Coyote vs. Acme Trailer Unveils Iconic New Mexico Filming Locations & John Cena’s Albuquerque Connection

POLICY WIRE — Albuquerque, New Mexico — The enduring connection between Albuquerque and the classic Looney Tunes universe is once again highlighted as the trailer for the upcoming film “Coyote vs. Acme” prominently features the Duke City, showcasing numerous recognizable local elements for residents of New Mexico.

The recently released preview opens with the iconic pursuit of Wile E. Coyote by his perennial rival, the Road Runner, which notably serves as New Mexico’s state bird. Following yet another unsuccessful attempt to capture the swift avian, Coyote initiates legal proceedings against the notorious Acme Corporation.

He enlists the services of an injury attorney, portrayed by Will Forte, to challenge Acme’s formidable legal department, which is spearheaded by the formidable John Cena, cast in a villainous role.

Cena’s character appears perfectly integrated into the Southwestern setting, frequently sporting a distinctive turquoise bolo tie. Visual cues within the trailer, such as a clear shot of the New Mexico state flag displayed in the courtroom, confirm that the legal battle unfolds within the state.

This is swiftly followed by a dynamic sequence captured at the intersection of 3rd Street and Central Avenue in downtown Albuquerque, where the beloved character Porky Pig is seen enduring a mishap involving a construction wrecking ball.

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Additionally, the establishment known as The Library Bar & Grill is visible in one of the broader cinematic views. Another segment, featuring Tweety Bird, seemingly pays homage to the acclaimed series “Breaking Bad,” depicting a clandestine desert meeting among a group of suited men, including Cena.

The trailer also incorporates a snippet of a news broadcast filmed outside the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court. While the broadcast appears to be from “channel 4,” it is not affiliated with KOB. The main headquarters for Acme, though perhaps not immediately identifiable to local residents, was reportedly filmed at the UNM Film & Digital Arts building situated at Mesa del Sol, adjacent to the Netflix studios.

Digital set extensions were employed during post-production visual effects to visually expand the complex beyond its actual physical size. The remainder of the trailer delivers the expected chaotic fun typical of Looney Tunes, culminating with an appearance by the iconic Bugs Bunny.

The Film’s Tumultuous Journey to Release

The production of “Coyote vs. Acme” faced significant uncertainty, nearly being shelved indefinitely. Warner Bros. initially opted to cancel its release in 2023, reportedly as a tax write-off in the aftermath of the pandemic.

However, Ketchup Entertainment, which secured the distribution rights last year, has embraced this controversial history, playfully referencing Warner Bros.’s actions throughout the movie’s promotional materials. As New Mexico continues to be a hub for creative industries and local events, various state initiatives and community services are also actively addressing public health and welfare.

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The film is currently slated for release on August 28.