Albuquerque’s own ‘Coyote Vs. Acme’ has surged to the No. 3 position on the worldwide box‑office leaderboard after a strong weekend showing. The film also claimed the top spot on Letterboxd’s weekly popularity list, reflecting both critical buzz and audience enthusiasm.

Local roots, national reach

The comedy premiered on August 28 and quickly followed the releases of The Odyssey and Spider‑Man: Brand New Day. Though Warner Bros. initially considered shelving the project, a groundswell of public support in New Mexico helped push the studio to release the movie nationwide.

Every scene is peppered with Albuquerque references, from the iconic Sandia Mountains to downtown storefronts, giving viewers a vivid sense of place. Stars John Cena and Will Forte filmed their scenes on location in 2022, working alongside local crews and talent.

Economic boost for the state

The film’s success shines a spotlight on New Mexico’s thriving film‑industry ecosystem. Production dollars flow into local businesses—catering, lodging, transportation, and set construction—creating jobs and reinforcing the state’s reputation as a friendly filming destination.

State officials have long promoted the state’s tax incentives and diverse landscapes as a draw for Hollywood. The performance of Coyote Vs. Acme provides a tangible example of how those policies can translate into national‑level cultural impact.

What’s next for the comedy?

With its box‑office momentum, the film is slated for a wider theatrical rollout in the coming weeks, and streaming platforms are already negotiating future distribution rights. Fans of the genre can expect more Albuquerque‑flavored humor as the movie continues its climb.

For New Mexicans, the achievement is a point of pride: a home‑grown production competing with blockbuster franchises and proving that local stories can capture worldwide attention.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.