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26 clusters · 245 sources · 124 days · First seen · Last updated
Coyote vs. ACME achieves major box office success
Overview
Warner Bros. Discovery’s 2023 tax-write-off of the mixed live-action/animation hybrid *Coyote vs. ACME* was reversed when Ketchup Entertainment bought the rights for $50 million in March 2025. The film, directed by Dave Green and produced by James Gunn and Chris DeFaria, follows Wile E. Coyote as he sues the Acme Corporation for its faulty products, based on Ian Frazier’s 1990 New Yorker article.
Originally completed in 2023 for HBO Max, the project was abruptly shelved by Warner Bros. for tax purposes despite positive audience test scores. This decision, which allowed the studio to claim a tax write-off of approximately $30 million, caused significant frustration and was described as “devastating” by star Will Forte.
Following its August 28, 2026, worldwide theatrical opening, the film achieved significant commercial success. After an initial North American debut of approximately $15.4 million, the film’s global revenue climbed steadily. By mid-September, global earnings reached approximately $82.7 million, with strong performance in Mexico, where it held the number one spot for three consecutive weeks.
By mid-October 2026, the film’s global box office was reported to be between $127 million and $140 million, surpassing the $100 million profitability threshold. This performance made it the most successful summer release produced by Warner Bros., even surpassing the earnings of the DC film *Supergirl*.
The film maintains high critical and audience scores, including a 95% to 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an “A” CinemaScore. Following its theatrical run, the film debuted on VOD platforms in the United States on September 29, 2026, with a scheduled digital release for Latin American audiences on October 29, 2026. In late October 2026, the studio submitted the film for consideration in the Academy Award category for Best Animated Feature.
Entities
Ketchup Entertainment · Will Forte · Dave Green · Warner Bros. · Coyote vs. Acme
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Warner Bros. originally shelved the film as a tax write-off.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The film was produced in 2022 with a budget of approximately $70 million.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Will Forte and John Cena star in the film as lawyers.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Warner Bros. Discovery shelved the completed film Coyote vs. Acme for tax purposes.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Ketchup Entertainment is the new distributor for Coyote vs. Acme.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Coyote vs. Acme is available for digital rental and purchase.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The film grossed between $88 million and $100 million globally during its theatrical run.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The movie was produced in 2023 with a budget of $70 million.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Warner Bros. originally scrapped the film in 2023 for a $30 million tax write-off.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The film stars Will Forte and John Cena.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The film features Will Forte as attorney Kevin Avery.
- [● 2 SOURCES] John Cena plays Acme lawyer Buddy Crane in the film.
Timeline
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[CULTURE] 2 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme submitted for Academy Award in Best Animated Feature category
The film Coyote vs. Acme has been submitted for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, a rare move for a live-action-animation hybrid.
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[BUSINESS] 3 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme achieves major box office success after distribution rescue
Rescued from a planned tax write-off, ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ has become a box office hit, earning up to $140 million and surpassing ‘Supergirl’ under the distribution of Ketchup Entertainment.
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[CULTURE] 7 sourcesCoyote vs. ACME to receive digital release following theatrical run
After facing potential cancellation by Warner Bros., ‘Coyote vs. ACME’ is moving to digital release, with US markets seeing availability in late September 2026 and Latin America following in October.
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[CULTURE] 3 sourcesCoyote vs. ACME earns $100 million at global box office
The Looney Tunes film ‘Coyote vs. ACME’ has earned $100 million at the global box office after being rescued from a Warner Bros. tax write-off by Ketchup Entertainment.
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[CULTURE] 8 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme arrives on digital after successful box office comeback
After being shelved by Warner Bros. in 2023, ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ has achieved a box office comeback and is now available for digital rental and purchase via Ketchup Entertainment.
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[CULTURE] 5 sourcesCoyote vs. ACME film achieves $100 million global box office success
After being nearly scrapped by Warner Bros. as a tax write-off, the film ‘Coyote vs. ACME’ has become a box office hit, earning $100 million following its acquisition by Ketchup Entertainment.
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[CULTURE] 15 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme surpasses $100 million at global box office
Rescued from a Warner Bros. tax write-off, “Coyote vs. Acme” has crossed $100 million at the global box office and is set for a digital release on September 28.
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[CULTURE] 3 sourcesCoyote vs. ACME released after Warner Bros. shelving controversy
After Warner Bros. initially decided to shelve ‘Coyote vs. ACME’ for tax purposes, the film has been released via Ketchup Entertainment following public backlash.
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[CULTURE] 9 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme achieves global box office success
“Coyote vs. Acme” has become a box office success, earning over $82 million globally. Mexico has emerged as a key market, contributing over $12 million to the film's total revenue.
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[CULTURE] 3 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme reaches US$82.7 million at global box office
The film ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ has amassed over US$82 million at the global box office, driven by strong performance in North America and international markets.
