Black Panther Wins Again, but a Christian Film Surprises

Superhero flick is No. 1 for fifth straight week, but 'I Can Only Imagine' defied expectations

By Newser Editors and Wire Services

Posted Mar 18, 2018 11:15 AM CDT

103 comments Comments

This file image released by Disney and Marvel Studios' shows Chadwick Boseman in a scene from "Black Panther." (Marvel Studios/Disney via AP, File)

Shrink — This file image released by Disney and Marvel Studios' shows Chadwick Boseman in a scene from "Black Panther." (Marvel Studios/Disney via AP, File)

(Newser) – Black Panther has become the first film since 2000's Avatar to top the weekend box office five straight weekends. According to studio estimates Sunday, Black Panther grossed $27 million in ticket sales over the weekend, pushing its domestic haul to $605.4 million, per the AP. Worldwide, Black Panther has grossed more than $1.1 billion. The rebooted Tomb Raider, starring Alicia Vikander, opened with $23.5 million. That was a modest start for the $90 million film, but Tomb Raider is expected to be the top ticket-seller in China over the weekend. The Christian drama I Can Only Imagine blew away expectations to open with $17.1 million. It's about the singer who wrote one of the most popular songs in Christian music. The gay teen romance Love, Simon debuted with $11.5 million.

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Vincent J.

Mar 19, 2018 1:04 PM CDT

I'll definitely check out the black movie and the Christian movie....... when they come around on cable tv on the free channel in about ten our fifteen years.

doug bishop

Mar 19, 2018 9:49 AM CDT

would it be ok to point out how many movies with a mostly white cast have dominated the industry sense it's start , or would that seem racist ? it sure would be , how is this not ?

Aarontco

Mar 19, 2018 12:00 AM CDT

I can understand the appeal of Black Panther in terms of special effects. In terms of story I think it's lacking. And the biggest flaw of all is that a super high tech society is still beholden to a tradition that the leader has to engage in hand to hand combat with a spear whenever challenged. How would this make for a stable society or encourage any kind of wise, responsible, long-term leadership development. Instead it would likely mean that their society would be continuously dominated by some muscle-bound meathead who didn't know the first thing about technology. Great stories can be ruined by small premises. It's definitely one that Black Panther needs to work on when the inevitable Black Panther 2,3,4,5, and 6 are released.