Crusader staff report
Last weekend, “Black Panther” had the highest three-day debut ever for a February film and the fifth biggest of all time, Variety reports.
“Black Panther” demolished the record for the largest Presidents Day weekend, blowing past “Deadpool’s” 2016 mark of $152 million. “Black Panther” generated $242 million at 4,020 North American locations.
Hollywood’s first ever Black superhero action thriller set a new record for top Monday domestic gross , with $40.2 million, edging the previous high set by “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” at $40.1 million. Monday’s total of $7 million was higher than projections and lifted the four-day haul to $242 million.
Disney also reported international sales of Black Panther so far has totaled $184.6 million to lift the worldwide take to $426.6 million, led by South Korea at $27.1 million and the U.K. at $26.7 million.
The tentpole, starring Chadwick Boseman and directed by Ryan Coogler, has blown past initial projections between $100 and $120 million. The film cost an estimated $200 million production budget.
Months of hype and glowing reviews has made “Black Panther” a must-see event, especially in Black communities across America. Hollywood superhero films have never featured a leading Black character and have instead had a predominately white cast in action thrillers. Black Panther has a predominately Black cast including two Oscar winners, Forrest Whittaker and Lupita Nyongo. The movie has generated Black pride among movie goers of color who packed theatres wearing African garb.
At the Chatham Movie Studio Grill opening night February 15, crowds, most of the 11 show times for Black Panther were sold out by 10 p.m. WVON held a live broadcast from the facility with huge crowds standing in the lobby, which has a bar, lounge, and concession area.
“Black Panther” is the fifth-biggest of all time behind only “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” at $248 million, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” at $220 million, “Jurassic World” at $208.8 million, and “The Avengers” at $207.4 million.
