Ryan Coogler on avoiding sequels for Sinners horror movie has become a core discussion ever since the film‘s release, with viewers questioning whether its mid-credit scene would spark future installments. Coogler, known for Black Panther and Creed, clarified in a recent interview that he aimed to make Sinners a one-time experience designed to be different from his previous franchise work.
Coogler’s Vision: A Standalone Vampire Tale
Sinners, Coogler’s critically-acclaimed vampire story, was never intended as the start of a new horror franchise. When asked about possible sequels, Coogler told Ebony,
I’ve been in a space of making franchise films for a bit, so I wanted to get away from that. 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.
– Ryan Coogler, Director
He further explained his approach to crafting the film, emphasizing a self-contained narrative.
I wanted the movie to feel like a full meal: your appetizers, starters, entrees and desserts,
– Ryan Coogler, Director.
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.
– Ryan Coogler, Director.
Diverging from Franchise Filmmaking
After his experiences in established series like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Rocky saga, Coogler chose a different path for Sinners. He deliberately focused on creating something unique, eschewing the typical setup for sequels. This approach stands in contrast to the expectations of some viewers, especially given the popularity and open-ended elements found in major franchise films.
The Cast Weighs In: Prequel Possibilities?
While Ryan Coogler maintains that Sinners was crafted as a standalone work, the film’s lead, Michael B. Jordan, shared a slightly different perspective when interviewed by GamesRadar+. Jordan expressed interest in exploring more of his characters’ backstory, saying,
I mean, you know, I’m always… I’d be up for it,
– Michael B. Jordan, Actor. He also noted Coogler’s main role in any decisions regarding spin-offs or prequels, adding,
Not saying he [Coogler] wouldn’t, but he calls the shots!
– Michael B. Jordan, Actor.
Coogler responded as well, reinforcing his views on self-contained storytelling:
I mean, no, for me, my favorite movies are ones where it feels like a world was happening before and a world is gonna happen after. So that’s the best compliment somebody can say,
– Ryan Coogler, Director. His comments point to a desire for layered, lasting narratives rather than open doors for sequels.
A Origin Story Set in a Troubled Era
Sinners is set in the 1930s American South, specifically during the tension-laden Jim Crow period. The story follows twin brothers, Smoke and Stack—portrayed by Michael B. Jordan—as they return home seeking a new beginning. However, they soon discover that a pervasive evil has overtaken the community they once called home, adding complex layers to their quest for redemption and touching on the fraught history of the era and region.
The Impact and Outlook for Sinners
Despite audience curiosity, Sinners remains a self-enclosed story, with Ryan Coogler reaffirming his commitment to originality and closure rather than setting up ongoing series. This direction challenges typical expectations for horror films that leave room for sequels. Still, the cast’s openness about future possibilities, and the film’s carefully crafted world, may keep the conversation alive among viewers seeking more from this universe.
As Sinners continues to provoke discussion for its bold creative choices, it stands as a testament to Coogler’s interest in self-contained, resonant storytelling crafted for audiences craving originality in the horror genre.
