Entertainment
Producers Rake $25.2m From ‘Black Panther’ Premiere, Smashes Box Office Records
That’s the second-biggest MCU Thursday preview/midnight preview ever, between Captain America: Civil War ($25m in 2016), Avengers: Age of Ultron ($27.6m in 2015).
It’s the fourth-biggest superhero preview gross, behind Avengers: Age of Ultron, Batman v Superman ($27.7m in 2016) and The Dark Knight Rises ($30.5m in 2012, sans 3D). So, inflation notwithstanding, Black Panther just scored a bigger preview gross than The Avengers ($19m in 2012 starting at midnight). So, yeah, it’s going to be a monster hit.
It’s the second-biggest pre-summer preview gross ever between the $19 million (in 2012 and in 2D) Thursday-at-midnight opening of The Hunger Games and the $27.7m Thursday gross of Batman v Superman (same weekend in 2016).
Among all Thursday preview grosses not in the heart of the summer, it sits behind only the last three Star Wars movies ($56m, $29m and $45m), the four Twilight sequels ($26-$30m in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012) and Catching Fire ($25.25m in 2013). That’s also the biggest preview gross in history for a non-sequel.
The big question is how much frontloading we’ll see. Since this preview number is way above the standard MCU figure save for Avengers 2 and Avengers 2.5, I’m expecting more frontloading than the standard 9-12% MCU normal. But if Black Panther ends up the most frontloaded “Thursday-to-opening weekend” title in MCU history, say 15% (Age of Ultron earned 14.5% of its $191m debut weekend on Thursday night), it still gets to $168m over the Fri-Sun frame, which would be around $193m for the full Presidents’ Day weekend.
The four-day weekend puts a crimp into predictions, but even a run like Fifty Shades of Grey or Deadpool (the two prior Presidents Day weekend champions) gets this thing to an over/under $250 million for the Fri-Sun frame alone. That seems impossible on its face, and you must presume some severe frontloading from the sheer anticipation factor. But there just isn’t much precedent for a well-reviewed/much anticipated/well-liked film going from a $25m Thursday preview gross to anything other than a boffo Fri-Sun frame.
For example, if it ends up as frontloaded as The Dark Knight Rises ($30 million Thursday/$160m Fri-Sun weekend), Man of Steel ($27m/$128m), Batman v Superman ($27m/$166m) or Suicide Squad ($20m/$133m) or Catching Fire ($25m/$158m), we’re still looking at a Fri-Sun weekend anywhere from $135m to $155m. Heck, a Suicide Squad-ish performance ($20m/$133m) gets it to $168m, just above Batman v Superman as the fifth-biggest superhero opening ever behind Iron Man 3 ($174m), Captain America: Civil War ($179m), Avengers: Age of Ultron ($191m) and The Avengers ($207m).
Aside from having a super-frontloaded opening weekend (think Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II, the Twilight sequels or Star Wars: The Force Awakens), a $130 million+ Fri-Sun gross is now all-but-inevitable. And since the film is very good, has plenty of buzzy elements and has been anticipated for essentially a generation, I see little reason for anything beyond normal slowdown. Now that doesn’t mean we should weep in the streets if it pulls a Breaking Dawn and ends up with just $115m over the Fri-Sun frame (and around $135m over the full holiday launch). If I had to put money on it, which I am not, I’m thinking and an over/under $165m Fri-Sun launch and a $190-$195m Fri-Mon debut weekend.
And if the numbers are big, I fully expect Disney to underestimate the heck out of the Sunday results so they can get an extra day of positive news when the final figures are even bigger than presumed. One factor will be the sheer number of showings over the weekend essentially bought out for charities, churches and activist groups wanting to make sure that minority kids get to see the movie on the big screen. That may be a drop in the overall bucket, but it may help with post-opening day frontloading and keep the film in the news cycle all weekend long. There is a ton of wiggle room here, so let’s throw out a few benchmarks to consider as the numbers dribble in.
