Coyote vs. Acme Makes a Comeback with Strong Box Office Debut

Washington DC, United States Aug 31, 2026 ALN: Three years after Warner Bros. abruptly canned “Coyote vs. Acme,” the Looney Tunes feature film that was given a new lease on life by Ketchup Entertainment debuted with an estimated $15.5 million in ticket sales over the weekend. This marks a significant comeback for the film, which had faced an uncertain future after its initial cancellation.

The film's release comes at a time when the movie industry is still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had forced many theaters to close and led to a significant shift in how films are distributed and consumed. Streaming services gained immense popularity during this period, prompting studios to reconsider their traditional release strategies. Warner Bros. had initially planned to release “Coyote vs. Acme” on its streaming platform, HBO Max, but later opted to shelve it entirely, citing financial concerns and a desire to take a tax write-off.

For the fifth weekend in a row, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” topped the North American box office. It grossed $22.2 million in U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday, bringing its worldwide total to $2.33 billion and making it the fourth highest-grossing film of all time. This continued success underscores the enduring popularity of superhero films and the significant audience demand for blockbuster content.

“Coyote vs. Acme,” however, fared best of the newcomers, debuting in second place amidst a competitive box office landscape. The film, which had been relegated to the dust heap, managed to capture the attention of audiences and critics alike, demonstrating that there is still a robust market for animated features, particularly those with nostalgic ties to beloved characters.

The Ridley Scott action drama “The Dog Stars,” starring Jacob Elordi, flopped. The film, about a pilot and German Shepherd who survive a global pandemic, opened in fifth place with $8 million for 20th Century Studios. It added $11.3 million overseas, a poor result for a film that cost between $70 million and $100 million to make. This underperformance highlights the challenges that mid-budget films face in today’s market, where big-budget blockbusters tend to dominate the box office and smaller indie films often struggle to gain traction.

“Coyote vs. Acme,” which is based on an Ian Frazier “Shouts and Murmurs” New Yorker column, revolves around Wile E. Coyote suing the Acme Corporation for its faulty products. The film stars a notable cast including Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor, and Eric Bauza, which may have contributed to its appeal. The combination of live-action and animation, directed by Dave Green, adds a unique visual element that has resonated with audiences.

The film had a production budget of $70 million. Despite good test screening scores, Warner Bros. opted to ax the completed film, which sparked significant backlash from fans and industry insiders. Following an outcry, the studio put the film up for sale. Early last year, Ketchup Entertainment acquired worldwide distribution rights for about $50 million, making it a notable acquisition for the indie distributor.

For the makers of the film, just getting released was a victory. Director Dave Green expressed his excitement on social media, stating, “‘Coyote vs. Acme’ is finally, gloriously, in theaters now. Which means one thing. WE WON.” This sentiment reflects the determination and passion of the creative team behind the film, who faced numerous obstacles to bring their vision to the big screen.

Reviews and audience scores were also good. Moviegoers gave it an “A” CinemaScore, indicating strong positive reactions from the audience. Critics were just as enthusiastic, with the film holding a 95% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Such positive feedback is crucial for a film's longevity in theaters and can significantly impact its performance in ancillary markets such as home video and streaming.

While the result might have counted as a disappointment for some $70 million movies, the opening weekend for “Coyote vs. Acme” was the best ever for Ketchup. The indie distributor’s previous high was 2024’s “The Day the Earth Blew Up” (a $3.1 million opening), another Warner-made Looney Tunes castoff. This successful debut may signal a new era for Ketchup Entertainment, positioning it as a viable player in the indie distribution landscape.

Industry analyst David A. Gross commented on the film's performance, stating, “The box office numbers are fair, but the reception is excellent and the release should set up good ancillary business for kids’ viewing, where the film should recoup its investment.” This perspective highlights the importance of audience reception in determining a film's overall financial success, particularly for family-oriented content that often enjoys extended viewing periods through home entertainment channels.

“The Odyssey,” in its seventh weekend, slid to third place with $14.3 million. It remains unusually strong overseas, where the Christopher Nolan movie grossed $48.6 million over the weekend. Altogether, the Universal Pictures release has collected $1.55 billion in global sales, further illustrating the enduring appeal of Nolan’s work and the strong international market for well-crafted cinematic experiences.

As the box office landscape continues to evolve, the success of “Coyote vs. Acme” serves as a case study in the resilience of animated features and the potential for independent distributors to thrive in a challenging environment. With a mix of nostalgia, humor, and a contemporary twist on classic characters, the film has found its place in theaters, proving that sometimes, a second chance can lead to unexpected triumphs.

Top 10 movies by domestic box office

With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Rentrak:

• 1. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” $22.2 million.
• 2. “Coyote vs. Acme,” $15.5 million.
• 3. “The Odyssey,” $14.3 million.
• 4. “Insidious: Out of the Further,” $10.1 million.