Ryan Coogler says ‘Sinners’ is not intended to be a franchise, casting doubt there will be a sequel. The film has been generating significant buzz since its release, drawing audiences with its unique blend of horror and historical elements.
The 38-year-old writer-and-director’s latest movie is a period vampire thriller set in 1930s Mississippi, starring Ryan’s frequent collaborator Michael B. Jordan as twins Smoke and Stack. This marks their fourth major collaboration, following their previous critically acclaimed projects together.
However, fans hoping for a second movie might be disappointed. The film appears designed as a complete story rather than the beginning of a series.
“I never think about that,” Ryan told EBONY of the possibility of sequel. “I’ve been in a space of making franchise films for a bit, so I wanted to get away from that.” This statement references his previous work on the successful “Black Panther” films for Marvel Studios.
He further explained: “I was looking forward to working on a film that felt original and personal to me and had an appetite for delivering something to audiences that was original and unique.” This perspective reflects a growing trend among some filmmakers to create standalone experiences in an industry often dominated by franchises.
“I wanted the movie to feel like a full meal: your appetizers, starters, entrees and desserts, I wanted all of it there,” the filmmaker continued. “I wanted it to be a holistic and finished thing. That was how I was asked all about it. That was always my intention.” His approach emphasizes crafting complete narratives rather than leaving openings for potential sequels.
Ryan recently shared that the flick is based on his “personal obsession”. Coogler has often drawn from personal experience and historical interest in his directorial work, infusing his projects with authentic perspectives.
The film’s set is close to where his own ancestors lived, and he admitted the themes of slavery, poverty, war, the Ku Klux Klan, spiritualism and blues music were all important to him. This connection to the historical setting gives the film an additional layer of personal significance.
“I was bringing my whole life to it,” he told The Guardian newspaper. “I’ve been struggling to tell a story that does the great migration for a while. It’s a personal obsession of mine, this period of time when Black people were considering leaving the south en masse.” The Great Migration represents a crucial chapter in American history that shaped demographic patterns still evident today.
“[My late uncle and I] were really close, and he would always listen to blues records – it was his only form of entertainment. I would find myself listening to blues records to remember him,” Coogler revealed, showcasing the deeply personal inspiration behind the film. Blues music serves as both a cultural touchstone and personal connection to his family history.
“That’s how I got inspired to explore and research, and that’s how I got to this movie. So it’s me growing and dealing with my own position, my own mortality.” This reflection highlights how the creative process often intertwines with personal growth and understanding.
‘Sinners‘ has been praised by critics for its atmospheric storytelling and Jordan’s compelling dual performance. Many reviews have highlighted Coogler’s ability to blend genre elements with meaningful historical context, creating something that stands apart from typical horror films.
The decision to create a standalone film rather than launching a new franchise aligns with Coogler’s artistic vision and his desire to tell complete stories. In an era where franchise potential often drives studio decisions, Coogler’s commitment to self-contained narratives stands out.
Despite the lack of sequel plans, fans of Coogler and Jordan can look forward to their future collaborations, as the creative partnership has consistently produced thought-provoking and commercially successful films. Their working relationship has become one of the most celebrated director-actor pairings in contemporary cinema.
The film’s exploration of historical themes through a genre lens continues Coogler’s tradition of addressing complex social issues within accessible storytelling frameworks. This approach has distinguished his work throughout his career, from independent films to major studio productions.
While ‘Sinners‘ may not spawn sequels, its impact as a unique entry in both the horror genre and period filmmaking demonstrates Coogler’s versatility as a filmmaker and his commitment to expanding the boundaries of storytelling in Hollywood.
