Ryan Coogler’s latest cinematic venture, “Sinners,” has scored the second-highest opening weekend in the Nigerian cinemas so far in 2025.
The original R-rated horror-thriller, starring Michael B. Jordan, grossed ₦111.4 million during its Easter weekend debut, captivating audiences and trailing only behind “Captain America: A Brand New World,” which opened with ₦135.8 million in February.
The film’s strong performance in Nigeria also saw it have an opening day gross of ₦79.6 million, highlighting a growing appetite for diverse genres among local moviegoers. “Sinners” drew significant crowds, generating buzz with its chilling horror and musically inclined narrative.
Its opening weekend figures place it firmly as a standout in the Nigerian market, narrowly missing the top spot held by the Marvel blockbuster. Given his Black Panther success globally, this success is a testament to Coogler’s ability to resonate with audiences, BusinessDay reports.
Globally, “Sinners” has also made a notable mark. The film opened with $48 million domestically and has amassed $63 million worldwide, reflecting its broad appeal beyond Nigeria. This robust international performance underscores the film’s ability to captivate viewers across different regions, bolstered by Coogler’s visionary direction and Jordan’s compelling lead performance.
Critics have showered “Sinners” with praise, earning it a near-perfect 98 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers have hailed it as one of the year’s best films, commending its unique fusion of horror and social commentary. The movie’s critical acclaim, paired with its box office achievements, marks it as a significant triumph for an original, R-rated production—a rarity in today’s franchise-dominated industry.
With its critical and commercial momentum, “Sinners” is poised to leave a lasting impression, further cementing Ryan Coogler’s reputation as a groundbreaking filmmaker, according to BusinessDay.
Coogler has reportedly made a groundbreaking deal with Warner Bros. for his latest film. This deal includes three smart decisions that grant him significant control and financial benefits, challenging the traditional Hollywood studio system. Below are the key elements of this deal:
First-Dollar gross earnings
Coogler negotiated to receive first-dollar gross earnings, meaning he gets a percentage of the box office revenue from the very first day “Sinners” is in theaters. Unlike typical Hollywood deals, where filmmakers only see profits after the studio recovers its production and marketing costs, this arrangement ensures Coogler benefits immediately from the film’s success.
This is a savvy financial move, as it guarantees him earnings regardless of the studio’s break-even point, a privilege usually reserved for top-tier directors.
Ownership of the film’s Intellectual Property after 25 years
Coogler secured ownership of “Sinners” intellectual property (IP) after 25 years. Normally, studios retain film rights indefinitely, profiting from licensing, sequels, and redistribution over decades. By reclaiming the IP after this period, Coogler gains long-term control over the film’s future, including potential sequels, merchandising, or streaming deals.
This move aligns with the film’s themes of Black ownership and autonomy, making it both a strategic and symbolic victory.
Final cut approval
Coogler also smartly ensured he has final cut approval, giving him complete creative control over the film’s final version. This means Warner Bros could not alter “Sinners” without his consent, protecting his artistic vision.
This is a significant win, as the final cut is typically granted only to the most established filmmakers, and it ensures the film reflects Coogler’s intent, especially given its complex themes and cultural importance.
