Shelved Film Defeats Write-Off
Shelved Coyote vs. Acme Film Surpasses Thirty Million Dollar Write-Off at Box Office
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Key Points
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Ketchup Entertainment acquired the film’s worldwide distribution rights for approximately $50 million after Warner Bros. allowed the completed movie to be shopped to outside distributors.
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The film’s second-weekend performance was especially strong: it declined just 28.8% from its opening weekend and earned an estimated $14.5 million over the Labor Day weekend.
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Coyote vs. Acme opened to roughly $15.9 million domestically, according to Box Office Mojo, placing it above the reported $30 million write-off comparison within its first weeks of release.
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The film held exceptionally strong Rotten Tomatoes scores, with 96% from critics and 95% from audiences, indicating that favorable reception and word-of-mouth were contributing to its endurance.
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Warner Bros. said its decision not to release the completed film reflected a change in theatrical strategy, while reports separately linked the move to the planned tax write-down.
Coyote vs. Acme, the completed Warner Bros. film shelved in 2023 for a reported $30 million tax write-off, has become an unexpected box-office hit after being released by Ketchup Entertainment on August 28, 2026. The hybrid live-action and animated comedy has earned more than $40 million worldwide, surpassing the value of the planned write-off and raising questions about Warner Bros.' initial decision Mercury News.
The film stars Will Forte, John Cena and Lana Condor in Dave Green's adaptation of a 1990 New Yorker piece, following Wile E. Coyote as he sues Acme Corporation over faulty products. Despite strong competition, Coyote vs. Acme has demonstrated remarkable staying power with a modest 28.8% second-weekend decline and exceptional reviews—96% from critics and 95% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes Collider.
From Tax Write-Off to Box-Office Winner
Warner Bros. Discovery completed Coyote vs. Acme but decided not to release it theatrically, citing a shift in studio strategy. The company took a $30 million tax write-down on the finished film Mercury News. However, the studio allowed independent distributors to shop the movie to theaters.
Ketchup Entertainment acquired worldwide distribution rights for approximately $50 million. The film opened with $15.9 million domestically, crossing the $30 million write-off threshold in just its opening weekend Mercury News. It went on to earn an estimated $14.5 million over the Labor Day weekend alone Mercury News.
Critical and Audience Acclaim Drive Strong Legs
Coyote vs. Acme's success stems partly from exceptional audience reception. The film holds a 96% critics score and 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating strong word-of-mouth Collider. Catholic World Report noted the film delivers family-friendly humor and comedy without heavy-handed messaging.
The film's second-weekend performance proved especially impressive. A decline of only 28.8% suggests audiences returned for repeat viewings and brought friends. This holding power is rare in summer blockbuster seasons, typically dominated by franchise sequels and tent-pole releases East Bay Times.
Questions Remain About Profitability
Despite exceeding the $30 million write-off, Coyote vs. Acme may not be fully profitable. The film's original budget and Ketchup Entertainment's $50 million acquisition cost must be offset against the $40 million worldwide gross. Marketing and distribution expenses add further costs Mercury News.
Still, the film's performance has renewed criticism of Warner Bros.' initial shelving decision. The success demonstrates how independent distributors can revive projects that major studios view as financial liabilities. Ketchup Entertainment's bet on theatrical release vindicated the value of a completed film that seemed destined to disappear Collider.
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