Long-shelved Looney Tunes film 'Coyote vs. Acme' earns $15.5M in opening weekend after indie distributor rescue
After Warner Bros. shelved the completed film in 2023 for a tax write-off, Ketchup Entertainment acquired distribution rights and released it theatrically. The movie opened to an estimated $15.5 million in North America, the best debut ever for Ketchup, and earned strong reviews and an A CinemaScore. Meanwhile, 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' continued its box-office dominance, grossing $22.2 million in its fifth weekend.
The film’s $15.5 million debut marks a significant turnaround for a project Warner Bros. had written off entirely in 2023, alongside other shelved titles like “Batgirl.” Ketchup Entertainment paid roughly $50 million for worldwide rights, and the movie’s strong critical reception (95% on Rotten Tomatoes) and audience A CinemaScore suggest it may find lasting life in home viewing. Its production budget was $70 million, meaning theatrical returns alone won’t cover costs, but ancillary markets could help recoup investment. The opening also set a new company record for Ketchup, far surpassing its previous Looney Tunes pickup, “The Day the Earth Blew Up.”
This release could signal a shift in how studios treat completed films, as independent distributors may increasingly step in when majors prioritize tax write-offs over theatrical risk. For audiences, it offers a rare second chance to see a studio-backed animated hybrid in cinemas, potentially boosting niche distribution models. However, the modest opening suggests such rescues remain financially precarious, and the film’s long-term impact may depend on streaming and digital sales rather than box office alone.