An opening above $117 million (Spider-Man: Homecoming) would be the biggest non-sequel MCU launch while an opening above $123m (Thor: Ragnarok) would be the biggest solo MCU opening weekend. An opening above $132m (Deadpool) would be the biggest solo/non-superhero superhero launch of all time. An opening of over $146m (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2) would make it the biggest launch for an MU title without Iron Man. An opening above $147m (Furious 7) would be the biggest launch for a “not a white guy director” movie debut. A debut Fri-Sun launch above $152m (Hunger Games) would be the biggest non-sequel debut ever (and the biggest Marvel Comics adaptation debut, MCU or otherwise, which doesn’t feature Iron Man). An opening above $174m (Iron Man 3) would be the biggest solo superhero launch ever, and yes, I’m counting Captain America: Civil War ($179m) as a quasi-Avengers movie.
Some of these records are going down, so the only question is which ones or how many will belong to Black Panther by Sunday night. (Bloomberg)
Spotify today announced the launch of its ‘Detty December’ hub with playlists for December, a celebration of the vibrant festive season in West Africa and South Africa. The hub is a one-stop shop for all things Detty December, with curated playlists featuring the biggest hits and emerging sounds of the season. Users can find everything from Afrobeats and Amapiano anthems to chilled-out vibes for those much-needed recovery days.
“Detty December is a special time for our users in West Africa and ke Dezemba symbolises South Africa’s spirit of celebration,” said Phiona Okumu, Head of Music at Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa. “We’re excited to be part of their celebrations with this dedicated hub and playlists, bringing them the best music to soundtrack their festive moments.”
This unapologetic season of street jams, back-to-back concerts, and endless summer fun has developed its own culture that draws diaspora and local fans alike. The curated sounds of Spotify’s Detty December hub will pay homage to the Lagos rooftop lounges, Accra’s beachside festivals, and South Africa’s township tunes that keep people grooving.
In addition to the hub, Spotify has also launched a new playlist called ‘Songs of Detty December’. This playlist is a curated list from Spotify Africa’s editors on the songs predicted to dominate this year’s Detty December. From DJ Skelm’s Afro Tech sounds to Flytime Fest’s tour of songs that tell Africa’s aspirational stories, the hub will be the home of takeover playlists that display Africa’s diverse talent. Barrier-breaking Amapiano talent Kamo_ww has taken over a South African Summer playlist too.
Spotify is also supporting Jerk x Jollof, a popular event making its way to Africa for the first time, through its Frequency program. Held at The Ostrich event space, the Jerk x Jollof Cape Town takeover will feature DJs and artists such as TxC, DBN Gogo, Spinall, Sarz and Odeal, merging the spirit of Detty December and ke Dezemba experiences and bringing South and West African cultures and artists together.
“We’re committed to supporting African music and culture,” said Okumu. “We believe that music is a powerful way to bring people together, and we’re excited to be part of the Detty December celebrations.”
You can keep the good vibes going as you make your way to the hotel, beach or next Detty December party with Spotify’s curated and immersive sound selection. Discover something new or run the year’s best party anthems back on your app today.
The ‘Detty December’ hub is available now on Spotify.
Forty years after the release of the original JESUS film, Jesus Film Project is releasing an updated edition of founder Paul Eshleman’s book, I Just Saw Jesus.
The new edition features a heartfelt foreword written by Eshleman’s daughter, Jenn Huff, as well as refreshed cover art. The book was officially released in October 2024.
Originally published in 1985, I Just Saw Jesus chronicles Eshleman’s journey to create the JESUS film, the most translated and viewed film in history. Translated into more than 2,100 languages and counting, the film has been a significant resource in spreading the gospel to millions across the globe.
The release of this updated edition comes at a critical juncture as Jesus Film Project reimagines the 1979 film for today’s generation.
