‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Finally Reaches Theaters After Being Shelved
Director Green said the film’s release proves movies can survive studio shelving after Warner Bros. took a $30 million write-off.
- On Friday, August 28, 2026, "Coyote vs. Acme" arrived in theaters, with director Dave Green celebrating on Instagram: "ACME IS FINALLY, GLORIOUSLY, IN THEATERS NOW."
- Warner Bros. shelved the approximately $70 million project in November 2023, taking an estimated $30 million tax write-off while shifting strategy after relaunching Warner Bros. Pictures Animation.
- Ketchup Entertainment acquired worldwide distribution rights in March 2025 for around $50 million, while stars Will Forte and Lana Condor publicly advocated for the movie's survival.
- From its Thursday previews alone, "Coyote vs. Acme" grossed about $1.7 million, ranking third at the box office behind "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" and "The Odyssey."
- "It taught me also a valuable lesson that change can occur," Forte said of the journey, as Green noted the "victory" was a "shared experience" with audiences.
19 Articles
19 Articles
3 Years After Being Scrapped, Coyote vs. Acme Just Broke a Box Office Record
Coyote vs. Acme infamously came dangerously close to never seeing the light of day. In 2023, Warner Bros. made the controversial decision to shelve the completed film so they could get a tax write-off. In response to the intense backlash, WB opted to instead shop Coyote vs. Acme around, and Ketchup Entertainment ultimately secured the […]
Box Office Vindication: "Coyote vs. Acme" Takes $7 Million Opening After Warner's Shelved It, "Dog Stars" Goes Paws Up with Just $3 Million
It’s a huge vindication for “Coyote vs. Acme” this morning. Ketchup Entertainment is reporting a $7 million opening Friday including Thursday previews. Amazing since this movie was almost not released after Warner Bros. shelved it three years ago. Dave Green’s Looney Tunes take is a winner, with 95% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, and 94% […] The post Box Office Vindication: “Coyote vs. Acme” Takes $7 Million Opening After Warner’s Shelved It, …
‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Star Will Forte, Director Celebrate Film Finally Hitting Theaters After Being Shelved by Warner Bros.: “Proof Movies Don’t Just Go Away”
‘Coyote vs. Acme’ star Will Forte, and director Dave Green celebrate the film finally hitting theaters after being shelved by Warner Bros.
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