Michael B. Jordan has opened up about the challenges of playing twins in new movie ‘Sinners’. The highly anticipated film marks Jordan’s return to the horror genre after focusing primarily on action and drama roles in recent years.
The 38-year-old actor has reunited with his Black Panther director Ryan Coogler for the supernatural horror film — which is set in the 1930s in the Southern United States — and he admitted playing twin brothers Smoke and Stack was tough. Their previous collaborations, including Fruitvale Station and the Creed franchise, have earned critical acclaim and established them as one of Hollywood’s most successful director-actor partnerships.
“[The biggest challenge] was the technicality of how we shot both characters. I did every scene like four times, fives times, so I think the balance between going back and forth was difficult at times but you find a rhythm and after a while it was second nature. I had a lot of fun,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. The complex filming process involved cutting-edge technology and innovative camera techniques to create seamless interactions between Jordan‘s dual characters.
Meanwhile, Hailee Steinfeld co-stars in the movie with Michael and he previously said he believes the project could prove to be a landmark in Hailee’s career. Steinfeld, who gained recognition for her performance in True Grit at a young age, has since built an impressive career spanning both acting and music.
“Hailee’s performance in Sinners is very, very versatile and honestly fun,” Michael told WhoWhatWear. “I think it’s gonna make people lean in and get a chance to see her in a way they haven’t had an opportunity to see her in before.” Industry insiders are already speculating that her performance could generate awards consideration after early test screenings.
“As you know, it’s tough to grow up in this industry where people get a chance to see you every step of the way, and they kinda have an idea of who you are and what you can do. I think this is one of those roles that’s gonna show Hailee in a new light.” Child actors transitioning to adult roles often face significant challenges in Hollywood’s competitive environment.
Michael relished the experience of working with Hailee, admitting that they developed a family-like bond during the shoot. The film’s production spanned several months in remote locations, creating an intense environment where the cast formed close relationships.
“She’s extremely talented, an extremely hard worker, and a great scene partner,” he shared. “When you’re on a project like this, in the midst of hard scenes to navigate, [and] balancing the emotional aspects and long days, you really get a chance to become a family. I’m extremely proud of her, and I can’t wait for the world to see her performance, and I truly can’t wait to see what she does next.” The demanding shooting schedule included long days in challenging environmental conditions.
Sinners represents Coogler’s first foray into the horror genre, with the director known for bringing emotional depth and social commentary to his projects. The film explores themes of identity, family legacy, and racial tensions in the Depression-era South, adding layers of psychological complexity to the supernatural elements.
Jordan, who also serves as a producer on the film through his Outlier Society production company, has been increasingly involved in project development and creative decision-making. His production company has made a commitment to inclusion and diversity both in front of and behind the camera.
The period setting presented additional challenges, with the production design team creating authentic 1930s environments that required extensive historical research. Costume designers worked with vintage techniques to ensure historical accuracy in the film’s visual presentation.
Early footage from Sinners has already generated significant buzz within the industry, with comparisons being made to classic psychological horror films. The film utilizes practical effects whenever possible, a conscious decision by Coogler to create a more visceral and grounded horror experience.
Sinners is scheduled for release this fall and represents one of the most anticipated genre films of the year. Industry analysts predict the film could be a major evolution in Jordan‘s already impressive career as he takes on this challenging dual role.
