his disappointment over the film's cancellation.[26]
On November 13, 2023, Puck reported studio leaders had reversed their decision and allowed the filmmakers the option to shop the film to other distributors.[27][28] Deadline Hollywood reported that Amazon MGM Studios, Apple Studios, and Netflix were interested in buying the distribution rights to the film.[22][29] TheWrap reported that despite interest from distributors to buy the film, there are "currently no hard offers, and that Green is crafting his own 'PR campaign'".[30]
On December 8, Deadline Hollywood further reported that the film had been screened for more studios including Paramount Pictures and Sony Pictures. Of these, Netflix and Paramount have made bids, with the latter including a theatrical component; Amazon is still interested despite making no formal bids; and Sony and Apple are not planning to make bids.[31]
