After a three-year odyssey that saw the film nearly erased for a tax credit, Coyote vs. Acme has found its vindication at the box office. Since its U.S. theatrical release on August 28, 2026, the live-action/animation hybrid has grossed approximately $40.5 million worldwide, according to early September tracking data.
The film’s performance provides a stark contrast to the financial strategy originally proposed by Warner Bros. in late 2023. At that time, the studio intended to shelf the completed project in exchange for an estimated $30 million tax write-off. Instead, the film was eventually sold to Ketchup Entertainment for a reported $50 million, a figure that allowed the original studio to recoup more capital through a sale than it would have through the tax incentive alone.
Surpassing Past Franchise Performance
A global intake of approximately $40.5 million has been recorded as of early September 2026.
While the production budget remains a high bar for full profitability, the initial theatrical returns suggest the “free marketing” generated by years of public controversy may have bolstered its visibility. The long delay and the “save the movie” campaigns led by fans and filmmakers appeared to act as a sustained promotional cycle, potentially lowering the advertising spend required by Ketchup Entertainment for the 2026 launch.
Critical and Audience Reception
The film, which stars Will Forte as a billboard attorney and John Cena as a corporate defense lawyer, has resonated with both reviewers and general audiences. Current industry data indicates the movie holds a 95% critical score and a 92% audience score on leading review aggregators.
The story follows Wile E. Coyote after he decides to sue the Acme Corporation for its defective products, leading to a courtroom battle that blends classic Looney Tunes slapstick with a legal drama framework. The high critical marks and steady box office numbers suggest that the decision to release the film rather than destroy it has not only preserved the creative work of the cast and crew but has also proven the commercial viability of the Looney Tunes brand in a modern theatrical landscape.
