Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’: A Personal Tale of Family, Blues, and Vampires
Ryan Coogler, the acclaimed filmmaker behind “Black Panther” and “Creed,” returns with his most personal project yet — Sinners, a bold, original horror film that blends blues music, historical depth, and supernatural suspense. Drawing inspiration from his late uncle James, Coogler crafts a story that hits close to home — literally and emotionally.
The Man Who Inspired ‘Sinners’
Coogler’s uncle James was more than just family — he was a local legend to the director. A steel mill worker, blues lover, and San Francisco Giants fan, James left a lasting impression on a young Ryan, who often walked to his house just down the street. Even after they grew apart, James sent Coogler heartfelt voice notes until his final days. When James passed while Coogler was finishing Creed, the music they shared took on new meaning — and sparked the concept behind Sinners.
A Blues-Driven Horror Experience
Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twin brothers — World War I veterans turned bootleggers, Smoke and Stack — who open a juke joint in the Jim Crow-era South. But on opening night, their dreams are shattered when they encounter a terrifying crew of vampires, led by the mysterious Remmick, played by Jack O’Connell. The story also centers on Sammie, a preacher’s son with a magical musical gift, played by newcomer Miles Caton.
Music is the soul of the film. Coogler brought in his longtime collaborator, composer Ludwig Göransson, who also served as executive producer. Together, they soaked in the roots of blues by traveling the legendary Blues Trail in Memphis, with Göransson’s father — a blues guitarist — in tow. The result is an atmospheric score blending banjos, pianos, electric guitars, and synthesizers, capturing the emotional and historical weight of the story.
Filming in New Orleans with Family and Friends
Coogler turned production into a family affair. He moved to New Orleans with his wife and producer, Zinzi, as well as Göransson and his team. The goal: to recreate the energy and emotion of building something together, just like the brothers do in the film. Even though mosquitoes were a nuisance, Coogler joked, “No vampires though.”
Stephen King’s Influence and the Irish Vampire Twist
For the supernatural element, Coogler turned to his literary hero: Stephen King. Inspired by ’Salem’s Lot and King’s idea of placing vampires in unexpected places, Coogler envisioned his bloodsuckers not as clichés but as layered beings. The lead vampire Remmick isn’t just evil — he’s Irish, drawing from Coogler’s fascination with Irish history, freedom struggles, and his favorite childhood Disney movie The Luck of the Irish.
The film’s Irish musical touch is powerful, especially in O’Connell’s haunting performance of “Rocky Road to Dublin,” which Göransson calls “an Irish rap song” due to its rhythm and difficulty.
‘Sinners’: A Cinematic Collage of Influences
Coogler cites a range of inspirations behind Sinners — the intensity of Martin Scorsese’s After Hours, the vibe of Steve McQueen’s Lovers Rock, John Carpenter’s paranoia-filled The Thing, Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, and the emotional depth of Don’t Look Now. There’s even a nod to the Coen Brothers’ No Country for Old Men in its gritty Western feel.
At the heart of the film is the emotional bond between Smoke and Annie (Wunmi Mosaku), scarred by the loss of their child. Their relationship echoes Julie Christie’s character in Don’t Look Now, with Annie’s quiet spiritual foresight anchoring the film’s emotional gravity.
A Groundbreaking Deal with Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. made headlines when they gave Ryan Coogler the rights to Sinners after 25 years — a rare deal in Hollywood. Unlike speculation around sequels or franchises, Coogler insists this was about owning a story that means everything to him. “It was about how personal it was,” he says. “I prayed on it a lot.”
The success of Sinners could pave the way for more original works from Coogler, who’s also developing a new X-Files reboot. But he admits recreating this exact experience might be impossible. “This was something special,” he says. “To think I could repeat a process like this would be foolish.”
A Vision Fully Realized
Ludwig Göransson, who has worked with Coogler since their college days, says Sinners was a dream project. “It’s such an emotional ride. This is his first original IP since Fruitvale Station. It’s groundbreaking,” he says.
Coogler poured his soul into Sinners — from honoring his uncle, to integrating blues and Irish folklore, to crafting a master vampire that challenges expectations. The result is a uniquely powerful cinematic experience.
Sinners is now playing exclusively in theaters.