Folks Are Trying to Understand Why ‘A Wrinkle In Time’ Is Being Pitted Against ‘Black Panther’

Variety speculates “A Wrinkle In Time” may be able to dethrone “Black Panther” due to its spring break release date. (Disney/Marvel)

On the heels of “Black Panther” another Black-led film is gearing up for release and a recent Variety article ponders if fellow fantasy film “A Wrinkle In Time” can take over the top spot at the box office.

While the story breaks down the factors that could fuel the Ava DuVernay-directed film to open at no. 1 Friday, March 9, many have taken issue with it being pitted against another Black film.

“So… #RedSparrow’s a star-studded, big-budget, heavily promoted action film that comes out a full week before #AWrinkleInTime, a ‘diverse’ fantasy film starring kids, but the latter’s the film you pit against #BlackPanther? One wonders why… 🤔 (We know why. 😒) #dontBSyourself,” one person responded.

“Or why not Tomb Raider🤔,” someone else offered. “Their racial bias is showing😡 Ava & Ryan supported each other at the Disney lot 📽🤦🏾‍♀️.”

“Why does one have to ‘dethrone’ the other? Two movies produced and directed by Black people can thrive together,” said another Twitter user. “Blackness does not compete, it was built to thrive WITH the next Black person, not AGAINST.”

It even ignited a few debates among users.

First, your thesis was captured in the second half of my tweet.

Second, we as Black people should do NOTHING to gain recognition in forms of "awards" from white institutions that have purposely blocked us due to our skin. We excel because we recognize our own strength/truths.

— Work In Progress (@ServingMyTruths) February 24, 2018

They meant in terms of who will be at the top of the box office, chill the hell out it's not that deep

— . (@ErrolGlowaki) February 24, 2018

Then why is there so much controversy about the article? Honest question.

The article is literally about what movie will have the top box office spot when AWIT premieres

I don't think it's pitting black creatives against each other…

— . (@ErrolGlowaki) February 24, 2018

pic.twitter.com/nliqSezQeb

— BrilliantBad&Boujee (@LOfficielEbony) February 24, 2018

So First, what you shouldn’t every do is tell people how they should feel about something. (“there shouldn’t be any controversy”). Second, you’re missing the point. The angry ppl here see these movies as more than just movies with big budgets and close release dates

— Vicki Jay (@vickijayj) February 25, 2018

There are other movies opening that aren’t being compared. They’re not asking if Annihilation can dethrone Black Panther. There’s a Hollywood mentality that there can only be one successful “black” movie at a time.

— Shaun, as I live and breathe (@Shaunlybee) February 25, 2018

Damn homie, you might just be the one dude who ACTUALLY read the tweet for what it is and without jumping to get outraged. Thank you for restoring my faith in this app.

— Jason Blood (@sowanch) February 23, 2018