The details of the upcoming film Sinners, produced by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, have been somewhat of a mystery. Even at the time of the initial announcement, no one really knew what the plot of the film was—with many speculating the inclusion of vampires. Now, after the release of a second trailer, Coogler is finally sharing details about his first big-budget original film.
During a recent press conference, Coogler shared his thoughts on working with Jordan again, the supernatural twists, and the importance of watching the film in the movie theater.
Sinners is the fifth time Coogler and Jordan have worked together. In the upcoming horror, Jordan has dual roles as twins.
“Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back,” the synopsis reads.
The film’s exploration of twin dynamics was informed by real-world research, with Coogler bringing in twin consultants to build out the characters and guide the actors’ performances.
“Some of that work was just fascinating. How they see the world. How they kind of see the world as us versus everybody else. The other aspect of it is the fact that they’re not totally different. They actually are quite alike,” Coogler shares. “Like this idea of ever since you achieved consciousness, there was another version of you. Right there in front of you, sharing space.”
Coogler praised Jordan for his dedication to the role, particularly in the portrayal of an identical twin.
“The difference in subtle ways that Mike found. But it’s an absolutely brilliant performance,” Coogler said. “I can’t wait for folks to see him. It’s Mike unlike I’ve ever seen him before.”
Like this idea of ever since you achieved consciousness, there was another version of you. Right there in front of you, sharing space.
How they see the world. You know what I mean? How they kind of see the world as us versus everybody else. Yeah. You know? And that, the other aspect of it is the fact that, you know, they’re not totally different. You know what I mean? They actually are quite alike. Yeah. The difference in subtle ways that Mike found. But it’s an absolutely brilliant performance
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For Coogler, Sinners is one of the most personal films he’s ever created. Drawing on his own familial experiences, the film delves into the Mississippi roots of Coogler’s ancestors, including his late grandfather and uncle, both of whom had strong connections to the blues and Southern culture.
“It’s a film about American music more than it is about anything else,” Coogler said. “I had a chance to really go to the South and scout and think…the film was about the music that was so special to my uncle.”
This exploration of family legacy and the South’s cultural history is intertwined with the supernatural.
Fans have speculated about the supernatural aspects of the film. Coogler confirmed that vampires are indeed part of the story, but they are far from the only supernatural element.
The film is very genre-fluid,” he explained, suggesting that we can expect more than just horror. He goes on to share that while the supernatural elements enhance the story, the true heart of the film lies in its characters and their struggles.
“My favorite films in the genre, you could take the supernatural element out, and the films would still work,” he shared. “But the supernatural element actually helps to heighten it, helps to elevate it.”
Coogler also spoke about the challenge of blending genres in Sinners, describing the film as a “roller coaster ride” that fuses horror with other elements. “Life is like that,” Coogler shared, reflecting on how the human experience itself is a mixture of genres. “Your life has a bunch of different genres.”
The supernatural aspects are just one layer of the story, and Coogler worked hard to ensure that the emotional and cultural components remained at the forefront.
In an era where streaming has become the norm, Coogler remains committed to the theatrical experience. He emphasized the importance of creating a film that is meant to be seen in a theater, where audiences can share the experience of fear, excitement, and emotion together.
“Watching movies for us was a pastime. It was a way to connect,” Coogler said about his family’s history with cinema. “It’s meant to be seen in that capacity”
To ensure a truly immersive experience, Sinners was shot in IMAX, a format that Coogler believes elevates the storytelling. Drawing on advice from director Christopher Nolan, Coogler sought to use IMAX to bring the rich cultural backdrop of the story to life.
“We wanted to let folks experience this world,” he explained. The IMAX format not only enhances the horror but also immerses viewers in the time and place that shaped the characters’ lives.
Sinners hit theaters on April 18.
