Michael B. Jordan has stepped back in front of the camera after directing “The Thomas Crown Affair” in London, and is now taking on what he describes as the toughest role of his career in Ryan Coogler’s film “Sinners.” The actor tackles twin protagonists set in 1930s Jim Crow Mississippi, diving into a blend of historical drama and supernatural intrigue—a project that demanded Jordan push his boundaries in entirely new ways. The Michael B. Jordan new movie marks not just a return to acting but also a striking exploration of identity, race, and resilience in a hostile time and place.
After a year working abroad, Jordan finds himself
“getting back into the swing of things”
in America, now with a role that explores the collision of ambition, survival, and the supernatural, all while collaborating with familiar names like Ryan Coogler in a venture that’s both personal and daring.
Building on a Powerful Creative Partnership with Coogler
Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan have forged a celebrated actor-director partnership through projects such as “Fruitvale Station,” “Black Panther,” and the “Creed” franchise. Their latest collaboration elevates this dynamic to new artistic heights; Jordan describes the level of specificity and empathy Coogler brings to his work as transformative.
“I think his level of detail and personalization and specificity that he tends to create, along with the empathy that goes into his work and his art, I think is what is food for the soul,”
Jordan says of his longtime collaborator. Their shared history paved the way for Jordan to take extraordinary risks in “Sinners,” a film rooted in Coogler’s personal stories and family ties, particularly inspired by his Uncle James and the power of blues music.
The project marked a creative shift for Coogler, focusing on telling a story driven by his own artistic motivations after years spent helming major studios’ franchises.
“I felt like he wanted to do something for him fully, and I felt that passion, and it made me excited about it,”
Jordan recalls. With two fully formed adult characters to embody, Jordan took on perhaps his most complex acting challenge yet.
Diving Into the Challenge of Portraying Twin Brothers
Taking on dual roles as twins, Jordan was tasked with exploring layered personalities that break free from familiar coming-of-age arcs. These men are experienced, sure of themselves, and shaped by the harrowing realities of Mississippi’s Jim Crow era.
“These guys identify themselves as who they are. They’re not changing,”
Jordan explains, highlighting the maturity and nuance within these characters.
“So I was really excited at getting that opportunity to be like, some feel really adult, feel very grown,”
Jordan adds, underlining how this role diverges from anything he has previously undertaken.
The shoot, which took place in Louisiana, challenged Jordan physically, emotionally, and professionally. Having just directed “Creed III,” he had to leave the mindset of director and producer behind and focus solely on his craft as an actor. The directive from Coogler was clear:
“One of the main things that Ryan told me upon pitching it was like, Yo, bro, I don’t want you to think about nothing else but the performance,”
Jordan shares.
“Turn off the producer side, turn off the director side, turn off all that. I want you to give me everything on this,”
was Coogler’s insistence. Jordan reciprocated by fully immersing himself in the project, later describing the experience as
“the second hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life,”
highlighting the intensity of the physical setting, Southern accents, period costumes, and the intricacies of playing two separate individuals.
An Ensemble Cast and a Supportive On-Set Family
The cast of “Sinners” included a mix of established and emerging talents. Miles Caton made his film debut, impressing both audiences and colleagues with his commitment to learning guitar for the role in just months.
“There’s no way you can sit there and tell me this is his first movie,”
Jordan says with evident admiration for Caton. The ensemble—featuring Delroy Lindo, Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, Ruth Negga, Jamie, Jack, and Lily—created an atmosphere that felt more like family than a conventional crew, a hallmark of Coogler’s leadership.
The collective spirit and support among the cast and crew fostered an extraordinary work environment. For Jordan, honoring the contributions of everyone involved became a driving force.
“I want everybody who took the time away from their family to come down here to make a movie with us. I want them to get all the love and the respect and the props they deserve,”
he emphasizes, also shining a spotlight on Coogler’s often unacknowledged impact on the industry.
“I think it’s really important for him to get his flowers, man. It’s up to us to lift him, and he’ll lift us up the same way.”
Historic Significance and the Push for Recognition
The significance of “Sinners” extends beyond the personal and creative growth of its stars. The film stands as a meaningful entry in Black cinema, poised to challenge traditional narratives in the horror genre at the Academy Awards—territory where Black creators have historically been sidelined. Jordan’s advocacy for Coogler emerges as both heartfelt and strategic during this possible “awards conversation.”
“I want the world for Ryan Coogler. I think he’s one of the realest humans I know, unapologetically who he is — a man of his word, an amazing husband, amazing father, amazing friend and collaborator.”
Jordan remarks.
