“Sinners,” the vampire film directed by Ryan Coogler, has shattered expectations at the box office, defying doubters and critics alike. Despite modest projections of $40 to $50 million for its Easter weekend opening, the movie quickly surpassed estimates with a global debut of $63 million. The film’s success can be attributed to a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and a fervent word-of-mouth campaign that has fueled its momentum.
Coogler’s viral breakdown of the various big-screen formats to experience “Sinners” in inspired many more to snag tickets, further boosting the movie’s box office potential. However, some publications still underestimated the film’s ability to recoup its $90 million budget from Warner Bros., with The New York Times publishing an article titled “‘Sinners’ Is a Box Office Success (With a Big Asterisk).” This skepticism has sparked criticism on social media, with stars like Ben Stiller and Patrick Schwarzenegger taking to the platform to defend Coogler’s original work.
The film’s success is more than just a box office triumph; it’s a testament to the power of Black cinema. “Sinners” has already set the stage for another successful weekend at the box office, with projections of $25 to $30 million that could meet its $90 million price tag. Coogler expressed his gratitude to fans and supporters in an open letter, acknowledging their role in cementing the film’s place as a cinematic phenomenon.
The writer-director’s sentiments highlight the importance of cinema as a pillar of society. The film’s success proves that fresh ideas and diverse storytelling can pack out theaters, challenging the notion that huge franchises and remakes are the only way to achieve box office success. As “Sinners” continues to thrive, it serves as a reminder to stop counting out Black stories and support the art form that has invigorated audiences worldwide.
Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/sinners-box-office-film_n_680abd8be4b031fa917d7773