Rewritten Title:
"Sinners Upsets $721M Minecraft Movie Juggernaut at Box Office Amid Fears It ‘Could End the Studio System’"

Key Adjustments:

• Removed the article "A" before Minecraft Movie for conciseness, assuming it is not part of the official title.
• Retained "juggernaut" to emphasize the film’s expected dominance.
• Preserved the quote "could end the studio system" to reflect the original warning.
• Streamlined structure for clarity while maintaining the core context of an underdog film outperforming a blockbuster and sparking industry concerns.

Box Office Upset: “Sinners” Defeats “Minecraft Movie” Amid Director’s Groundbreaking Deal
(Images: Michael B. Jordan in "Sinners"; Ryan Coogler at premiere; Scene from "A Minecraft Movie")

Director Ryan Coogler’s horror-adventure film Sinners, starring Michael B. Jordan as twins Smoke and Stack, stunned the box office this weekend, earning $45.6 million in North America. The Warner Bros. release outperformed A Minecraft Movie ($41.3 million in its third week), marking a major upset.

Coogler’s Controversial Deal
Sinners’ success is shadowed by industry debate over Coogler’s unprecedented contract. The Black Panther and Creed director secured a percentage of gross ticket sales and ownership rights to the film after 25 years—a deal rival studio executives call “very dangerous.” Insiders told Vulture the arrangement “could be the end of the studio system,” as creatives gain unprecedented financial control.

Michael B. Jordan plays dual roles in the 1932-set thriller about Mississippi brothers navigating a sinister business.

Film Details & Reception
With a $90 million budget, Sinners follows Jordan’s twins alongside a cast including Jack O’Connell and Percy Bell. Critics praised the film, which screened in 3,308 theaters. FranchiseRe analyst David A. Gross called the opening “excellent for a period horror film,” though he noted the high budget sets a “high bar for profitability.” Imax CEO Rich Gelfond celebrated the partnership, highlighting the film’s “magnificently shot” visuals.

Coogler’s deal with Warner Bros. has sparked industry concerns.

“A Minecraft Movie” Holds Strong
Despite slipping to second place, A Minecraft Movie remains 2025’s top earner, grossing $720.8 million globally. Starring Jason Momoa, Jack Black, and Jennifer Coolidge, the adaptation follows four characters transported to a blocky fantasy world. Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures touted its success, with executives stating, “Movies have the power to transport us to worlds only seen on the big screen.”

Jason Momoa leads the video game adaptation’s star-studded cast.

Studio Reactions
Warner Bros. dominated the weekend, claiming 64% of the domestic box office. Co-chairs Pam Abdy and Mike De Luca emphasized their commitment to “bold movies,” whether original or based on existing franchises. Meanwhile, rivals worry Coogler’s deal sets a risky precedent, potentially reshaping Hollywood’s power dynamics.

Sinners’ blend of star power, director clout, and bold storytelling proves audiences crave fresh narratives—even as the industry grapples with the implications of its groundbreaking deal.