Ryan Coogler’s family history inspired his upcoming vampire horror flick, Sinners. The film marks Coogler’s first venture into the horror genre after his success with action and drama productions.
The Black Panther director revealed the “seed” of the 1930s Southern U.S.-based film — which follows twin brothers Elijah and Elias (Michael B. Jordan in a dual role), who face evil as they return to their hometown after leaving their “troubled lives behind,” and deals with American blues tunes. It started with the relationship of his late Uncle James, who “would only talk about Mississippi” when listening to that genre of music. The setting captures a pivotal era in American blues history when legendary musicians were defining the sound.
“It’s very personal,” Coogler explained to SFX magazine. His connection to the material reflects his approach to filmmaking, which often blends personal narrative with broader cultural themes.
Mississippi plays a big role for Coogler
“My maternal grandfather is from Mississippi, and my Uncle James, who passed away while I was finishing up Creed, is also from Mississippi. The Great Migration saw many African Americans move from the rural South to urban centers, forming the historical backdrop for many family stories like Coogler‘s.
“It was a place that I had never been. My maternal grandfather passed before I was born. Mississippi’s rich cultural heritage has influenced American arts and music significantly, despite its complex history.
“We grew up in a house that he built in Oakland after he had moved to California. This migration from South to West was common for many families seeking new opportunities during the mid-20th century.
“I was fortunate to have a really, really close relationship with my Uncle James, and the seed of it started with that relationship. Intergenerational storytelling plays a crucial role in preserving family histories in many communities.
“He would listen to blues music all the time. Blues music emerged from the Mississippi Delta region and became foundational to modern American music.
“He would only talk about Mississippi when he was listening to that music. Music often serves as a powerful trigger for memory and storytelling across cultures.
“He had a profound effect on my life, and I got a chance to dig into my own ancestral history with this film.” Coogler joins other filmmakers who have used horror as a vehicle to explore racial and historical themes.
Coogler reunites with composer
The 38-year-old filmmaker reunited with composer Ludwig Goransson — who he worked with on the 2018 Marvel superhero blockbuster — and it was poignant as Ludwig’s guitar teacher father Tomas is “obsessed” with musicians from this era.
“His father is a guitarist and taught him. And his father was obsessed with the musicians from this era, from this region. Blues guitarists from this period developed techniques that would later influence rock, jazz, and contemporary music styles.
“We actually did the [Mississippi] Blues Trail when we were researching the film and doing some early location scouting, and his dad came along with us. The Mississippi Blues Trail highlights significant sites in blues history across the state.
“We went to BB King’s club in Indianola, Miss., and played on the stage of this club.” BB King, born in Mississippi, became one of the most influential blues musicians of all time.
The star reunited with his “creative dream team” for this film — including Malcolm X and Black Panther costume designer Ruth Carter and Coogler has praised them all for their impressive work on Sinners. Carter has won multiple Academy Awards for her costume designs.
“I’m back at it with my same team, essentially my production designer Hannah Beachler. This film is some of her best work. Beachler previously won an Oscar for her work on Black Panther, making history in her category.
“I worked with Ruth Carter again, who did both Panther films with me and did the great Malcolm X. Carter’s detailed period costumes have been praised for their historical accuracy and creative vision.
“And this is some of the most fantastic work I’ve ever seen her do in terms of bringing this time back. Period horror films require meticulous attention to historical detail to create an authentic atmosphere.
“We worked with [make-up artist] Mike Fontaine, who’s incredible. Horror makeup and effects create critical elements for building tension and fear in audiences.
“He did a film called Green Room, which is also another influence on this film. Green Room was acclaimed for its realistic and disturbing practical effects.
“I remember some of [his] effects, they weren’t creature effects, but some of the effects made me look away.” Practical effects continue to have a powerful impact even in the age of digital effects, particularly in horror films where tangible elements heighten the viewing experience.
