According to figures available as of September 6, 2026, the rescued feature film Coyote vs. Acme has grossed $39,836,660 globally in box office ticket sales since opening in theaters on August 28, 2026. Distributed by Ketchup Entertainment after being dropped by Warner Bros., the hybrid live-action and animated comedy collected $33,843,397 in the United States and Canada and approximately $5,993,263 in international markets, defying initial industry expectations for a canceled studio project.
Box Office Breakdown and North American Dominance
The commercial performance of Coyote vs. Acme is heavily anchored by North America, which accounts for roughly 85 % of the film’s total worldwide earnings, according to box office data. Domestically, the picture launched with an opening weekend of approximately US$15.9 million in the United States and Canada. This figure marked the highest opening weekend debut in the history of distributor Ketchup Entertainment.
International markets contributed a smaller share, adding about US$5,993,263 to the global tally. Industry tracking shows that the movie secured a multiplier of 2.13 times its first weekend, indicating that word of mouth is helping retain theater screens. However, because North American ticket sales drive the vast majority of revenue, the overall international rollout remains modest compared to traditional studio blockbusters.
Did you know? Ketchup Entertainment acquired the worldwide distribution rights to Coyote vs. Acme from Warner Bros. for approximately US$50 million in 2025, after Warner Bros. initially decided to shelve the completed movie for tax write-down purposes.
Second Weekend Hold and Theatrical Retention
During its second weekend in theaters across the United States and Canada, Coyote vs. Acme brought in roughly US$11.3 million. According to box office tracking, this represented a drop of approximately 27 % compared to its opening frame. Industry analysts note that a second-weekend decline of under 30% is uncommonly moderate, signaling that general audiences are engaging with the title beyond initial curiosity about its turbulent production history.
This stability on screens prevents the rapid theater count reductions that usually plague films suffering steep opening-to-second-week drops. Yet, distributors do not keep 100% of ticket sales. Box office analysts point out that domestic theater owners retain a substantial percentage of box office receipts, meaning gross revenue figures must climb significantly higher before covering distribution costs, marketing expenses, and print fees.
Will Ketchup Entertainment Recover Its $50 Million Acquisition Cost?
Whether Coyote vs. Acme will fully recoup the US$50 million paid by Ketchup Entertainment purely through theatrical ticket sales remains uncertain. Warner Bros. initially invested roughly US$70 million to produce the film before attempting to write it off. Because distributors split ticket revenues with exhibitors and face heavy marketing expenses, industry projections estimate the movie will finish its theatrical run between US$55 million and US$70 million globally.
Even if global grosses reach the upper end of that projected US$55 million to US$70 million range, theatrical receipts alone may fall short of clearing the US$50 million acquisition threshold once theater splits and promotional overhead are factored in. Nevertheless, box office observers emphasize that theatrical runs represent only the first window of monetization. Subsequent streaming, video-on-demand, and television licensing deals provide additional revenue streams that could push Ketchup Entertainment into profitability.
From Cancellation to Independent Release: The Production Background
The unusual road to theaters generated substantial public attention for Coyote vs. Acme long before ticket sales began. Warner Bros. elected to cancel the completed film as part of a corporate tax strategy, triggering swift backlash from Looney Tunes fans and entertainment industry professionals alike. Following the public outcry, the studio reversed course and permitted outside bids, leading to Ketchup Entertainment’s acquisition.

Directed by Dave Green, the film follows Wile E. Coyote as he files a lawsuit against the fictional ACME Corporation for product malfunctions. The cast blends animation with live-action performances by Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor. While reviews and audience reception have trended favorably, helping sustain its box office legs, executives at Ketchup Entertainment view the release as a calculated risk that has already yielded the company’s most successful opening weekend to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much has Coyote vs. Acme made at the box office?
As of September 6, 2026, Coyote vs. Acme has grossed $39,836,660 worldwide, with $33,843,397 coming from the United States and Canada.
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Who distributes Coyote vs. Acme?
Ketchup Entertainment distributes the movie globally after acquiring the rights from Warner Bros. in 2025 for approximately US$50 million.
Why was Coyote vs. Acme almost canceled?
Warner Bros. initially shelved the completed film to secure a corporate tax write-down, but later allowed the project to be sold following industry and fan backlash.
Who directed the film and who stars in it?
Dave Green directed Coyote vs. Acme, which stars Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor alongside animated characters.
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