**Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan Join Forces for the Much-Awaited Thriller *Sinners***

Director Ryan Coogler, known for *Black Panther* and *Creed*, is reuniting with his longtime associate Michael B. Jordan for *Sinners*, one of the year’s most anticipated thrillers. This film marks Coogler’s inaugural venture into the horror genre, presenting a cryptic and genre-defying narrative rumored to involve vampires and a profound connection to Mississippi blues.

During a press briefing on Monday, Coogler offered glimpses into his first celluloid project since *Fruitvale Station*. He reflected on the inspirations for *Sinners*, its supernatural motifs, and the historical connections between blues music and folklore about pacts with the Devil. Here’s all we’ve discovered about this thrilling project, along with what to view in preparation for its debut.

—

### 1. What is the Story of *Sinners*?

Set in the 1930s Jim Crow-era South, *Sinners* merges history, horror, and the transformative essence of the blues. Michael B. Jordan portrays twins Elijah and Elias, two brothers returning to their hometown and its lively music venue—a rare haven for Black residents in a divided society. However, an eerie threat begins to hover over the community, potentially linked to the soul-stirring blues melodies resonating from the stage.

The film boasts a cast that includes Wunmi Mosaku, Jack O’Connell, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, Delroy Lindo, and Hailee Steinfeld, who appears particularly vampiric in the promotional trailer. Coogler has also brought in his trusted team members, including cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, production designer Hannah Beachler, and costume designer Ruth E. Carter, ensuring a visually captivating and richly textured experience.

—

### 2. *Sinners* Goes Beyond a Traditional Vampire Tale

While Coogler has confirmed the presence of vampires in *Sinners*, he stressed that the film is “genre fluid” and encompasses far more than classic vampire clichés.

“There are vampires in the film, but it’s really about a lot more than just that,” Coogler articulated. “It’s one of many components, and I believe we’ll astonish viewers with it.”

Coogler elaborated on the cultural meaning of the vampire, portraying it as a supernatural being associated with temptation and choice. He also drew connections to blues music, often dubbed “the Devil’s music,” exploring its dual nature between the earthly and the divine. The film delves into themes inspired by legends of blues musicians like Tommy Johnson and Robert Johnson, reputed to have bargained their souls to the Devil for musical prowess.

The trailer alludes to these themes, featuring a voiceover that speaks of “legends of people with the talent for crafting music so genuine they can summon spirits from the past and future.” This ability, while formidable, carries the potential to “pierce the veil between life.”

To ensure accuracy, Coogler’s team consulted scholars on Hoodoo culture, a spiritual practice arising from the experiences of enslaved African Americans, which plays a crucial role in the film.

—

### 3. Ryan Coogler’s Personal Connection to Mississippi

The backdrop of *Sinners*—Mississippi—bears significant personal relevance for Coogler, whose maternal grandfather and uncle both hailed from the state.

“My maternal grandfather is from Mississippi, and my Uncle James, who passed away while I was concluding *Creed*, was also from Mississippi,” Coogler recounted. “He would constantly listen to blues music and would only discuss Mississippi when it was playing. This film sprouted from that bond with my uncle.”

The blues, a genre that originated in the Mississippi Delta, is vital to *Sinners*. Coogler and composer Ludwig Göransson even traveled along the Mississippi Blues Trail during their research, stopping at iconic spots like B.B. King’s club in Indianola.

—

### 4. Recommended Viewing Before *Sinners*

As Coogler’s initial venture into horror, *Sinners* draws from a diverse array of films, television shows, and literature. Here’s what he suggests watching before immersing yourself in his latest endeavor:

– Films from the Coen Brothers such as *Inside Llewyn Davis*, *O Brother, Where Art Thou?*, *Fargo*, and *No Country for Old Men*.
– Stephen King’s vampire novel *Salem’s Lot*.
– Robert Rodriguez’s *The Faculty* and John Carpenter’s *The Thing*, the latter which Coogler cites as his all-time favorite horror film.
– Rod Serling’s *The Twilight Zone*, specifically the episode “The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank,” which Coogler regards as a major influence.

—