Ryan Coogler Rules Out ‘Sinners’ Sequel: Why the Director Wants to Keep It a Standalone Masterpiece

Director Ryan Coogler has dismissed any rumors about a sequel to the hit film Sinners, emphasizing his desire for the movie to remain a standalone story. Released in April 2025, Sinners quickly became a cultural phenomenon, praised for its unique blend of historical drama and horror, featuring Michael B. Jordan as one of the Smokestack Twins. Despite widespread anticipation for a follow-up, Coogler stressed that this film was always intended to be a singular work.

What Makes ‘Sinners’ a Unique Film

Sinners follows the Smokestack Twins as they establish a juke joint in Mississippi, eventually confronting a terrifying vampire threat that challenges their survival. Alongside Michael B. Jordan, the cast includes Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, and Wunmi Mosaku. The movie’s mixture of historical narrative and supernatural elements has captured wide attention and is already considered a strong contender for major awards, including the Oscars.

The film’s rapid rise to the top of the domestic box office took Coogler by surprise. He shared with Forbes in April,

“I haven’t even begun to reckon with the fact that this movie is No. 1,”

and added,

“It’s crazy. This movie is about, like, my uncle. It is bizarre, but when I think about it, when I take my feelings out of it, I’m not surprised.”

Coogler’s Perspective on Franchise Films Versus Original Stories

Having previously directed two successful franchises—Black Panther and Creed, both featuring Michael B. Jordan—Coogler expressed a clear intention to shift away from serialization with Sinners. He told EBONY in April 2025,

“I never think about that,”

referring to a sequel, and elaborated,

“I’ve been in a space of making franchise films for a bit, so I wanted to get away from that,”

further adding,

“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.”

Coogler aimed for Sinners to be a complete, standalone experience. He explained,

“I wanted the movie to feel like a full meal: your appetizers, starters, entrees and desserts, I wanted all of it there,”

concluding,

“I wanted it to be a holistic and finished thing. That was how I was asked all about it. That was always my intention.”

Impressive Box Office Success and Cast Reactions

The film made a remarkable impact financially, earning $48 million domestically in its first week and amassing $63 million worldwide. To date, Sinners has grossed over $200 million globally, underscoring its popularity among audiences. Actress Li Jun Li shared her astonishment at the film’s success, telling Screen Rant in June 2025,

“We were all very surprised,”

and continued,

“We knew it was good, but we didn’t think it was going to be this massive. So we’re really just taking it in, and we’re so grateful. It was such a fantastic group of people, and I’m just glad that it was a film that not only brought people back into the theaters, but it also educated everyone on why it’s important for us to go back to the theaters.”

Why ‘Sinners’ Will Remain a Singular Story

Ryan Coogler’s firm decision to keep Sinners as a standalone film highlights his commitment to originality and finishing a narrative fully within one movie. With his strong background in blockbuster franchises, Coogler’s choice reflects a deliberate shift toward personal and distinct filmmaking. Although the film’s popularity might suggest potential for continuation, fans can expect Sinners to remain a unique, self-contained work.

The significance of Coogler’s choice lies in delivering a wholly satisfying cinematic experience while avoiding the pitfalls of franchise fatigue. As Sinners continues to garner acclaim and box office success, Coogler’s stance may inspire other filmmakers to pursue originality over serial storytelling in high-profile projects.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. What is Ryan Coogler’s religion?

A. In Coogler’s recent work, religion appears as a new theme, although he notices its presence throughout his films. He grew up in a Baptist family but went to Catholic schools. Before he was born, three of his grandparents had passed away, and he was intrigued by how his parents spoke of an enduring bond with them.

Q. Who is Ryan Coogler’s uncle?

A. SINNERS is a tribute to Ryan Coogler’s Uncle James Edmonson, who inspired the movie with his passion for the blues. Ryan talks about his uncle and a voicemail he got from him during the making of CREED, his first studio movie.

Q. Does Ryan Coogler have a speech impediment?

A. Ryan Coogler’s Influence: Stuttering and Representation. Learn how Ryan Coogler truthfully showcases stuttering and why it matters for representation. Understand the link in his work and talks. #sinners #ryancoogler #stutter.

Q. Does Ryan Coogler have a speech problem?

A. He has a disability that affects how he communicates, but it hasn’t stopped him from succeeding in his job or personal life.

He’s been open about his stuttering and has been admired for helping others facing similar challenges.