‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Thrives at the Box Office After Warner Bros. Nearly Shelved It

Few films have experienced a more unusual journey to theaters than ‘Coyote vs. Acme,’ a project that Warner Bros. initially deemed unworthy of release. This Looney Tunes hybrid became one of the most discussed victims of Hollywood’s tax write-off era, completely canceled until public outcry compelled the studio to reconsider.

The controversy surrounding the film has shadowed its remarkable return to the big screen. Directed by Dave Green and combining live-action with animation, the movie had a production budget of about $70 million. However, Warner Bros. Discovery decided to shelve it in 2023, opting for a reported $30 million tax write-off despite positive test screening results.

This decision triggered immediate backlash from fans, industry professionals, and star Will Forte, ultimately pressuring the studio to sell the completed film rather than let it fade into obscurity. Indie distributor Ketchup Entertainment acquired the worldwide distribution rights for around $50 million in early 2025, paving the way for the film’s theatrical release years after its completion.

Now, that gamble is paying off. ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ earned an impressive $11.9 million during its second three-day weekend, reflecting only a 25.2 percent drop from its opening weekend—a much gentler decline compared to similar family hybrid films like ‘The Sheep Detectives’ or ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog.’ The film’s domestic total has now reached $34.4 million, making it Ketchup Entertainment’s highest-grossing release to date.

The film’s debut weekend was notable as well. It opened with an estimated $15.5 million domestically, surpassing Ridley Scott’s $70 million film ‘The Dog Stars,’ which only managed to earn $8 million—a significant letdown for a project with such a high-profile pedigree.

Both audience and critical reception have been overwhelmingly positive throughout the film’s run. ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ received an “A” CinemaScore from opening weekend viewers and boasts a 95 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating strong word-of-mouth that has helped maintain its performance into the second weekend.

The film’s box office success is particularly ironic considering its initial fate. Warner Bros. Discovery reportedly lost around $20 million when the studio sold the film to Ketchup Entertainment, and ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ has already recouped that amount globally, adding an embarrassing chapter to the studio’s original decision to shelve it.

Ketchup Entertainment, whose unusual name is said to reference its founder’s favorite condiment, has managed to limit its financial exposure compared to a major studio release, enhancing the film’s chances of turning a profit. With its current box office trajectory, the movie is projected to achieve a domestic total between $55 million and $70 million.

As ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ continues to perform well against new competition, inching closer to matching Ketchup’s acquisition cost, it has emerged as one of the year’s most compelling underdog stories. For a film that Warner Bros. once considered unworthy of release, its staying power speaks volumes.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments.