Remember when Warner Bros. Discovery decided to shelf "Coyote vs. Acme" like it was total trash? Well, the plot thickens. Three years after the studio tried to turn the Looney Tunes comedy into a tax write-off, the film was rescued by indie distributor Ketchup Entertainment—and it’s lowkey thriving. It has officially crossed the $100 million mark globally, proving that the internet's collective side-eye toward the studio's decision was 100% valid.
The numbers don't lie
Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav originally deemed the movie, which stars Will Forte and John Cena and was produced by DC Studios co-chief James Gunn, unworthy of a theatrical release. They dumped it for a $30 million tax write-down. Ketchup Entertainment swooped in, paid $50 million for distribution rights, and honestly? They ate. The movie has pulled in nearly $60 million domestically and another $45 million overseas.
Analysts say this success is a major flex for the power of established IP. While original animation has struggled lately, families have been craving reliable, brand-familiar hits. Compared to another Ketchup-distributed Looney Tunes flick, "The Day the Earth Blew Up," which only managed $15.4 million, "Coyote vs. Acme" is a certified success.
Why it matters
This whole situation is a massive L for Warner Bros. Discovery, especially considering their 2026 box-office performance has been pretty mid. Industry experts point out that the studio’s decision to bury the film caused a PR nightmare that alienated creatives. Between this, "Batgirl," and "Scoob! Holiday Haunt," Zaslav has made it clear that cost-cutting sometimes comes at the expense of common sense. Real talk: maybe next time, don't throw away a perfectly good movie just to save a few bucks on taxes.
