Ryan Coogler Thanks Fans for ‘Sinners' Box Office Win
Black America Web Featured Video
CLOSE Source: The Washington Post / Getty
Ryan Coogler is feeling the love. The Sinners director penned a heartfelt open letter after the film's stunning box office debut. Read more and check out his post inside.
Sinners raked in $48 million domestically and $63 million globally during its opening weekend. In the letter, Coogler expressed his 'eternal gratitude' to fans, crediting their support for reigniting his passion for filmmaking.
'My heart is bursting,' Coogler wrote. 'Your response to the film has re-invigorated me and many others who believe in this art form.'
Sinners is a supernatural thriller starring Michael B. Jordan as the Smokestack twins, blending family legacy, Black Southern culture, and horror with deep emotional resonance. The film was inspired by Coogler's own ancestry and family memories, particularly his late Uncle James, whose love of the blues shaped the film's tone and story. One song, 'Wang Dang Doodle,' became the seed for the movie's concept: a juke joint party gone dangerously wrong when vampires descend on a community already filled with danger.
Alongside the open letter, Ryan posted a photo of his family including his Uncle James and Aunt Sammie, for whom a central character is named. In his letter, Coogler praised the audience for making the film a cultural event.
'Those who bought a ticket,' Coolger shared. 'Who changed their work schedules. Watched more than once. Made a friend in the theater lobby. You all made this possible.'
He also emphasized his belief in the theatrical experience, calling cinema 'a necessary pillar of society.' Coogler hopes the success of Sinners will empower filmmakers to take bold creative swings, writing, 'Together maybe we can expand the definition of what a blockbuster is, what a horror movie is, and what an IMAX audience looks like.'
Beyond fans, Coogler paid tribute to his longtime collaborators — Michael B. Jordan, his composer Ludwig Göransson, wife and producing partner Zinzi Coogler, and editor Michael Shawver, who missed the press tour to be with his child. He also listed a wide range of cinematic influences, from Spike Lee and Ava DuVernay to Wes Craven and Jordan Peele.
For Coogler, Sinners is more than a film. It's a deeply personal offering and a celebration of communal storytelling. And thanks to the audience, it's a reminder that cinema is still alive and kicking — or, in this case, biting.
'I'll see you at the movies,' Coogler closed. 'Popcorn bucket in hand.'
Be sure to catch Sinners in theaters now.
SEE ALSO
Ryan Coogler Thanks Fans for 'Sinners' Box Office Win was originally published on globalgrind.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Black America Web
3 hours ago
- Black America Web
KJ Smith Accidentally Reveals Her Baby's Gender at the BET Awards
Source: Christopher Polk / Getty The BET Awards Pink Carpet served up more than just fashion this year. Actress KJ Smith and her husband Skyh Black spilled the beans with big news about their growing family on the red carpet with PEOPLE. Dressed to impress, KJ debuted her radiant baby bump in a stunning green gown outside Los Angeles' Peacock Theater on June 9. But the real jaw-dropper? An unplanned gender reveal. STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! While speaking to PEOPLE, KJ gushed about her pregnancy experience—but accidentally spilled the beans about their baby being a girl! Clapping her hand over her mouth after using 'her' in reference to the baby, KJ laughed as Skyh teased, 'I wasn't even the one who told it this time!' The couple humorously admitted they had tried so hard to keep it a secret, with KJ saying, 'This whole time I've been giving him the death stare every time someone asks. Now look at me!' READ MORE STORIES: Rocsi Diaz and AJ Calloway Apologize After Missing 106 & Park Reunion TS Madison Explains Why She Doesn't Date Gay Men Bark & The Bite: Leon Thomas Announces 'Mutts Don't Heel' World Tour The couple, who tied the knot in a star-studded Malibu wedding in 2023, met on the set of Tyler Perry's Sistas in 2020. Their love story has been a whirlwind that's now adding another joyful chapter with their first child. Skyh shared his excitement, wearing his 'Girl Dad' pride on his sleeve, quite literally, saying, 'Every day I have a new 'Girl Dad' shirt! I'm over the moon.' Though they kept the baby name tightly under wraps, the pair made it clear they're eager to meet their little one later this year. For now, KJ and Skyh are basking in the glow of their pregnancy and proving that even accidental moments can be truly magical. Congratulations to the beautiful couple. We can't wait to see what's next for the Blacks! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK . FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER . SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE . STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! HEAD TO THE HOMEPAGE The article 'KJ Smith Accidentally Reveals Her Baby's Gender at the BET Awards' was created with the help of SEE ALSO Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Black America Web
3 hours ago
- Black America Web
Gallery: Black Couples We Swooned Over At The 2025 BET Awards
