Coyote vs. Acme cast and characters guide: All the stars in the film and the roles they play
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First look at Wile E. Coyote in the upcoming live-action animated comedy film Coyote vs. Acme.The live-action animated comedy film Coyote vs. Acme is now scheduled to be released in theaters on August 28, 2026 in the United States. The film, directed by Dave Green, blends the chaotic world of Looney Tunes with courtroom comedy, delivering a fresh twist to the age-old rivalry between Wile E. Coyote and the Acme Corporation.
Warner Bros. Discovery had initially shelved Coyote vs. Acme in November 2023 to obtain a tax write-of. However, following public backlash, the decision was reversed and filmmakers were allowed to seek distributors for their project. Ketchup Entertainment acquired the rights for the live-action animated comedy film in March 2025, setting a release date almost a year from now.
The article provides a guide to interested readers eager to learn more about the cast, crew, and who’s playing whom in this inventive new entry in the Warner Bros. canon.
A Stellar Cast Brings Looney Tunes to Life
The live-action animated comedy film Coyote vs. Acme boasts an ensemble cast of seasoned actors and fresh talents, with many familiar names set to star in the film. Leading the cast is Will Forte as Kevin Avery, Wile E. Coyote’s attorney. Kevin, who has been down on his luck, takes on the absurd case against the Acme Corporation.
On the other hand, John Cena portrays the role of Buddy Crane, the slick, no-nonsense corporate lawyer representing Acme, serving as a perfect foil to Forte’s scrappy underdog. Known for his strong screen presence and comic chops, Cena’s role is reportedly more nuanced than typical antagonists, with layers of corporate satire and slapstick thrown in.
Also joining the cast is Lana Condor as Paige Avery, Kevin’s intelligent and determined niece who serves as his legal assistant. Additionally, P. J. Byrne portrays Bill Pellicano, another lawyer for the Acme Corporation, likely adding to the legal and comedic chaos of the courtroom. Meanwhile, Luis Guzmán takes on the role of the judge overseeing the high-stakes and hilariously unpredictable trial.
Tone Bell and Martha Kelly also appear in undisclosed roles, adding further depth and intrigue to the film’s comedic ensemble. Also making a significant contribution is Eric Bauza, the longtime voice actor for numerous Looney Tunes characters. Bauza lends his voice to multiple classic characters, ensuring the film remains rooted in its animated heritage.
According to a tweet from director Dave Green in February 2024, many Looney Tunes characters outside of Wile E. Coyote will appear "in significant supporting roles and in bit cameos" throughout the film.
Crew member details of Coyote vs. Acme
— Dave Green (@dgreenmachine) November 9, 2023
The live-action animated comedy film Coyote vs. Acme is directed by Dave Green, well known for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows. The script is penned by Samy Burch, based on a satirical article from The New Yorker by Ian Frazier, and later adapted into a screenplay by herself, James Gunn, and Jeremy Slater. Gunn, who also serves as a producer alongside Christopher DeFaria, brings his signature mix of irreverent humor and emotional nuance to the project.
The production team includes animation and VFX experts from Warner Animation Group, with an emphasis on preserving the traditional Looney Tunes aesthetic while integrating modern technology. The crew worked hard to ensure Wile E. Coyote and his antics felt authentic yet updated for today’s audiences. Additionally, Steven Price scored the music for the film, and Brandon Trost served as the cinematographer.
According to IMdb, the principal photography for the live-action animated comedy film Coyote vs. Acme took place in New Mexico, United States, from March to May, 2022.
First Look at San Diego Comic-Con
The first footage from the upcoming live-action legal comedy Coyote vs. Acme was revealed during the film's Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2023. The exclusive preview gave fans a taste of what to expect from the movie, which blends live-action performances with CGI-animated characters in the style of Who Framed Roger Rabbit?.
Attendees at Hall H were treated to legitimate clips from the film. The first scene featured Wile E. Coyote reflecting on years of injuries suffered due to faulty Acme products. He is inspired to take legal action after seeing a commercial for Kevin Avery and visits Avery’s office—which he promptly blows up by accident.
The panel then screened a full six minutes of footage, showing a tense and hilarious courtroom scene. Kevin Avery and Wile E. Coyote faced off against Buddy Crane with Luis Guzmán presiding over the proceedings as the trial’s deadpan judge. Crane delivers a confident opening argument, followed by Avery’s clumsy and embarrassing rebuttal, capturing the film's mix of slapstick and sharp comedy.
In a surprising twist, the footage cuts to Avery in his hotel room, receiving a mysterious phone call from someone who opens with the phrase, “What’s up, doc?” Though the character remains unnamed, the voice unmistakably belongs to Bugs Bunny, suggesting he will play a pivotal role in the film. This reveal, along with Foghorn Leghorn’s presence in promotional images, hints at a sprawling narrative filled with cameos and supporting roles from iconic Looney Tunes characters.
Coyote vs. Acme promises to be a hilarious and heartfelt journey that brings together top-tier talent, beloved animated icons, and sharp satire. With a confirmed release date of August 28, 2026, and a well-rounded cast including Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor, and Luis Guzmán, the film is shaping up to be a standout in the Looney Tunes universe. Thanks to early footage from San Diego Comic-Con and a creative team that understands the legacy of the franchise, Coyote vs. Acme could very well be the animated courtroom comedy we didn’t know we needed.
Stay tuned with us for further updates.
TOPICS: Warner Bros. Animation