Warner Bros. is standing firm behind its historic decision to grant Ryan Coogler full ownership of Sinners after 25 years—a deal that’s got Hollywood execs clutching their pearls. But according to WB film boss Michael De Luca, this ain’t the collapse of the studio system—it’s just the cost of doing business with a visionary. “It’s not a make-or-break thing for any studio or the industry,” De Luca told reporters. “It was a competitive situation. Ryan himself went on the record saying he was going to get it from somebody else, and he made a pretty effective case for this movie—especially with its themes of Black ownership.” And that last part is the heartbeat of it. Coogler wasn’t just negotiating a movie. He was pushing for legacy, autonomy, and a future where Black creators don’t just make the art—they own it. “This is very important and personal to him,” De Luca added. “And frankly, we’re proud to be able to give it to Ryan.” Say what you want, but that’s how you bet on the culture.
