NEW YORK – After being shelved for three years, the Looney Tunes feature film “Coyote vs. Acme” has finally hit theaters, thanks to Ketchup Entertainment. The film opened with an estimated $15.5 million in ticket sales over the weekend, marking a triumphant return for the beloved cartoon characters.
In the same weekend, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” continued its impressive run at the box office, grossing $22.2 million and bringing its global total to an astonishing $2.33 billion. This makes it the fourth highest-grossing film of all time, a remarkable feat in the competitive film landscape.
Despite facing significant challenges leading up to its release, “Coyote vs. Acme” managed to secure the second spot among new releases, showcasing its appeal to audiences. The film, directed by Dave Green, is based on a humorous column by Ian Frazier in The New Yorker, where Wile E. Coyote famously sues the Acme Corporation for its defective products.
In contrast, the Ridley Scott action drama “The Dog Stars,” starring Jacob Elordi, did not perform as well. Opening in fifth place with just $8 million, it struggled to attract audiences despite its hefty production budget of $70 million to $100 million.
“Coyote vs. Acme” faced a rocky road to the big screen. Warner Bros. initially decided to cancel the film’s release in 2023, opting instead for a tax write-off on a movie originally intended for HBO Max. This decision was met with backlash from fans and filmmakers alike, leading to the acquisition of the film by Ketchup Entertainment for around $50 million.
The film blends live-action with animation and features a star-studded cast, including Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor. Its release has been celebrated by the filmmakers, with director Dave Green stating on social media, “’Coyote vs. Acme’ is finally, gloriously, in theaters now. Which means one thing. WE WON.”
Critics and audiences have responded positively to the film, with a CinemaScore of ‘A’ and a 95% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While the opening weekend numbers may seem modest for a film with a $70 million budget, it stands as a significant achievement for Ketchup Entertainment, marking their best debut ever.
Industry expert David A. Gross noted, “The box office numbers are fair, but the reception is excellent, and the release should set up good ancillary business for kids’ viewing, where the film should recoup its investment.”
In the meantime, “The Odyssey” continues to perform well, sliding to third place with $14.3 million, while the overall box office landscape remains competitive with various films vying for audience attention.
Here’s a look at the top movies by domestic box office for the weekend:
1. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” $22.2 million.
2. “Coyote vs. Acme,” $15.5 million.
3. “The Odyssey,” $14.3 million.
4. “Insidious: Out of the Further,” $10.1 million.
5. “The Dog Stars,” $8 million.
6. “Buddy,” $5.4 million.
7. “The End of Oak Street,” $5 million.
8. “PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie,” $4.9 million.
9. “Mutiny,” $2.8 million.
10. “Tony,” $2.2 million.
