Ryan Coogler’s film Sinners drew significant attention for revitalizing vampire horror with Michael B. Jordan’s gripping performance, set against the backdrop of 1930s rural Mississippi. While speculation swirls around a sequel, Coogler suggests it may not be necessary; however, there is growing interest in a prequel that could delve deeper into the origins of the supernatural forces and the mysterious Choctaw hunters introduced in the original film.
The Choctaw Hunters Reveal a Larger Supernatural Mythos
In Sinners, Coogler enriches the story by embedding historical truths, such as the realities of slavery and racial segregation of the era, alongside nuanced social interactions, including those involving Asian immigrants navigating segregated markets. A prequel focused on the Choctaw hunters could illuminate their role beyond that of mere vampire-tracking figures, highlighting their Indigenous community’s ancestral knowledge of supernatural beings. Their expertise is shown to be informed by centuries of tradition, involving specific rules, spiritual tactics, and weaponry.
The Choctaw hunters operate with rituals and strategic understanding that contrast sharply with the modern hunters depicted in the original film, who might depend on technology or sheer force. Their culturally rooted methods provide a unique worldview, emphasizing spiritual and tactical depth. For instance, during a critical moment in Sinners, the hunters choose to retreat upon realizing that Remmick (Jack O’Connell) was likely not invited into a home and that facing him at night would be futile. This moment underlines the hunters’ long-standing experience and respect for their own protocols.
A prequel could thus expand on how these hunters came to possess such knowledge and explore an extensive timeline where the Choctaw community confronts supernatural threats. It would reveal legendary stories shaping their perception of vampires, positioning them as unsung defenders in a secret war hidden from public view. While the original film concentrates on the horrors of a single night, a prequel could unfold decades, or even centuries, of conflict between hunters and the creatures they pursue.
Exploring Remmick’s Dark and Complex History
The prequel would not only focus on the Choctaw hunters but also delve into the enigmatic past of Remmick, the film’s central vampire antagonist. Scenes in Sinners hint at his long life spanning around 300 years, including a traumatic history involving the forcible conversion of his family in Ireland by Christian colonizers. A backstory would offer insights into how Remmick transformed into the predator he is today—whether his vampirism was embraced willingly or imposed upon him.
This narrative could also portray Remmick’s adaptation across significant historical periods, from colonial America and Reconstruction through to the Jim Crow South, emphasizing his survival within the shifting social and political landscapes. It would also allow viewers to discover the hidden vampire society’s rules and the unwritten codes that govern their actions. Interactions Remmick had over centuries could further blur the lines between his fading humanity and growing monstrosity.
Importantly, his prolonged existence would link him directly to the Choctaw hunters’ legacy, reflecting a long-running rivalry passed down through generations. The ancestral hunters likely encountered him in the past, which fuels their ongoing mission today. This sets up a complex dynamic: Remmick embodies the hunted predator, while the Choctaw hunters represent a vigilant force defending humanity from darkness unseen.
Mary and Stack’s Undead Lives Offer Limited Narrative Depth for Continuation
The post-credits scene of Sinners reveals that Mary (Hailee Steinfeld) and Stack survived the brutal events at the juke joint, sparking speculation about their potential for future stories. Stack explains his brother was spared in exchange for allowing Sammy to live out his natural life, suggesting their undead existence could be the focus of a sequel. However, this thread offers limited complexity for a full-length feature.
Stories following Mary and Stack would primarily chart their struggle adjusting to vampirism — learning to navigate life without sunlight, coping with traumatic losses such as Smoke and Annie (Wunmi Mosaku), and controlling their thirst to stay hidden for decades. Though they might cross paths with the Choctaw hunters at some point, such an encounter appears unlikely and less compelling compared to exploring the more intricate histories of Remmick and the hunters.
The deeper cultural, historical, and spiritual themes that Coogler weaved through Sinners would benefit from a prequel that broadens the narrative horizon. Returning to the origins of this supernatural conflict, along with real Indigenous history and the fate of vampire societies, could elevate the franchise. This approach offers a layered exploration of power, faith, and redemption, viewed through fresh perspectives rather than solely continuing the existing characters’ stories.
Ultimately, revisiting the past may provide the richest storytelling opportunity because Sinners already stands strong on its own as a contained narrative. A prequel invites audiences into a fuller understanding of the ancient war between the Choctaw hunters and vampires, setting the stage for a franchise that deeply honors myth and history alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Ryan Coogler’s religion?
A. Religion is a fresh topic in Coogler’s movies, yet he feels it’s present in all of them. Raised as a Baptist, he went to Catholic schools. Three of his grandparents passed away before his birth, and as a child, he was intrigued by his parents’ stories of maintaining a bond with them.
