Ben Stiller is at the top of a list of Hollywood names now defending Sinners, the new Ryan Coogler–directed thriller starring Michael B. Jordan, after Variety questioned whether the film could turn a profit.
“In what universe does a 60 million dollar opening for an original studio movie warrant this headline?” Stiller posted on X on April 20, in response to a viral Variety post that questioned the film’s financial success. Sinners pulled in $61 million worldwide in its opening weekend, but publication emphasized its $90 million production budget and international marketing costs.
In what universe does a 60 million dollar opening for an original studio movie warrant this headline? https://t.co/rkFQxQNwMp
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) April 21, 2025
The pushback came quickly. Patrick Schwarzenegger wrote, “It’s opening weekend…” and director Joe Russo added a tongue-in-cheek response: “Variety: ‘WHY DIDN’T THE MOVIE MAKE ALL ITS BUDGET BACK IN THREE DAYS.’”
It’s opening weekend …
— Patrick Schwarzenegger (@PSchwarzenegger) April 20, 2025
Oh, look, me in Men’s Journal, defending SINNERS against the trade’s skewed coverage. pic.twitter.com/TAtalfIjVF
— Joe Russo (@joerussotweets) April 21, 2025
Jordan is famous for his roles in the Creed and Black Panther franchises and reunited with Coogler (who directed the first Creed) in Sinners.
It’s a supernatural thriller that’s gotten rave reviews. It has a 98% critic rating and 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
With numbers like that, Sinners didn’t just open strong — it reminded Hollywood that new, original stories can still draw a crowd.
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