Massive! African-American Movie ‘Girl Trip’ Hits $100 Million at Box Office
Girls Trip, the breakout hit of the summer, has crossed the $100 million mark at the box office, proving, yet again, that movies for and by black people can put asses in theater seats.
The Malcolm D. Lee-film about a trip to ESSENCE Fest starring Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Regina Hall and Tiffany Haddish did amazing numbers when it first hit theaters and the momentum has carried on.
Four brown girls did what they said couldn't be done!!!! Salute Queens ?????? pic.twitter.com/wmX3U2xVhb
— Will Packer (@willpowerpacker) August 17, 2017
“I have been told my entire career ‘Black women can’t open films domestically or internationally.’ Well anything is possible,”
Star Taraji P. Henson wrote on Instagram after the movie’s opening weekend, when it took the No. 1 spot at the box office. She continued:
“Most importantly this proves that PEOPLE LIKE GOOD MATERIAL. HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH GENDER OR RACE. Agreed?!”
This is amazing!!! So proud of the entire #GirlsTrip team! We are so thankful to everyone who came out and supported us ❤️️❤️️❤️️ pic.twitter.com/BwfAusalVL
— Queen Latifah (@IAMQUEENLATIFAH) August 18, 2017
As producer Will Packer’s third major hit —in addition to Ride Along and Straight Outta Compton— the producer has solidified his place in the $100 million movie club. But it’s also a major moment for co-writer, Tracy Y. Oliver:
“We wanted to make sure that we did a love story between black women,
We knew we wanted to have men as eye candy in the movie, but I was adamant that I wanted it to be about sisterhood and black female friendships.
Much ❤️ to @willpowerpacker and @malcolmdlee for hiring a black woman to write this. Sometimes all we need is the opportunity. #honored https://t.co/wQbMu9iY96
— Tracy Y. Oliver (@TracyYOliver) August 18, 2017
I wanted it to be about a love story between these women who’d been friends for 15-20 years and seen each other through ups and downs.”
This is just great news for African-American Filmakers and the entire community! Just goes to show if we make good films, people would watch. We hope Hollywood listens to the verdict from movie watchers. Congrats!
I knew it was going to be a hit. Nice one.
Blacks are the ones keeping American entertainment industry alive. Wow…this is so amazing.