Harriet over-performs expectation on its debut weekend

Harriet, a screen adaptation of the life of  Harriet Tubman, the conductor of the Underground Railroad, has exceeded monetary expectations.  Debuting at #4 in box office sales over the first weekend, Harriet brought in $12 million -- $2 million over the projected range.

Harriet, the Focus Features release stars Cynthia Enrivo acting and singing.  She co-wrote the theme song from the film with Joshuah Brian Campbell, "Stand Up" and is already getting Song of the Year buzz and Best Actress Oscar buzz for her role.

Directed by Kasi Lemmons (Eve's Bayou, Black Nativity) the biopic played in 2,059 theaters across North America.

The film also starring Leslie Odom, Jr., Janelle Monáe, Joe Alwyn, Vanessa Bell Calloway, and Jennifer Nettles. 

Choosing to  cast a Black immigrant in the role of an iconic Black freedom fighter when there were options among the American descendants of slaves was not view favorably by many African Americans. 

But clearly, casting controversy over putting British actress in the lead role and threats of a boycott did not block the box office success of the historic drama, but there is ongoing criticism, calling some of the fictional aspects of the film historic inaccuracies.

Cynthia Enrico performs "Stand Up"