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Box Office Update: “Sinners” Surpasses Expectations While “A Minecraft Movie” Shines
Initial industry projections indicated that “A Minecraft Movie” would lead the Easter weekend box office. However, the situation has reversed, with Ryan Coogler’s horror film “Sinners” now on track for an impressive opening weekend estimate of $45.6 million.
If these projections hold true, “Sinners” will surpass the previously held record of $44.3 million for the highest opening weekend of an original film since the pandemic, a record set by Jordan Peele’s 2022 horror flick “Nope.” Given the film’s overwhelmingly positive critical and audience reception, it is quite possible that the final tally for “Sinners” could even exceed the current estimates.
The film has garnered an outstanding reception, achieving a rare A+ CinemaScore, marking the first time a horror film has reached this rating since James Cameron’s “Aliens” in 1986. It also boasts impressive ratings on PostTrak with a 5/5 score and an 84% “definite recommend” rating, alongside remarkable scores of 98% from critics and 97% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.
According to PostTrak, nearly 60% of ticket sales for “Sinners” on its opening day came from walk-up audiences, highlighting the film’s rapidly spreading positive word-of-mouth. As is often the case for a film directed by Coogler, the demographic breakdown shows strong support from Black audiences, who made up 49% of attendance, followed by 27% white and 14% Latino spectators, all of whom rated the film highly.
Despite its impressive opening, “Sinners” still has a way to go before breaking even, as it carries a reported production budget of $90 million before marketing expenses. Nonetheless, the signs are favorable for the film’s longevity at the box office, especially with the potential for strong earnings in premium formats like IMAX and continued audience interest leading up to the release of Marvel Studios’ “Thunderbolts.” There may also be viewers who, drawn by positive reviews, are still waiting for the right moment to experience the film on a larger screen.
Ongoing Success of “A Minecraft Movie”
Meanwhile, “A Minecraft Movie” continues to make waves, grossing $41.3 million during its third weekend, bringing its domestic total to $345 million and its global earnings to $720 million. The film is well on its way to surpassing the $1 billion mark globally. After a tepid reception to its initial trailer, the adaptation of the popular video game has garnered positive attention, particularly among family audiences, thanks in part to its clever marketing and meme-driven buzz.
Collectively, “Sinners” and “A Minecraft Movie” accounted for 64% of the weekend’s box office, signaling a significant recovery for the industry following a slow March. This resurgence likely comes as a relief to Warner Bros.’ film executives, Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, who were recently the subject of speculation regarding potential leadership changes within the studio.
“Sinners” represents a crucial win for De Luca and Abdy, who have made substantial investments in original films as part of their strategy to enhance Warner Bros.’ reputation as a supporter of creative filmmaking. They negotiated favorable terms with Coogler, even agreeing to return the film’s rights to him after 25 years, signaling a commitment to auteur-driven projects.
In a joint statement, De Luca and Abdy expressed their enthusiasm: “As we continue to strive to bring an array of films to moviegoers, we are thrilled to see how Ryan Coogler’s original movie ‘Sinners,’ and a movie based on the fan favorite ‘Minecraft’ game, have resonated with audiences in such a stellar way. Movies have the power to transport us to worlds only seen on the big screen, and 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.”
Looking Ahead
Warner Bros. plans to maintain this momentum, with several high-profile projects on the horizon. Notably, Paul Thomas Anderson’s crime drama “One Battle After Another” is scheduled for release later this September, while Maggie Gyllenhaal’s stylized horror film “The Bride!” is set to arrive in March 2026.
Industry Trends: Angel Studios Celebrates Success
Warner Bros. isn’t the sole studio celebrating this Easter. Angel Studios has observed significant success with its first animated feature, “The King of Kings,” which garnered $17.2 million in its second weekend, contributing to a 10-day total of $45.3 million.
The growing interest in cinematic interpretations of Gospel narratives has recently been demonstrated by the success of Fathom’s “The Chosen: Last Supper,” and “The King of Kings” has similarly resonated with audiences, experiencing only a 12% drop from its $19 million opening.
Angel Studios distribution chief Brandon Purdie noted, “At Angel, our Angel Guild plays a crucial role in picking winners, and this film is a testament to that vision. ‘The King of Kings’ is an epic, emotional journey made for the big screen. Theaters are responding by making room, and audiences are flocking in droves, speaking loud and clear: they’re here for stories that amplify light.”
More developments are anticipated in the coming weeks as the box office landscape continues to evolve.
Source
www.thewrap.com