Studio still loses money after Coyote vs Acme pulls $15.4M opening

**Ketchup Entertainment’s “Coyote vs. Acme” Tops Indie Charts with $15.4 Million Opening**

The animated feature *Coyote vs. Acme*, directed by Dave Green, pulled in $15.4 million during its domestic opening weekend, landing second at the box‑office behind *Spider‑Man: No Way Home*.

The film opened on Friday, September 7, under the independent banner Ketchup Entertainment, a company that had just acquired the rights after Warner Bros. shelved it for a tax write‑off. It is the highest opening for any title distributed by Ketchup to date.

While the studio faces potential financial loss on the project, the release has generated significant street credibility and brand awareness for both the film and its distributor. insiders, the success demonstrates that a small marketing budget can still deliver strong box‑office numbers if paired with a beloved IP and effective distribution strategy.

Fans are also excited to see Bugs Bunny back in a feature‑length role, a milestone that adds cultural weight to the figure.

The film’s performance has sparked debate about Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to drop the project. A source familiar with the studio’s internal discussions noted that Warner Bros. could have leveraged its larger advertising and licensing network to push *Coyote vs.

Acme* toward a potential $30‑$40 million opening. The same source added that the movie had “ACoyote vs. Acme” was originally slated for a 2021 release under Warner Bros.*, but the studio shifted it to a tax write‑off in 2022, leaving the film dormant for almost a year.

In late 2022, Ketchup Entertainment announced it had secured the distribution rights, . The company’s CEO said the decision was driven by a belief that the film’s unique blend of humor and nostalgia could resonate with both older fans and younger audiences.

Ketchup’s acquisition cost was reportedly $50 million, a substantial sum for an indie distributor that had never previously handled a major franchise. The studio faced challenges in promoting the film without the same level of corporate backing Warner Bros. typically provides, such as partnerships with brands like Nike or McDonald’s.

Despite these limitations, the team leveraged social media buzz and targeted digital advertising to build anticipation.

The film’s director, Dave Green, is gaining attention for his ability to manage long production timelines. He previously helmed *The Last Voyage*, a documentary that earned critical praise for its pacing and storytelling.

Green’s reputation has been highlighted by industry observers, with one analyst noting that his “grace under pressure” was instrumental during the film’s prolonged development cycle.

## What People Are Saying

Industry insiders have expressed surprise at Ketchup Entertainment’s box‑office results.

A senior analyst for an independent market research firm remarked that a $15.4 million opening for an indie distributor is “on the high end of expectations.” The same analyst noted that the limited promotional budget makes the achievement more impressive.

An entertainment journalist who covered the release emphasized that the film’s success has shifted perceptions about what smaller distributors can accomplish.

Fans of the Looney Tunes franchise have reacted positively to Bugs Bunny’s return. Online forums show a spike in discussions about the character’s new adventures, with many viewers praising the modern animation style while retaining classic slap‑stick humor.

A popular Twitter thread highlighted that the film’s positive reviews could spark renewed interest in the broader Looney Tunes brand among younger audiences.

Critics have also weighed in on the film’s quality. ** praised the movie for its while ** awarded it a glowing review, calling it a “cinematic triumph for independent animation.” These accolades have bolstered Ketchup Entertainment’s reputation as a champion for artistic projects that might otherwise be overlooked by larger studios.

## What Happens Next

Ketchup Entertainment plans to capitalize on the momentum from the opening weekend by extending the film’s theatrical run through early November. The distributor has announced a digital release slated for December, with plans to negotiate streaming rights with major platforms. The studio’s spokesperson said that

The film’s success may influence Warner Bros. Discovery’s future handling of legacy properties. an industry insider, executives are re‑examining their strategy for older IPs, particularly those that could benefit from a more nimble distribution approach. If Warner Bros. chooses to reacquire *Coyote vs.

Acme* for broader distribution, it could set a precedent for how the studio manages its catalog.

Meanwhile, director Dave Green is reportedly in talks for his next project, potentially another animated feature that builds on the success of *Coyote vs. Acme*. The film’s performance has also opened doors for Ketchup Entertainment to negotiate with other studios seeking independent distribution partners.

These developments suggest a possible shift in how mid‑budget films are brought to audiences, favoring creative storytelling over massive marketing budgets.

The outcome of *Coyote vs. Acme*’s release demonstrates that a well‑executed strategy can yield strong results even for smaller distributors. It remains to be seen how the industry will adapt, but the film’s opening weekend proves that audience demand and brand resonance can overcome financial constraints.