Coyote vs. Acme opened in 3,575 theaters on August 28 after one of the more unusual paths to a theatrical release in recent Hollywood history. The film, a hybrid live-action and animated comedy set in the Looney Tunes universe, was completed and then shelved by Warner Bros. in late 2023. Now, nearly three years later, it is playing on the big screen.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. originally intended the film as an HBO Max streaming original. After completing it, the studio decided not to release it and planned to take an estimated $30 million tax write-off on the approximately $70 million production. The decision drew immediate backlash from fans, filmmakers, and the film's cast.
In March 2025, Ketchup Entertainment acquired worldwide distribution rights from Warner Bros. in a deal reportedly valued at around $50 million. The company had previously distributed another discarded Warner Bros. Looney Tunes title, The Day the Earth Blew Up, which opened to $3.1 million domestically in 2024. Coyote vs. Acme's opening weekend estimate of $12 million to $14 million, according to Deadline, sets a new domestic record for the indie distributor.
The film follows Wile E. Coyote as he hires a billboard lawyer to sue the Acme Corporation after its products repeatedly fail him in his pursuit of the Road Runner. It stars Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor, Eric Bauza, and Martha Kelly. Critics have responded warmly, with the film sitting at 95% certified fresh as of opening weekend.
Director Dave Green marked the release by sharing a thank-you letter on social media. "COYOTE VS. ACME IS FINALLY, GLORIOUSLY, IN THEATERS NOW. Which means one thing. WE WON. You can go see this movie. In a theater. In your favorite seat. With your favorite snacks. With your favorite people. You can head into a dark room and laugh with strangers. Together. Congratulations to everyone who made this happen," he wrote in part.
Green also addressed what the release represents beyond the film itself. "It's a record of the cast and crew, post, prep and animation teams who poured so much love and passion into it over years and years," he wrote. "It's shared, permanently, with the audience who fought so hard for its survival. Your fight is the reason this film finally made it to the big screen. Thank you @ketchupentertainment for hearing the audience. We're so grateful that you did."
He concluded: "This is a celebration, it's proof that movies don't just go away. We make work so it can be seen and shared — that's the whole reason we do what we do. Persistence and resilience have truly won the day. Enjoy Coyote vs. Acme on the big screen. Where it was always meant to be seen!"
Forte responded to Green's letter on X, writing simply, "Beautifully put, Dave." He also posted a video thanking those who pushed for the film's release.
At the box office this weekend, Coyote vs. Acme is tracking for third place. Sony and Marvel Studios' Spider-Man: Brand New Day leads in its fifth weekend with an estimated $19 million to $20 million, putting it within reach of $900 million total. Universal's The Odyssey holds second in its seventh weekend with $14.5 million, bringing its cumulative total to $564 million.
Streaming details for Coyote vs. Acme have not yet been announced.