30/04/2025
Ryan Coogler, the man behind hits like 'Black Panther' and 'Creed,' cooked up an agreement with Warner Bros. for his latest film 'Sinners' that has Tinseltown execs screaming in horror.
In the deal, Coogler sought ~$90 million for the new movie. He also asked to retain control of its final cut and receive a share of the box-office gross from the beginning of its theatrical run. But what's really keeping Hollywood up at night? He insisted that ownership of the film revert to him after 25 years. Warner Bros. agreed.
Insiders worry this aspect creates a precedent that could cannibalize the value of a studio’s library, which earns revenue through licensing and distribution long after movies leave theaters. An unnamed exec told Vulture that the agreement could be “the end of the studio system.”
Talking about the deal, Coogler told Business Insider that he wanted to own 'Sinners' for personal reasons and that he wouldn’t pursue ownership of future titles. The film finished No. 1 at the domestic box office this past weekend in its debut, bringing in $45.6 million.
📸 : Getty / 'Sinners' / Warner Bros. Pictures
