Ryan Coogler, the acclaimed director, has disclosed that some of his creative influences for the film Sinners, including the character Remmick, came unexpectedly from the Disney Channel original movie The Luck of the Irish. While speaking at the Contenders Film event, Coogler discussed how themes from this movie contributed to the blend of Irish and Black culture he wove into his vampire story, highlighting the unique inspiration for Sinners and sparking interest in the film’s backstory.
Connections Between Irish and Black Culture in Sinners
While discussing his influences at the Contenders Film panel, Coogler shared that the 2001 film The Luck of the Irish sparked his personal curiosity in exploring parallels between Irish heritage and Black culture. He revealed that this seemingly lighthearted Disney movie unexpectedly guided some of the foundational ideas for Sinners, especially in shaping Remmick, the story’s antagonist.
“We used to watch that movie like crazy. That was our first introduction to some of the similarities in Irish folk music to, basically, our music,”
Ryan Coogler, Director
He also spoke about the cultural blend within his own community, referencing the way cultural touchpoints like The Luck of the Irish opened discussions and curiosity at home.
“There was a small Irish community in The Bay, and we would talk about it. That movie was kind of a touchpoint for us to jump off of, crazy enough. We’ve been fascinated with that culture in my household.”
Ryan Coogler, Director
Plot Inspirations and Historical Context
Coogler took inspiration not only from pop culture but from Irish literary tradition as well, pointing to Bram Stoker, the famous Irish author, as a foundational influence on the concept of vampires in popular media. He described how Sinners follows twin brothers Stack and Smoke as they return to their Mississippi hometown in 1932 to open a juke joint, only to find themselves and their community threatened by the vampire Remmick’s sinister intentions.
Looking at Remmick as more than a traditional villain, Coogler explained,
“The film was a great opportunity,”
said Coogler of Sinners.
“It was also a big shoutout to Bram Stoker, who was Irish, and kind of gave us the first context around the concept of a vampire in popular culture. So, it just made a lot of sense to explore the character that way.”
Ryan Coogler, Director
Expanding on Remmick’s complex backstory, Coogler clarified,
“He’s not Satan, but we saw him as a pre-colonial Irishman who had this massive backstory that we would kind of hint at and peel back like an onion.”
Ryan Coogler, Director
The Cast’s Personal Connection to Their Roles
Coogler also praised Jack O’Connell for his performance as Remmick, noting how O’Connell drew on the memory of his own father to bring emotion and realism to the part. In a parallel, Coogler himself referenced the influence of his uncle, describing how the shared emotional investment among cast and crew deepened the film’s resonance.
“[Jack O’Connell] brought the memory of his father to the role, the same way that I brought the memory of my uncle. And it was a profound experience to see somebody take ownership of the film in the same way.”
Ryan Coogler, Director
Sinners’ Success and Cultural Buzz
The movie has not only impressed critics but also achieved remarkable commercial success. Sinners has grossed more than $367 million worldwide, ranking it among the top-earning horror films in history. With a growing wave of Oscar chatter, the film’s distinct blend of influences—from Irish folklore and Black community experiences to the impact of a Disney Channel original—has fueled its momentum and critical acclaim.
By intertwining unexpected cultural references and drawing from personal and historical sources, Ryan Coogler Sinners inspiration showcases how creative storytelling can bridge communities and breathe new life into classic genres. As awards season approaches, all eyes remain on Sinners and the innovative vision behind its success.
Ryan Coogler explains how the Disney Channel original movie ‘The Luck of the Irish’ influenced him while making ‘Sinners’ #DeadlineContenders pic.twitter.com/D8iybJp2In
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) November 15, 2025
