Keke Palmer’s latest movie, One of Them Days, is making waves across North America. The comedy, co-starring SZA, opened as the number one movie during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. It earned $11.6 million from 2,675 theaters, surpassing Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King by a narrow margin.
This milestone marks a significant moment in cinema, as One of Them Days is the first Black female-led comedy in six years. The last film to hold that distinction was Girls Trip in 2017.
A Groundbreaking Achievement for Black Female-Led Comedies
One of Them Days has redefined the comedy landscape with its unique storyline. The film follows Palmer and SZA as two friends racing to secure rent money before facing eviction. Viewers praised its humor, heart, and relatable plot, giving it a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Despite its $14 million production budget, the film is already on track to break even. This success underscores the demand for stories led by Black women in theaters. Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst at Comscore, called it a “standout success on a quiet weekend for cinemas.”
Competing with Disney’s ‘Mufasa’
Although One of Them Days led the weekend box office, Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King was close behind with $11.5 million. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the prequel has grossed an impressive $588 million globally since its release.
Even in a slow weekend for movie theaters, these films proved that audiences are still eager for well-crafted, diverse stories.
The Importance of Representation in Cinema
The release of One of Them Days comes at a crucial time for Hollywood. It highlights the growing demand for films featuring Black women in leading roles. Experts predict this movie’s success will inspire studios to invest in similar projects.
Palmer’s career continues to soar, and SZA’s addition to the cast only strengthens the film’s appeal. Together, they have proven that diverse voices can lead box office hits and resonate with audiences worldwide.
Box Office Challenges During the Holiday Weekend
While One of Them Days achieved significant success, the overall box office faced challenges. The total gross for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend fell below $80 million, one of the lowest in recent years.
Despite the decline, movies like One of Them Days show there is hope for the industry. Strong scripts, fresh perspectives, and powerful performances can still capture audience attention.
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