Warner Bros. Discovery film 'Coyote vs. Acme' posts strong box-office debut after studio delayed release
'Coyote vs. Acme' opened at No. 2 domestically, earning $15.4 million, after being acquired and released by independent distributor Ketchup Entertainment following Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to postpone the project.
The hybrid live-action/animated film Coyote vs. Acme earned $15.4 million in its opening weekend, placing second at the U.S. box office and adding $1.7 million from earlier sneak previews. The movie, based on the Looney Tunes franchise, was originally developed by Warner Bros. Discovery but was later sold to independent distributor Ketchup Entertainment for $50 million, with an additional $10 million allocated for marketing.
Industry analysts note that the film’s modest budget and targeted marketing helped it achieve the strongest opening for a Ketchup Entertainment release. Although the total box-office run is expected to fall short of the $70 million production cost, the opening performance is considered a positive outcome for the smaller studio and demonstrates audience interest in legacy cartoon properties.
Warner Bros. Discovery had previously placed the project on hold during its merger with Discovery Inc., a move that was part of broader cost-cutting measures across the company’s portfolio. The decision to sell the film allowed the studio to write off the associated expense, while the subsequent box-office receipts have partially offset the loss.
The release follows a period in which Warner Bros. Discovery’s slate of high-profile titles has delivered mixed financial results. While some recent releases have performed well, others have underperformed relative to expectations. Coyote vs. Acme’s opening provides a contrast to those outcomes and highlights the potential for mid-budget, franchise-based films to find commercial success when paired with focused distribution strategies.