Sam Rockwell recently highlighted Ryan Coogler’s fearless choices in making the film Sinners, lauding it as a daring change of direction within Hollywood and noting its strong critical and box office reception. Rockwell compared Coogler’s bold creative risks with those of Patty Jenkins on her 2017 breakthrough, Wonder Woman, cementing the idea that risk-taking can yield both artistic and commercial success.
Rockwell Lauds Coogler’s Fearless Vision for Sinners
Oscar winner Sam Rockwell has expressed significant admiration for filmmakers like Ryan Coogler, who are unafraid to challenge industry norms and craft films that defy categorization. Sinners, set in the 1930s, stands out as Coogler’s latest work that captured Rockwell’s attention due to its willingness to depart from safe, formulaic storytelling. Blending elements of pulp horror, blaxploitation, Southern noir, and Americana, the film carves a distinct place in contemporary cinema, standing alongside acclaimed titles such as Devil in a Blue Dress and From Dusk Till Dawn. Hailee Steinfeld and Michael B. Jordan’s performances further add to the film’s raw energy, with their intense scenes drawing notice for both their boldness and authenticity.
Yes, I did. I really dug it.
—Sam Rockwell, actor
In his conversation with Variety, Rockwell praised not just the craft behind Sinners, but also the willingness to make an R-rated film that delves into sensuality and unfiltered themes. He noted that its financial triumph and genre-mixing approach signal an encouraging step forward within the industry. Rockwell’s comments revealed his excitement for Hollywood filmmakers who, like Coogler, are not afraid to take substantial risks.
I can’t help but think about ‘Sinners’. It was encouraging because it was rated R, you know? The sexuality felt palpable. And the fact that it made a bunch of money while mixing all these genres — ‘From Dusk Till Dawn,’ ‘Sounder,’ ‘Devil in a Blue Dress’ — I thought that was encouraging. It’s a big swing. And it made a lot of money, just like ‘Wonder Woman.’ That was a big swing, too. Made by a woman. Did very well.
—Sam Rockwell, actor
By directly referencing Patty Jenkins’ achievement with Wonder Woman, Rockwell stressed the importance of betting on unconventional ideas. He likened Coogler’s work to the same risk-taking spirit that made Wonder Woman a cultural milestone under Jenkins, but noted that Sinners pushes further by openly confronting grittier and more adult subject matter, particularly in how it handles sexuality and genre fusion.
A Changing Landscape in Hollywood Storytelling
Rockwell’s endorsement of Coogler’s boldness goes beyond mere admiration; it signals a notable shift occurring within Hollywood itself. The industry has long gravitated toward PG-13, franchise-driven models that limit creative exploration and play to proven formulas. Sinners defies this pattern. With an R rating, a predominantly Black cast, and intricate explorations of faith, violence, and redemption, the film could easily have become a niche title. Instead, its commercial performance—collecting over $350 million worldwide—demonstrates how mainstream audiences are receptive to inventive and riskier films.
Rockwell’s focus was not only on financial achievement, but on the authenticity with which Coogler pursued his cinematic vision. By refusing to dilute potentially divisive or intense aspects of the story, Coogler kept his artistic integrity intact and created a film that resonated with viewers and critics alike. This approach, according to Rockwell, sets a new standard that aligns with the intelligence and sophistication of modern audiences, emphasizing the value of genuine, risk-taking storytelling.
The impact of Sinners, featuring Michael B. Jordan in another powerful lead role, reverberates in the dialogue about the direction of Hollywood. Coogler’s unfiltered method and the film’s recognition as a contender for upcoming Oscars underscore an evolving era in filmmaking, one that prioritizes daring creativity over formulaic predictability. Speculation about potential sequels and increased studio confidence in innovative filmmakers further illustrates this ongoing transformation.
Both Patty Jenkins and Ryan Coogler now stand as examples of directors who have expanded the range of what is possible in mainstream filmmaking. Their successes, achieved through acts of creative courage rather than adherence to industry safety nets, offer hope to filmmakers intent on pushing boundaries and to an audience eager for fresher, more challenging stories.
Sinners is currently available to rent on Apple TV+ in the United States, continuing to draw new viewers into its provocative, genre-blending world.
