New Mexicans are used to seeing their state in film and TV these days, but the latest project featuring our state almost didn’t cross the finish line.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexicans are used to seeing their state in film and TV these days, but the latest project featuring our state almost didn’t cross the finish line.
“Coyote vs. ACME” features numerous local icons and landmarks, but it’s almost a miracle that it will be making its silver screen debut later this week.
The film, which answers the question, ‘What if Wile E. Coyote sued the company that made all those faulty gadgets,’ was shelved by Warner Bros. in 2023 and intended to be a tax write-off before the distribution rights were recently sold to indie film distributor Ketchup Entertainment.
“Well, we almost forgot about it because it’s been about at least four years since Warner Bros. first reached out,” said Rail Runner spokesperson Augusta Meyers.
The Rail Runner train is prominently featured in one of the trailers for the film – running over Wile, of course.
It was a no-brainer for the Rail Runner to be featured in a movie involving the famous Road Runner, but it’s a relief that the rest of the public will get to see our famous train.
“And also, you know, when you exit our trains, you hear the “meep meep” when you get off, so there’s been that connection from the beginning. So, it’s really exciting for us,” said Meyers.
Previous trailers have featured a number of well-known local spots including parts of Central Avenue, the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Courthouse, and the UNM Film and Digital Arts Building at Mesa del Sol, among others.
And separate promos for the film showcased a green building that is the supposed law office of Will Forte’s character, the attorney Kevin Avery, who represents Wile E. Coyote against ACME. On the other side of things, the company is defended by the ruthless Buddy Crane, portrayed by John Cena.
A website created for the film, which is made to look like an actual attorney’s website and includes an interactive phone tree users can call, hinted that location was behind a Wienerschnitzel on Menaul Boulevard.
KOB 4 went to that location and found the green building, which was indeed behind a Wienerschnitzel there.
However, in real life, it’s actually an electronic parts store – something Wile himself could have benefitted from over the years.
But whether it’s through well-known landmarks or local businesses, New Mexico is going to get its moment on the silver screen this weekend.
“Actually, our whole staff, we’re planning a movie night for our staff to go see it together,” said Meyers.
As of Wednesday night, the film had 127 critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes with an astonishing 95% of them positive.
The official theatrical release date is listed as Friday, Aug. 28, but KOB 4 found some early showings listed for Thursday at various theaters.
