In the highly anticipated thriller Sinners, Michael B. Jordan delivered a memorable dual performance using innovative acting techniques, helping audiences distinguish the contrasting personalities of the twin brothers he portrayed. The film, set in Mississippi and drawing critical and commercial praise since its April debut, has positioned Jordan as a potential awards season standout, sparking conversations about his approach, especially around his unique method for distinguishing each character.
Physical Choices That Separate Smoke and Stack
To create clarity between his two roles in Sinners—Smoke and Stack, siblings who return to their Southern roots and open a juke joint—Michael B. Jordan relied on distinct physical cues. Among these, he chose to wear mismatched shoe sizes for the brothers, using footwear as a subtle but powerful tool to express each sibling’s nature. This choice impacted his movements and overall posture, making each brother stand out on screen.
“You know, I wore bigger shoes for Smoke, because he didn’t really move around too much. He was, you know, I had him be grounded,”
Michael B. Jordan, Actor
“I had smaller shoes for Stack, because he was never sitting in one place. So, he always felt like he had to move and kind of be lighter on his feet. So, just little things like that added to, you know, how they held their body when they rest, their face, the cadence in their speech,”
Michael B. Jordan, Actor
These intentional details contributed to how the characters carried themselves physically, with Smoke appearing more rooted and Stack exuding restless energy. By employing such nuanced tricks, Jordan gave audiences clear visual cues to follow, increasing the authenticity of his portrayal.
Building Character From the Inside Out
Known for collaborating with director Ryan Coogler on projects like Black Panther and Fruitvale Station, Michael B. Jordan again demonstrated his dedication to character development in Sinners. He focused on the emotional histories and inner lives of the twins, building each role from the ground up by considering their shared trauma and individual backstories. This method acting approach ensured that both Smoke and Stack were more than just visual opposites; they were fleshed out as deeply human.
An Original Approach to Vampire Genre Performance
Despite Sinners being steeped in vampire mythology, Michael B. Jordan made a deliberate decision to avoid studying previous vampire interpretations from other movies. Instead, he committed to creating an original character authentic to the film’s Southern setting and unique story.
“Honestly, (I had) no real inspirations when it came to what kind of vampire I was going to be,”
Michael B. Jordan, Actor
“You know, (I) really wanted to be very specific to the world (that) we were creating down there and tried really hard not to watch too many other things to influence what we were trying to make,”
Michael B. Jordan, Actor
This careful choice allowed the film’s story and the local Mississippi culture to shape his performance, resulting in vampires that felt believable in their environment rather than derivative of existing portrayals.
Impact and Recognition for ‘Sinners’
Following its spring release, Sinners has received recognition from both critics and audiences, with strong expectations for nominations during the upcoming awards season. The conversation around the film was further advanced by Michael B. Jordan’s appearance on the BAFTA Playback series, a program sponsored by Samsung, where actors look back on career-defining moments.
As Sinners continues to earn attention, Michael B. Jordan’s inventive preparation and dedication to detail highlight not only his range but also the value of immersive, thoughtful acting. The methods he revealed may inspire fellow performers seeking to add depth and authenticity to their own roles.
