Coyote vs. Acme's trailer smashes records with 25.6M views in 24 hours, becoming the most-watched indie family film trailer ever ahead of its 2026 release.
- April 26, 2026
AceShowbiz - Coyote vs. Acme has endured a lengthy journey to the big screen, but its latest trailer has already achieved a remarkable milestone. Initially announced in 2018, the film faced multiple delays, including pandemic-related setbacks. Though principal photography wrapped in 2022, Warner Bros. surprisingly canceled its release in 2023 despite the film being mostly edited. However, the project was later revived by Ketchup Entertainment, setting the stage for its upcoming debut.
The newly released trailer for Coyote vs. Acme has shattered records by accumulating an astonishing 25.6 million views within the first 24 hours of its debut, according to analytics from WaveMetrix reported by Deadline. This makes it the most-watched family film trailer ever released by an independent studio, signaling robust anticipation well ahead of the movie’s scheduled release date on August 28, 2026.
This massive trailer viewership surpasses the previous record held by Angel Studios’ 3D animated film The King of Kings. That faith-based movie, narrated by author Charles Dickens, launched near Easter last year and achieved a $19.3 million domestic opening weekend, eventually reaching $83.5 million globally. If Coyote vs. Acme follows a similar trajectory, it could mark a significant box office success for Ketchup Entertainment.
Reports indicate that Ketchup acquired the rights to Coyote vs. Acme for approximately $50 million, setting a break-even target estimated between $100 million and $150 million. Such a financial turnaround would send a clear message to Warner Bros., who reportedly canceled the film initially for tax write-off reasons. The revival of the film in 2025 and its eventual release announcement mark a notable victory for the studio and its backers.
Ketchup’s previous release, The Day the Earth Blew Up, grossed only $15.4 million worldwide during its early 2025 run, showing the company has a steep climb ahead. However, the buzz and pre-release excitement surrounding Coyote vs. Acme far exceed that of their earlier project, suggesting stronger commercial prospects.
Coyote vs. Acme blends live-action and animation and features a star-studded human cast, including John Cena, Will Forte, and Lana Condor. The involvement of these well-known actors is expected to further enhance the film’s appeal and box office potential.
The film is directed by Dave Green with a screenplay penned by Samy Burch, Jeremy Slater, and James Gunn. Production credits include Christopher DeFaria and James Gunn, both of whom bring considerable experience to the project. The voice cast boasts Eric Bauza as several iconic characters including Foghorn Leghorn, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, and Elmer Fudd.
With its unique concept, combining the beloved Looney Tunes universe with contemporary storytelling, Coyote vs. Acme has captured the imagination of audiences early on. The record-breaking trailer views underscore a strong fanbase eagerly awaiting the film’s release later this summer.
As the August 28 release date approaches, industry watchers will be closely monitoring whether Coyote vs. Acme can convert this early enthusiasm into box office success, potentially redefining the prospects for independent family films. The film’s journey from cancellation to record-breaking trailer performance highlights the unpredictable nature of the movie business and the enduring appeal of classic animated characters reinvented for new audiences.