James Gunn, director of theGuardians of the Galaxyfilms and all around interesting guy, has signed on to co-write the script for an upcoming movie based on the classicLooney Tunescharacter Wile E. Coyote. That’s an intriguing idea on its own, but the actual premise may end up turning more than a few heads.
As part of a blanket release date announcement for several of their upcoming films,Warner Bros. Pictures included a bit of a surprisewhen they mentioned a new live-action/animation hybrid film titledCoyote vs. Acme.The title may sound familiar to long timeNew Yorkerreaders, as it shares both a name and a setting with a similarly titled 1990 article by Ian Frazier.The original article, calledCoyote V. Acme, is presented as a court case where the titular Wile E. Coyote himself seeks damages against the fictional “Acme” company, whose products he had been using to varying degrees of failure his entire cartoon career.
RELATED:Looney Tunes on HBO Max Bans Guns
Dave Green, perhaps best known for directing 2016’sTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadowsas well as a number of music videos, was named as director while Gunn joined the writing team. Gunn is also attached as producer alongsideMad Max: Fury Roadexecutive producer Chris DeFaria, which may not be a coincidence considering the other films addressed during the same announcement. A prequel toFury RoadtitledFuriosaalso received a release date alongside an adaptation of the musicalThe Color Purple.
There’s something profoundly unique about the vibe Gunn brings to his movies, whether as a director or writer. From his work on the critically acclaimedGuardians of the Galaxyseries to2002’s divisive (and almost R-rated)Scooby-Doo, there’s a certain amount of self-awareness that comes with a Gunn production. Given the deadpan nature of the original article, it’s difficult to say what sort of film audiences can expect, especially combined with Green’s directing. So perhaps the wait will be part of the experience.
It feels rather hopeful to see announcements like this, projecting releases for times where certain aspects of the world are widely expected to be “back to normal.” 2023 is a long way off, so thinking about something that far in the future can be a good exercise in nerve-calming. It helps even more thatCoyote vs. Acmehas such a delightfully absurd idea behind it. Future viewers could use something less than serious right now, even though such projects likeEddie Murphy’sComing 2 Americaare still on the horizon.
Warner Bros. Pictures has slated all 3 films for 2023, giving audiences plenty of time to build up their enthusiasm and anticipation. TheHarvey Birdman-esque premise alone may be more than enough to draw a decent amount of attention, so the talent behind it is just icing on the cake. Fans of straight-faced but high-laugh humor may wish to keep an eye on this one.
Coyote vs. Acmeis currently set to release on June 12, 2025, whileFuriosaandThe Color Purpleare looking at June 23 and December 20, respectively.
MORE:Bob’s Burgers Christmas Episodes Are Better Than Any Other Animated Show
