Ryan Coogler Talks Sinners: A New Take on Horror with Michael B. Jordan – Spotlight Report

Acclaimed director Ryan Coogler hosted an exclusive virtual press conference to celebrate the release of the second trailer for Sinners, his highly anticipated first horror film.
Starring longtime collaborator Michael B. Jordan, Sinners marks Coogler’s fifth feature film and a deeply personal exploration of history, supernatural elements, and fear.
Reuniting with Michael B. Jordan
This marks Coogler‘s fifth collaboration with Jordan, a partnership that has flourished since Fruitvale Station. “He’s incredible,” Coogler said. “When I met him, he was already a working actor, but he hadn’t led a feature film. We’ve grown up together in many ways.” He praised Jordan’s dedication, charisma, and ability to evoke deep empathy effortlessly. Their connection has evolved beyond work—“We’re family,” Coogler added.
Diving into Horror for the First Time
Coogler described Sinners as his most personal film yet, rooted in his own family history. “My maternal grandfather and uncle, who both passed, built a house in Mississippi,” he revealed. “This film gave me a chance to explore my ancestral past.”
Though new to the horror genre, Coogler admitted he has often had nightmares while working on previous films. Surprisingly, that wasn’t the case with Sinners. “Some of the scenes are insane, but I actually slept like a baby,” he joked.
A Genre-Blending Experience
While Sinners includes vampire elements, Coogler was careful not to categorize it strictly as a vampire film. “The movie is genre-fluid,” he explained. “There are supernatural elements, but they serve to elevate the story rather than define it.”
The Technical Approach: IMAX & Historical Authenticity
Sinners was shot in IMAX, an exciting first for Coogler and his team. He sought advice from Christopher Nolan, who has extensive experience with the format. “It was an incredible experience, using Super Panavision and full-frame,” he said. “It helped us immerse ourselves in a specific period of American history, especially for Black communities. My family history was a big reference point.”
The Creative Process: A Personal and Therapeutic Journey
The story of Sinners was inspired by Coogler’s late uncle. “He passed away while we were in post-production for Creed, and I never fully processed it,” he shared. “Writing this film was a way to explore his world—the hardships, the history, and the culture that shaped him.”
For Coogler, filmmaking is a form of therapy. “I feel blessed to have this medium. It allows me to wrestle with deep, existential questions that matter to me and my family.”
Why Now? The Right Time for Horror
Coogler felt an undeniable urge to make this film. “As a writer-director, the fire starts with me,” he said. “I looked at the world, saw my own kids growing up, and knew it was the perfect time. Sinners doesn’t just explore vampires—it plays with archetypes like musicians and twins.”
Michael B. Jordan’s Dual Role as Twins
Jordan takes on the challenge of portraying two distinct twin characters. “Many actors do this, but it’s a unique challenge,” Coogler noted. To help Jordan prepare, Coogler enlisted twin filmmaker friends to offer insights. “They shared how they see the world, their dynamics. Mike took that and delivered two brilliant, nuanced performances.”
Reshaping Horror Storytelling
Coogler views horror as an essential cinematic genre. “I’m working within the horror space, but in a way that feels natural to me,” he explained. “Our film blends multiple genres, but the key to making it work is keeping the characters real—grounding them in authentic reactions and emotions.”
The Role of Music in Sinners
Music plays a pivotal role in the film’s atmosphere. “The score is unlike anything we’ve done before,” Coogler said. The composer was deeply involved, even joining the crew on set. “It was his first time in the birthplace of his musical heroes, like B.B. King.” Coogler likened the collaboration to his relationship with Jordan—“built on trust, like family.”
Casting and Building a Unified Ensemble
Finding the right actors was crucial, especially for the role of Sammy, played by Myles K. “I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible casts, but because these are all original characters, this one feels extra special,” Coogler said. “The cast came together like a true unit.”
Why Audiences Should Experience Sinners in Theaters
Coogler emphasized his love for the theatrical experience. “This is my love letter to cinema,” he said. “That’s why we shot it in large format. I want to give audiences something immersive—something that truly belongs on the big screen.”
With Sinners, Coogler embarks on a bold new chapter, blending personal history, supernatural horror, and technical ambition into what promises to be a unique and thrilling cinematic experience.
SINNERS – ONLY IN CINEMAS APRIL 17