A film Warner Bros. shelved in 2023 for a tax write-off is now drawing some of the strongest reviews of the year, with two major critics calling it one of the best live-action/animation hybrids ever made. The studio canceled and ditched the finished 'Coyote vs. Acme' three years ago, choosing not to release it in theaters or on streaming. But the movie, now set for release in 2026, is being celebrated by Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter, while Variety offers a more mixed take.
Directed by Dave Green and written by Samy Burch, the movie blends live action with Looney Tunes characters. It stars Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor, and Luis Guzman. According to Deadline, the film is Warner Bros.' 'most entertaining' release of 2026 and the best live-action/cartoon hybrid since 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit.' The Hollywood Reporter echoes that enthusiasm, describing it as 'one of the best' films of its kind, and notes it was nearly shelved.
Variety, however, says the film is essentially a courtroom comedy that packs in Road Runner-style mayhem and is full of affectionate nods and Looney Tunes Easter eggs. But the review argues that the 'fizz of anarchy' is missing from the movie, suggesting that while it is entertaining, it lacks the rebellious spirit of the classic cartoons. The divergence in opinion highlights the debate over whether the film deserved to be rescued from the studio's write-down.