The focus on authentic storytelling, diversity, and humanity is central to both the film and how Jordan views his role in uplifting both colleagues and the wider industry. This approach echoes throughout his public appearances and press efforts, creating momentum for broader acknowledgment at events like the Oscars and other industry ceremonies.
Reflecting on a Demanding Year and the Growth It Brought
Jordan recently returned to North America after a year spent directing, producing, and starring in “The Thomas Crown Affair.” The adjustment has been swift, as he immediately entered press circuits and reconnected with family and friends. He described his experience in London as somewhat detached from daily American realities, underscoring how time away shaped his perspective upon returning home.
His passion for “Sinners” was sparked by Coogler’s deep-rooted personal connection to the story, combining the legacy of his Uncle James with the spirit of blues music. This context, set against the backdrop of the American South’s segregated past, planted the seeds for creative risk-taking. The script itself was described as a “fast, emotional read,” invoking laughter, tears, and inspiration, with the twin dynamic offering both anxiety and excitement.
Stepping out of his comfort zone, Jordan found the stretch—from period piece, to accent, to embodying two men—both daunting and rewarding. He appreciates challenges that push him to discover his limits, stating that staying “uncomfortable enough to grow” fuels his real progress as an artist.
A Legacy of Collaboration and Industry Change
Working with Ryan Coogler again provided a unique dynamic on set; the directive was simple but difficult: ignore the producer and director voices, and concentrate exclusively on performance.
“Yo, bro, I don’t want you to think about anything else but the performance. Turn off the producer side, turn off the director side,”
was Coogler’s core message to Jordan at the outset of filming.
Jordan credits casting director Francine Maisler for assembling a powerful cast filled with both newcomers and veterans. Caton’s musical talent and professionalism shone, as did the collective work of Delroy Lindo, Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, Ruth Negga, Jamie, Jack, and Lily. This blend of talent fostered a nurturing environment where everyone could take creative risks. The vision was to create a space where people could give their best performances—one of the foundational reasons why Coogler’s sets feel unique and inspiring.
Jordan hopes that “Sinners” contributes meaningfully to increasing diversity and authenticity in storytelling, noting that Coogler’s stories continue to inspire more participation and humanity in the industry. He is determined to make sure Coogler’s efforts are fully recognized within the community and beyond, saying,
“He lifts us up, so we lift him. That’s why I’m pushing hard—for him, the cast, and everyone who poured themselves into this film. It’s leaving our industry in a better place.”
Influences, Inspirations, and Franchise Futures
Jordan’s creative foundation as a child was shaped by films such as the 1999 “Thomas Crown Affair” and the earlier 1968 Steve McQueen version. The blend of style, art, and performance in these films influenced him, particularly as he was raised by an artistic mother and not immersed in traditional art world settings. When MGM approached him after “Creed,” he knew immediately that his next step would involve a fresh take:
‘Thomas Crown Affair.’ I need that.
He emphasizes that his goal was not to create a reboot, but a reimagination. The new adaptation is more personal, with higher emotional stakes and a more diverse cast, featuring Ruth Negga, Aubrey Plaza, Kenneth Branagh, and Paapa Essiedu. The intent is to transform a classic into a contemporary tale resonating with current audiences and an inclusive Hollywood landscape.
The legacy “Creed” franchise is also poised for further expansion. While Jordan is cautious about remaining the physical centerpiece (
“Do I want to be in the ring boxing for the next 15 years? Not so much.”
), new directions are on the horizon. Future plans include television spin-offs centered on Adonis’s daughter Amara, already in development with Amazon, ensuring the so-called “Creed-verse” evolves without depending solely on his presence in the ring.
The Road Ahead: Championing Diversity and Artistry
“Sinners” arrives at a critical moment for diverse voices in cinema, delivering a complex portrayal of race, family, and ambition with supernatural twists. Jordan’s dedicated portrayal—and his relentless advocacy for Ryan Coogler’s vision—heralds a hopeful chapter for both the horror genre and Black filmmakers seeking overdue recognition at prestigious award shows.
Jordan’s journey through direction, production, and demanding lead roles highlights both the sacrifices and the potential of committed artistic risk. The Michael B. Jordan new movie doesn’t just mark a new milestone in his career—it models the kind of dynamic, inclusive, and emotionally resonant work that can shape Hollywood’s next era.
With names like Delroy Lindo, Ruth Negga, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, and creative forces such as Coogler, Francine Maisler, and Irwin Winkler, “Sinners” stands poised to influence the future of industry storytelling while honoring the vibrant talents behind the scenes. The commitment to pushing boundaries, both in art and representation, is likely to leave a significant impact, inscribing both Jordan and Coogler’s efforts in the ongoing narrative of American cinema.
