Ryan Coogler Says He’s Still Processing Massive Success Of ‘Sinners’ Debuting #1 At The Box Office: ‘It’s Crazy’

Ryan Coogler Says He’s Still Processing Massive Success Of ‘Sinners’ Debuting #1 At The Box Office: ‘It’s Crazy’

Ryan Coogler is still wrapping his head around the massive success of his new original film, Sinners.

In a recent chat with Forbes, the acclaimed director opened up about his surprise at the film’s box office performance, saying:

“I haven’t even begun to reckon with the fact that this movie is number one. It’s crazy.”

Coogler added that the story hits close to home, continuing:

“This movie is about like my uncle. It is bizarre, but when I think about it, when I take my feelings out of it, I’m not surprised.”

Sinners crushed expectations during its opening weekend, pulling in $45.6 million domestically, beating early projections of $35 million. Globally, it’s already passed $71 million as of Tuesday (April 22). It also broke the record for the highest-grossing original film since Jordan Peele’s US in 2019.

 

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The horror-drama stars Michael B. Jordan as twin brothers in Jim Crow-era Mississippi, who open a juke joint only to face off with paranormal danger. It’s part Southern gothic, part blood-soaked thriller, and fully original.

Additionally, the movie has been the talk of the town on social media, trending across multiple platforms like X and Threads following its April 18th release.

Coogler shared a heartfelt open letter to fans, thanking them for the film’s record-breaking debut.

“To see your response to the film has reinvigorated me and many others who believe in this art form. And together maybe we can expand the definition of what a blockbuster is, what a horror movie is, and of what an IMAX audience looks like.”

Were you surprised by the success of Sinners? Or did you know it was gonna be a hit from the jump?

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