'Sinners' Sets Box Office Records After Cruise Endorsement

Tom Cruise publicly endorsed Ryan Coogler's supernatural thriller 'Sinners,' urging audiences to see it in theaters and stay through the credits, which boosted the film's already strong box office performance. 'Sinners' earned $45.7 million in its second weekend and set records for the smallest box office drop among films opening above $40 million and any R-rated film, bringing its global total to about $163 million. The film, starring Michael B. Jordan, blends horror and drama while drawing on Coogler's family history and the Delta blues, serving as a tribute to his late uncle and exploring the African diaspora in Mississippi. Coogler secured a groundbreaking deal with Warner Bros., retaining final cut, a share of box office revenue from day one, and full ownership of the film after 25 years. Critics have praised 'Sinners' for its narrative depth, ensemble cast, and parallels to classics like 'Seven Samurai.' The film's critical and commercial triumph, as well as its innovative production deal, mark a major milestone for Coogler and the industry.