Wile E. Coyote Beats the Vault: Rescued 'Coyote Vs. Acme' Nabs $15.4M Opening as 'Spider-Man' Stays No. 1

The shelving controversy is officially in the rearview mirror, and Wile E. Coyote is having the last laugh. After Warner Bros. Animation almost scrapped the completed hybrid feature entirely for a tax write-off, indie distributor Ketchup Entertainment stepped in to rescue the project. Now, *Coyote vs. Acme* has turned that intense behind-the-scenes drama into box office success, pulling in a very solid $15.4 million during its domestic debut. That impressive opening weekend landed the long-delayed movie in the No. 2 spot on the North American theatrical charts. Film lovers and animation fans who actively campaigned online for years to save the project lined up at the multiplex, proving that public outrage can actually translate into real ticket sales. The strong turnout gives the rescued film a major victory after endless headlines about its near-cancellation.

coyote vs acme box office opening weekend While the Looney Tunes icon made a splashy entrance, the web-slinger at the top of the box office chart refused to surrender his crown. Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios saw *Spider-Man: Brand New Day* hold on to the No. 1 position once again, taking in $22.2 million in its fifth weekend in theaters. The massive blockbuster continues to dominate multiplexes worldwide as it rapidly approaches the $900 million mark overall. It wasn't a winning weekend for every newcomer on the marquee, however. The high-profile release *Dog Stars* completely stalled out at the box office, failing to draw audiences and tanking hard against the stiff competition. The severe drop-off underscored just how tough the current theatrical market is for titles lacking established brand recognition.

BUZZBEAT

spider man brand new day box office total The weekend results provided ultimate vindication for the team behind *Coyote vs. Acme*. Warner Bros. sparked fury across Hollywood when the studio initially planned to bury the completed movie to claim a tax write-down. Ketchup Entertainment stepped up to purchase theatrical rights, paving the way for a wide release that hit all industry forecasts. Between Spidey's unstoppable multi-week reign and a heroic debut for Wile E. Coyote, moviegoers showed up in force for familiar pop-culture favorites. The impressive numbers demonstrate that saved shelf titles can still find a hungry audience when given a real chance on the big screen.