NEW YORK — Defying conventional Hollywood wisdom that favors familiar brands over original stories, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners claimed the No. 1 spot at the box office this Easter weekend, raking in $45.6 million across U.S. and Canadian theaters.
Directed by Coogler, best known for Creed and Black Panther, and starring Michael B. Jordan in dual roles, Sinners is a strikingly original vampire tale set in 1932 Mississippi. The film follows twin bootlegging brothers—both portrayed by Jordan—who open a juke joint in their hometown. Produced by Warner Bros. with a $90 million budget, the film is a gamble that has already paid off.
Sinners stands out as a major victory for original, Black-led storytelling. Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group co-chairs Pam Abdy and Mike De Luca praised the studio’s one-two punch at the box office, with Sinners and A Minecraft Movie combining for 64% of domestic earnings over the weekend.
“Movies have the power to transport us to worlds only seen on the big screen,” Abdy and De Luca said in a statement. “Warner Bros. Pictures remains committed to bringing singular in-theater experiences to audiences looking for bold movies, both original and those based on beloved existing properties.”
Ryan Coogler strikes historic deal
Warner Bros. reportedly agreed to an unprecedented deal with Coogler: a share of the gross ticket sales and full ownership rights to the film after 25 years—an extraordinary arrangement for a Black filmmaker operating at the top of Hollywood’s elite .
Critics have embraced Sinners with a 98% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and audiences echoed the enthusiasm, awarding it an “A” CinemaScore. While its international debut brought in a more modest $15.4 million across 71 markets, Sinners resonated deeply at home, attracting a diverse crowd: 38% Black, 35% white, 18% Hispanic, and 5% Asian moviegoers.
This strong showing underscores Coogler and Jordan’s enduring creative partnership, dating back to Fruitvale Station. Their ability to consistently craft stories that resonate widely while centering Black experiences further solidifies their standing as one of the industry’s most dynamic director-actor duos.
Notably, Warner Bros. faced past missteps with dual-role films, including flops like The Alto Knights and Mickey 17. But Sinners’ success—combined with Jordan Peele’s similarly groundbreaking Nope in 2022—demonstrates that audiences are eager for fresh, imaginative cinema driven by visionary Black artists.
Beyond Sinners: a snapshot of the weekend box office
- 1. Sinners — $45.6 million
- 2. A Minecraft Movie — $41.3 million
- 3. The King of Kings — $17.3 million
- 4. The Amateur — $7.2 million
- 5. Warfare — $4.9 million
- 6. Drop — $3.4 million
- 7. Colorful Stage: The Movie — $2.8 million
- 8. Pride & Prejudice (2005 re-release) — $2.7 million
- 9. The Chosen: Last Supper — $1.8 million
- 10. Snow White — $1.2 million
As Coogler’s latest film continues to draw audiences, Sinners reaffirms the power of bold, original storytelling—particularly when it amplifies Black creativity and challenges industry norms.
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