In her foreword to the new edition of I Just Saw Jesus, Huff reflects on her father’s vision and passion for the project. She writes, ”The JESUS film, meticulously crafted to depict the life of Jesus with unprecedented accuracy, stood as a beacon of attention to detail. Behind the scenes, my father’s equally meticulous storytelling mirrored the attention that was paid to every aspect of the film’s creation.” She added, “I Just Saw Jesus is not just a book; it is a testament to the miraculous change Jesus makes in people’s lives.”
Paul Eshleman’s work on the JESUS film was inspired by the mission to share the gospel message in every corner of the world.I Just Saw Jesus tells the stories of the faithful volunteer film teams, missionaries and pastors who ventured into remote tribes to show the JESUS film. They carried generators and projectors across jungles, stood before influential leaders, and overcame threats, curses and deadly diseases – all to share the story of Jesus in the heart language of those who might not otherwise hear the gospel.
This new edition of I Just Saw Jesus is a tribute to Paul Eshleman’s legacy. It marks a new chapter in the ongoing mission to innovate and reach people with today’s tools, ensuring that the gospel remains accessible to new generations.
Purchase I Just Saw Jesus on Amazon or the Cru store, and join the ongoing conversation about how media can inspire the next generation.
Gather25, a trailblazing global gathering of Christians founded by Jennie Allen, has unveiled the first of its contributors for the upcoming event in 2025.
Featuring a multi-denominational, international line up of Christian teachers, storytellers and prayer guides from six continents, Gather25 aims to showcase powerful stories of how God is transforming communities and hearts around the world.
The event, with a schedule that will circumnavigate the globe over 25 hours, celebrates a line-up of individuals who bring a unique perspective of how God is moving in their context.
Together, they are partnering with Gather25’s mission to mobilize Christians everywhere to reach the 5.5 billion people on earth who have yet to encounter Jesus.
Through live-streaming technology and AI, Gather25 will connect with Christians in homes, in churches, in stadiums, or on their phones, across six continents, with each continent hosting a portion of the 25 hours.
The teachers, storytellers, and prayer guides include:
● Jennie Allen – Founder & Visionary of Gather25, Bible teacher, author, the visionary behind IF:Gathering.
● Pastor Charles Mugisha – Founder and President of Africa New Life Ministries.
● Matt Maher – Gospel artist and songwriter, known for favorites like “Lord, I Need You.”
● Mark Varughese – Founder and Senior Leader of Kingdomcity.
● Matt Redman – Double GRAMMY®-Award winning worship leader and songwriter.
● Priscilla Shirer – A New York Times Best-Selling author and actress featuring in movies like War Room.
● Sinach – Gospel artist and songwriter, known for favorites like “Way Maker.”
● Tasha Cobbs Leonard – GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter.
● Rorisang Thandekiso – A multi-talented media personality and musician, and the founder of “Jesus This Jesus That.”
● Rick Warren – Author of The Purpose Driven Life, his books have been translated into 200 languages.
Gather25 is a global collaboration of Christians who are instrumental in connecting the global church from the ground up. Pastor Charles Mugisha said, “Gather25 gives, for the first time in history, Africa a voice to share the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ more than ever before.”
“I have a feeling in my heart that (Gather25) is a God thing. The Bible commissions us to go and take the Gospel to all nations and for the first time, I see that we can actually take the Gospel to all the nations in 25 hours. That’s exciting for me!”
The event will kick off in the United States at 01:00 UTC on Saturday, 1st March 2025, and will journey around the globe, concluding in Peru at 02:00 UTC on Sunday, 2nd March 2025. This continuous broadcast is designed to empower Christians worldwide through inspiring stories and testimonies of God’s work across nations. Each session will be hosted from a different country, featuring teaching, worship, stories and prayers from various locations within each session. The event will also unveil never-before-heard accounts from the underground church.
Join us for this global event to connect with believers from every corner of the world. Find out about Gather25, and sign up for more resources at: gather25.com
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