Ryan Coogler says ‘Sinners’ will not be getting a sequel. The announcement comes despite the film’s massive commercial success, which has surprised industry analysts who typically expect franchises from profitable horror properties.
The filmmaker wrote and directed the acclaimed horror movie, which is set in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta and stars Michael B. Jordan as twin brothers Smoke and Stack who return to Clarksdale after serving in World War I and open a juke joint only to be confronted by a supernatural evil. The film’s period setting required extensive historical research and authentic Depression-era set designs to capture the authentic atmosphere of the rural South.
Coogler has told fans there will not be a follow-up film as it was always his intention for ‘Sinners‘ to be a standalone story, following his work on franchises ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Creed’. This creative decision goes against Hollywood’s current trend of developing sequels for successful horror films.
“I’ve been in a space of making franchise films for a bit, so I wanted to get away from that,” Coogler said in an interview with Ebony magazine. “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.” His previous franchise work established him as one of Hollywood’s most bankable directors, making his standalone approach particularly significant.
Coogler wanted moviegoers to watch ‘Sinners’ – which also stars Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, Miles Caton and Jack O’Connell – and come away with the feeling it was a “holistic and finished thing”. The ensemble cast underwent intensive preparation to authentically portray characters from the era, immersing themselves in the cultural and social dynamics of the time period.
“I wanted the movie to feel like a full meal: your appetizers, starters, entrees and desserts, I wanted all of it there. I wanted it to be a holistic and finished thing. That was how I was asked all about it. That was always my intention,” he added. Film critics have praised this complete narrative approach, highlighting the film’s satisfying and comprehensive storytelling.
‘Sinners’ has been a box office hit and has earned over $350 million at the global box office and it will be available on streaming platforms and VOD on 3 June. The film’s success represents one of the most profitable original horror films in recent years, demonstrating strong audience appetite for innovative storytelling.
Coogler recently revealed that the plot for ‘Sinners’ was inspired by the Metallica song ‘One’, which featured on the metal band’s 1988 LP ‘…And Justice for All’. This unusual inspiration source demonstrates the director’s eclectic creative influences, drawing from diverse artistic mediums beyond traditional cinema.
“I wanted the movie to feel like a song, so I used Metallica’s One,” he said, speaking to the San Francisco Chronicle. The song’s structure directly influenced the film’s pacing and emotional progression, creating a unique cinematic rhythm that mirrors musical composition.
The filmmaker explained how the song “starts off intense, then gets melodic and going somewhere just crazy. But by the time you’re finished, it was clear you were always going to get there.” This musical approach to filmmaking has become Coogler’s signature style, blending audio-visual storytelling techniques.
Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich even worked on the score for the horror film. Ulrich’s involvement marked his transition from performing to film composition, bringing his distinctive percussion expertise to the supernatural thriller’s atmospheric soundtrack. The collaboration represented an unprecedented fusion of heavy metal artistry with cinematic horror scoring.
The supernatural elements in ‘Sinners’ drew inspiration from African American folklore and Mississippi Delta legends, with Coogler consulting local historians and cultural experts during development. This authentic approach to regional storytelling has been celebrated by cultural critics and heritage preservation advocates.
Industry experts suggest that Coogler’s decision to maintain ‘Sinners’ as a standalone film will influence other directors to prioritize artistic vision over franchise potential. The growing trend toward complete, self-contained narratives reflects audience fatigue with endless sequels and reboots.
The film’s streaming release strategy aims to reach global audiences who prefer home viewing experiences. Digital distribution has become increasingly important for horror films, allowing for broader international accessibility and extended cultural impact beyond theatrical runs.
Coogler‘s commitment to original storytelling positions him as a filmmaker willing to sacrifice potential franchise revenue for creative integrity. This approach has garnered respect from industry peers and critics who value innovative, risk-taking cinema over commercially safe sequel productions.
The success of ‘Sinners’ as a standalone project may encourage studios to invest more heavily in original horror content rather than relying exclusively on established franchises and remakes.
