Recent reports suggest that Warner Bros. studio is taking a big financial risk with Ryan Coogler's new horror film Sinners. The film follows the story of twin brothers who return to their hometown and face the evil force lurking there. The film, which stars Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, and Saul Williams, is set to hit theaters soon. Warner Bros. is hoping to continue its box office success after the success of A Minecraft Movie, but Sinners' high budget is raising concerns.
Read Also: Alan Ritchson to star in Netflix sci-fi action movie ‘War Machine'
According to industry sources, the production budget for Sinners was around $90 million, significantly higher than the $60 million that other studios had estimated as a reasonable cost. The film became an expensive deal for Warner Bros. in a bidding process with multiple studios. Warner Bros. Entertainment chairman Mike De Luca has said that the studio was allowed to buy the project at a higher price, which is considered a financially risky decision. Analysts have warned that the film's high budget will make it difficult for it to break even at the box office.
Sinners is expected to gross $40–50 million in its opening weekend, but reports suggest that the film will need to gross around $300 million at the global box office to break even. This goal could be challenging, especially given the competition in the horror genre and the uncertainty surrounding audience interest, analysts say. Currently, the film's high cost and uncertainty over its profitability are putting pressure on Warner Bros.
Read Also: Sam Neill Joins Monsterverse as Jurassic Park Legend, to Star in Godzilla x Kong Sequel
However, Sinners has the potential to attract audiences with its strong cast and Ryan Coogler's directing talents. If the film's plot and its horror elements catch on, it could be an unexpected success at the box office. Warner Bros. is focusing on the film's marketing strategy and trying to minimize its financial risk. It will be clear in the coming weeks whether Sinners will impress audiences or become a financial burden for the studio.