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty There may have been unforgettable performances, stirring tributes, and tear-jerker speeches, but one of the biggest showstoppers at the 2025 BET Awards was all the love in the air. Yes, the true main character energy came from the Black couples at the BET Awards, fans can't stop talking about—arm in arm, matching in style, and oozing with chemistry. Date night was in full effect this year, and so were the vibes. This year's Black couples BET Awards moments didn't disappoint. Teyana Taylor and Aaron Pierre topped the list of couples that made us swoon at Culture's Biggest Night . While the two made their relationship 'Instagram official' just a few days before the show, they were all the way locked in at the BET awards. Between performing on stage, the Rose from Harlem looked stunning beside Aaron. She wore a fitted Jagne white dress and strappy black heels with flirty flower details. Her new man – that's Mufasa – matched her fly in all black. His suit was giving swaggy, sharp, and tailored to perfection. This award show date comes right after Teyana threw Aaron a surprise birthday bash. Pictures of the intimate soiree have gone viral – and so has a video of the couple sharing a smooch. Yes, it looks like Teyana and Aaron are 'official official.' Yes, Sis! But Black love didn't stop there. Couples To Watch: Kash Doll & Za'Darius Smith Match Each Other's Fly At The 2025 BET Awards Detroit's finest Kash Doll also arrived boo'd up and beautiful with her new NFL bae, Za'Darius Smith. The two hit the carpet in coordinating snakeskin fits – and were a whole moment. Kash rocked a tied-up, grommet-detailed strapless bodycon that hugged her curves. Za'Darius made the look his own in a matching sleeveless vest and pants that showed off his NFL physique. Source: Aaron J. Thornton / Getty The pair didn't just match outfits—they matched energy. And for fans who've followed Kash's journey, it's giving: Yes, girl, you deserve. From newly minted couples we are watching to more established ones that keep us inspired, Black Love had a moment this year at the BET Awards. Scroll on for our gallery of couples who turned the BET Awards into the ultimate date night. Gallery: Black Couples We Swooned Over At The 2025 BET Awards was originally published on Source:Getty We love to see Skyh Black and KJ Smith on a red carpet. The two always understand the assignment and give us both 'just enough' and 'a little too much.' Following the announcement of their first baby together, the BET Sistas couple looks fabulous. Source:Getty LeToya Luckett and Taleo Coles are giving us couples style goals, and we are obsessed. Each brought their own take on brown with LeToya in a liquid, patent leather like gown and Taleo in a sharp tailored suit. Is the phrase 'a couple that slays together, slays together' their mantra? Source:Getty If Black Tie was the dress code then D-Nice and his girlfriend Jennifer Freeman embodied it! We love Jennifer's halter-style dress that showed off her tiny waist, sculpted arms, and curvy legs. Sis looks good! And DJ D-Nice matches her fly in a black suit with his signature wide brim hat. 10 out of 10 for this couple! Source:Getty DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo are another couple who chose to bet on black. DeVon wears a classic black tuxedo with a bow tie. Maria continues his sophisticated vibe with a black sequin dress and simple jewelry. (We see that engagement ring, Maria!) Source:Getty Snoop Dogg and his wife Shante Broadus chose to bring bold color to the 2025 BET Awards just before the rapper received his Ultimate Icon Award. The couple, who have been married for 28 years, each rocked their own take on electric blue. Snoop wore a relaxed long button down and pants, while Shante chose a suit with exaggerated shoulders. Both stunted for the cameras in shades. Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Miami Herald
4 hours ago
- Miami Herald
‘Sinners' returns to AMC for discounted screening on Juneteenth. What to know
Vampire horror flick 'Sinners' will head back to the big screen at AMC Theatres — for one day only. To celebrate Juneteenth, moviegoers can catch the hit film at a discounted 'Fan Faves' price at 330-plus theaters nationwide Thursday, June 19, according to the theater chain. Some tickets start at $5 plus tax, though 'Fan Faves' pricing varies by location, AMC said. The special pricing still 'offers significant value' compared to the cost of an evening ticket, according to the company. Juneteenth was named a federal holiday in 2021 and commemorates the day enslaved Black Americans in Texas learned they had been freed. The news came June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. 'Sinners,' directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, is one of two films celebrating Black stories set to screen at AMC in time for the holiday. 'Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back,' according to IMDb. Fans can also see an early access showing of '40 Acres,' an action-thriller starring award-winning actress Danielle Deadwyler, AMC said. 'After a series of plagues and wars have left society in ruins, the Freemans are surviving on an isolated and well-protected farm, until they're forced to make a stand against a ravenous militia hell bent on claiming their land,' according to the theater chain. The film, premiering nationally July 2, will screen at 100 select AMC theaters on Juneteenth, the company said. AMC said the special programming initiative was made possible by an internal advisory council aimed at supporting the company's Black associates, improving cultural awareness and promoting its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. 'Sinners' premiered in U.S. theaters April 16 with advance screenings in IMAX formats, according to IMDb. The film grossed more than $350 million worldwide and is now available to buy or rent online, The Hollywood Reporter reported. Find your nearest AMC Theatre here.