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[BUSINESS] 7 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme returns to theaters after Ketchup Entertainment acquisition
After being shelved by Warner Bros., ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ has been rescued by Ketchup Entertainment for $50 million and is currently earning nearly $50 million at the global box office.
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[BUSINESS] 6 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme reaches US$39.8 million at global box office
Directed by Dave Green, ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ has earned nearly US$40 million at the global box office, driven largely by a strong performance in the United States and Canada.
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[BUSINESS] 25 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme achieves box office success after Warner Bros. sale
After being shelved by Warner Bros. for tax purposes, “Coyote vs. Acme” has secured a successful theatrical release via Ketchup Entertainment, earning over $20 million globally in its opening days.
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[CULTURE] 26 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme arrives in theaters after being rescued from shelving
After being shelved by Warner Bros. for tax purposes, ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ has successfully reached theaters following a $50 million rights acquisition by Ketchup Entertainment.
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[CULTURE] 50 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme arrives in theaters after Warner Bros. shelving dispute
After being shelved by Warner Bros. for tax purposes, the Looney Tunes film ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ is finally hitting theaters via Ketchup Entertainment.
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[CULTURE] 29 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme film returns to theaters after being shelved
After being shelved by Warner Bros. for tax purposes, the Looney Tunes film “Coyote vs. Acme” has been rescued by Ketchup Entertainment and is now receiving a global theatrical release.
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[CULTURE] 11 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme to receive theatrical release after shelving
After being shelved by Warner Bros. for a tax write-off, the Looney Tunes film ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ will be released in theaters via Ketchup Entertainment following positive early critical reviews.
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[CULTURE] 10 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme set for theatrical release after studio shelving controversy
After being shelved by Warner Bros. for tax purposes, the Looney Tunes hybrid film ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ will finally hit theaters via Ketchup Entertainment, starring Will Forte and John Cena.
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[CULTURE] 6 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme to be released after Warner Bros. cancellation
Ketchup Entertainment is releasing ‘Coyote vs. Acme’, a Looney Tunes film previously canceled by Warner Bros. for tax purposes despite positive test scores and completed production.
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[CULTURE] 10 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme to receive theatrical release after being shelved
After being shelved by Warner Bros. for a tax write-off, ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ has been rescued by Ketchup Entertainment and is heading to theaters with high critical praise.
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[CULTURE] 24 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme set for theatrical release after being shelved
After being shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery for a tax write-off, ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ is set for a 2026 theatrical release via Ketchup Entertainment, receiving high praise from early critics.
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[CULTURE] 7 sourcesCoyote vs Acme film preview draws crowds in Rome
The live‑action/animation film *Coyote vs Acme*, directed by Dave Green, will preview in Rome on 28 August, featuring Wile E. Coyote suing Acme; release set for 2 Sept 2026.
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[CULTURE] 2 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme movie set for August 2026 theatrical debut
The hybrid film 'Coyote vs. Acme', starring Will Forte and John Cena and directed by Dave Green, will debut in August 2026 after being revived by Ketchup Entertainment following Warner Bros. shelving.
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[CULTURE] 12 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme Film to Premiere August 2026 Following Comic‑Con Showcase
Coyote vs. Acme, a live‑action/animation comedy directed by Dave Green, will debut August 28 2026 after a Comic‑Con preview; a Blu‑ray with uncensored outtakes is also slated.
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[CULTURE] 13 sourcesCoyote vs. ACME trailer released ahead of Aug. 28 debut
Ketchup Entertainment released the final *Coyote vs. ACME* trailer, revealing a live‑action/animation hybrid starring Will Forte and John Cena, set for worldwide release on Aug 28, 2026.
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[CULTURE] 2 sourcesCoyote vs. Acme film released in Italy after Warner Bros. cancellation
Italy’s Lucky Red will release *Coyote vs. Acme* on 2 Sept after Warner Bros. shelved the completed film as a tax write‑off, sparking industry backlash.
Sources
6abc.com · 8asians.com · abc11.com · abc13.com · abc30.com · abc7.com · abc7news.com · abc7ny.com · aboutregional.com.au · aftercredits.com · almomento.mx · ambrosia.com.br · arstechnica.com · artecult.com · avenuedelhorreur.fr · awardsradar.com · badtaste.it · begeek.fr · bestmovie.es · bestmovie.it · bigcheese1079.com · birthdayvibe.com · bitcoinethereumnews.com · br.paipee.com · brandonsun.com · brasilgamer.com.br · brockpress.com · butwhytho.net · ca.sports.yahoo.com · canal4.com.ni · canaltech.com.br · capital.pe · cartoonbrew.com · chilango.com · cinecircoloromano.it · cinema.everyeye.it · cinemaaxis.com · cinemaBlend.com · cinemablend.com · cinemacomcritica.com.br · cinemaniaci.it · cinemio.it · cinepop.com.br · cinevisao.pt · cinturaovest.it · clicnoticias.com.mx · cn13.tv · colombia.com
This summary has been updated 48 times: see revision history