For Coogler, storytelling has always been about more than entertainment, it’s about reflection, representation, and impact. In this interview, he sheds light on his creative process, the deeper message behind Sinners

Ryan Coogler is no stranger to crafting stories that captivate and challenge audiences. From Fruitvale Station to Creed and the global phenomenon Black Panther, Coogler has built a reputation for telling powerful, character-driven narratives that resonate deeply.

Now, he’s back with Sinners, his latest directorial effort, featuring none other than longtime collaborator Michael B. Jordan.

In our exclusive conversation, Coogler opens up about the inspiration behind Sinners, the themes it explores, and what it was like reuniting with Jordan for yet another electrifying performance.

With whispers of Sinners being one of Coogler’s most thought-provoking films yet, the project promises a raw and gripping dive into morality, redemption, and the consequences of past decisions.

Relationship with Michael B. Jordan

Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan have formed one of the most dynamic actor-director duos in modern cinema. Their latest collaboration, Sinners, marks their fifth project together, following acclaimed films like Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther.

Reflecting on their journey, Coogler acknowledges the uniqueness of their bond, which began early in their careers.

"Michael had already been part of some great shows and films, but his first lead role in a feature film was in Fruitvale Station, which was also my directorial debut. He has an incredible mix of talent and charisma, much of it God-given, but he’s also a craftsman who constantly works to refine his skills. That drive to improve and challenge himself is something we both share, and it’s made our friendship and working relationship incredibly fulfilling," he said.

Coogler has always infused his films with personal elements, and Sinners is no exception.

"Every project I’ve worked on has been the most personal film I’ve made at the time, and Sinners is no different. My maternal grandfather was from Mississippi, and my uncle James, who passed away while I was finishing Creed, was also from there. Even though I had never been to Mississippi myself, their stories, their struggles, and their love for blues music left a deep impact on me," he added.

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Confronting fears through filmmaking

Coogler has previously spoken about experiencing nightmares during his filmmaking process. Surprisingly, Sinners was an exception.

"Usually, when I make a movie, I’m dealing with an unimaginable fear, and I get nightmares in the process. This time, it was different. Without getting into too many details, I had an opportunity to confront those fears head-on. Ironically, that meant I didn’t have as many nightmares while working on this film," he said.

According to Coogler, bringing Sinners to life required extensive research to ensure authenticity.

"We went hard on research to make sure the only supernatural elements in the film were, well, supernatural. Everything else needed to feel real, tangible, and deeply rooted in history. It’s the same approach we’ve taken with our other films. The world we created had to be immersive so that when the supernatural elements did appear, they felt even more impactful," he continued.

With Michael B. Jordan once again at the centre of the story, their creative partnership continues to thrive, promising audiences an unforgettable cinematic experience.

According to the West African distributors, FilmOne Nigeria, Sinners will premiere in cinemas on April 18, 2025.