Spike Lee’s critically acclaimed film, BlacKkKlansman turned in a solid profit for its opening weekend. Lee’s latest film debut the same weekend as $96.8 million debut of The Meg. Based on BlackKKKlansman’s $15 million budget, the Brooklyn director looks to cash in on his investment and then some.
Produced by Jordan Peele (Get Out), BlacKkKlansman is based on a true story that follows African American detective, Ron Stallworth, who permeates and exposes the Ku Klux Klan of Colorado Spring, CO in the late 1970s. Stallworth published his memoir of the same name back in 2014. The film also stars John David Washington (son of Denzel) and Lauren Harrier (Spider-Man: Homecoming). The elder Washington and Lee, have collaborations that include, Mo’ Better Blues (1990) and Malcom X (1992).
“I knew my son was going to be a good actor, he is one,” said Denzel. “And I’m his dad, I’m a proud papa.”
BlacKkKlansman debuts on the one year anniversary of the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, VA. The tragedy and shocking nature of Charlottesville was a reflection of the United State’s leadership or lack thereof. Focus Features’ president of distribution, Lisa Bunnell, spoke about the significance of timing the film’s release.
“The anniversary of Charlottesville was something that was very key to Spike,” said Bunnell. “The state of our country is such that we’re all feeling really conflicted and alone. This movie is a call to action, and a movie that brings people together.”
BlacKkKlansman is Spike Lee’s biggest film debut in over a decade. It currently holds a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. With the movie’s success after one weekend, it is only up from here. Be sure to check it out, in theaters now.
