For years, Coyote vs. Acme seemed destined to be a Hollywood cautionary tale—a finished movie shelved for a tax write-off, then resurrected by a smaller distributor. Now, as the film finally prepares for its theatrical release, its stars are opening up about the emotional rollercoaster and the surprising secrets behind the scenes.
In a recent interview with Collider, Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor sat down to discuss the film's long and winding path to the big screen. The trio shared their reactions to the movie's initial shelving, their first impressions of the script, and the classic films that inspired their approach to the live-action/animation hybrid.
A Dream Come True for Cena
One of the most delightful revelations came from Cena, who admitted he's been a huge fan of Forte's work for years—especially the cult classic MacGruber. “It's a dream,” Cena said about sharing the screen with Forte. “The whiteout scene where you asked to use it as lube is brilliance.” He went on to praise Forte's comedy, noting that many WWE superstars appeared in MacGruber (though they didn't last long).
Forte, who was unaware of Cena's admiration, was touched. “He brought up this Tim & Eric 'Fortin' with Will' sketch earlier,” Forte said. “It was an honor. I freaking love Peacemaker.” Cena explained that he'd been “slowly dropping the breadcrumbs” throughout their time working together in Albuquerque, but he wanted the moment to feel natural.
Condor, meanwhile, confessed she hadn't seen MacGruber—but she quickly added, “I'm a fan of Will Forte. There you go.” Forte joked that he hadn't seen To All the Boys, so they were even.
The Shelving That Left Forte Feeling 'Gaslit'
When Warner Bros. Discovery shelved Coyote vs. Acme in 2023, it sent shockwaves through the industry. For the cast, it was a deeply confusing experience. Forte admitted he felt “a little gaslit” during that period. “We go through this whole process where we're making this movie that you're like, 'This is going to be really good.' And then the post-production process continues climbing this hill, and you're like, 'Oh my gosh, it's gonna be great.' And the producers all seemed very excited about it. Then, the rug gets pulled out, and you're like, 'Okay. Whoa. Well, maybe this isn't as good as they thought.'”
Fortunately, Ketchup Entertainment stepped in to rescue the film, giving it a second chance at life. The cast's enthusiasm is palpable, and they're eager for audiences to finally see it.
Inspired by Roger Rabbit
The film, which follows Wile E. Coyote as he sues the ACME Corporation with the help of attorney Kevin Avery (Forte), owes a debt to Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The trio discussed how that 1988 classic set the bar for blending animation and live action, and they hoped to capture some of that same magic.
Condor, who plays a key role in the film, shared the hopeful message she hopes audiences take away: “I think it's about perseverance and not giving up, even when the odds are stacked against you.” That theme resonates beyond the screen, given the film's own journey to theaters.
With its release finally on the horizon, Coyote vs. Acme is poised to become a beloved underdog story—both on screen and off. For more on the film's release, check out our coverage of its theatrical debut.
