NEW YORK (AP) - After a three-year hiatus, Warner Bros.' animated feature film “Coyote vs. Acme”, which faced an abrupt cancellation back in 2020, made a triumphant return to cinemas this past weekend. The film, which has now been revived by Ketchup Entertainment, debuted with an estimated $15.5 million in ticket sales, placing it in a strong second position at the North American box office.
The dominant film for the fifth consecutive weekend was “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” which grossed $22.2 million in its latest showing, adding to its remarkable worldwide total of $2.33 billion. This figure firmly establishes it as the fourth highest-grossing film of all time, showcasing the continuing popularity of the superhero genre.
In contrast, the new entry “The Dog Stars,” directed by Ridley Scott and featuring Jacob Elordi, saw disappointing results, securing fifth place with just $8 million. The film, which explores the story of a pilot and his German Shepherd navigating a post-pandemic world, added a mere $11.3 million from international markets, a lackluster outcome for a production that reportedly cost between $70 million and $100 million.
“Coyote vs. Acme” experienced a remarkable resurgence after being initially shelved by Warner Bros., who opted to take a tax write-off on the finished project, which was originally meant for HBO Max. The studio had also decided to cancel films like “Batgirl” and “Scoob! Holiday Haunt,” leaving many fans disappointed. However, following a successful outcry from fans and filmmakers alike, Ketchup Entertainment acquired the global distribution rights for about $50 million last year.
The film, inspired by an Ian Frazier column in The New Yorker, revolves around the character Wile E. Coyote as he takes legal action against the Acme Corporation for its defective products. The cast includes Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor, and Eric Bauza. Directed by Dave Green, the film combines live-action and animation and has received positive feedback, achieving an “A” CinemaScore from audiences and a 95% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Despite the film's production costs of $70 million, its opening has been notable for Ketchup Entertainment, marking their highest box office performance to date. Previously, the indie distributor's best opening was $3.1 million from the 2024 release, “The Day the Earth Blew Up,” another Warner Bros. project that had been relegated.
Industry analyst David A. Gross remarked that while the box office numbers may not set records, the overwhelmingly positive reception from audiences and critics suggests that the film is poised for solid ancillary business, particularly in children’s viewing markets, which should help recoup its investment over time.
In box office rankings, “The Odyssey,” now in its seventh weekend, slipped to third place with earnings of $14.3 million, while performing strongly overseas with an additional $48.6 million. The film, directed by Christopher Nolan, has grossed a staggering $1.55 billion globally.
As of the latest estimates released on Monday, the top 10 movies by domestic box office from Friday through Sunday are as follows:
- 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.
Overall, the weekend proved to be significant for “Coyote vs. Acme,” reminding audiences and industry insiders alike of the unpredictable nature of film releases and the potential for unexpected comebacks.
