The animated/live-action hybrid, featuring the iconic Wile E. Coyote in a legal battle against the infamous Acme Corporation, was famously shelved by Warner Bros. despite its reported $70 million production budget. The studio's rationale, as reported by IndieWire, was that the film was "too offbeat to succeed at the box office," leading them to opt for a tax write-down, a strategy they also employed with the 'Batgirl' project.
However, 'Coyote vs. Acme' found a second life when Ketchup Entertainment acquired the distribution rights for $50 million. After strategically selling some foreign rights to mitigate risk, the film has now accumulated a global total exceeding $100 million, with $54.7 million from international markets and $44.3 million domestically, according to Rentrak data cited by IndieWire. This robust performance sets the stage for its upcoming digital release, scheduled for September 28 at 9 p.m. PT or midnight ET on September 29.
The film's unexpected triumph arrives at a time when Warner Bros. has faced its own commercial challenges. After a strong 2025 with hits like 'Sinners' and 'Weapons,' the studio's recent slate has included several underperformers. Titles such as 'The Bride!' (grossing $23.9 million worldwide against a $90 million budget), 'Supergirl' ($126.4 million worldwide on an $180 million budget), and 'The End of Oak Street' ($120.6 million worldwide from an $85 million budget) have struggled to find an audience. Even 'Practical Magic 2,' which earned $76.8 million in its first two weeks, carries a production cost that makes profitability a steep climb.
Adding to Warner Bros.' recent woes, IndieWire highlighted a report from Variety indicating that indie studio A24 actually outgrossed the industry giant this past summer. A24 secured 5.5 percent of the domestic market share with $237 million, while Warner Bros. trailed with 5 percent and $165 million. The success of 'Coyote vs. Acme,' had it remained under the Warner Bros. banner, could have significantly narrowed this gap, potentially even turning a profit for the studio that initially dismissed it. Instead, Ketchup Entertainment stands to reap the rewards of a decision that proved to be a lucrative gamble.