Ryan Coogler Shares Uncertain Future for Sinners Sequel

Ryan Coogler has offered an update on the prospects for a sequel to 2025’s hit film Sinners, stirring excitement and speculation among fans of the original. The latest Ryan Coogler Sinners sequel update comes as audiences and critics continue to praise the gripping horror feature, sparking questions about what’s next for the celebrated director and his team.

With Sinners earning a strong critical reception and impressive box office numbers, conversations around a follow-up seemed inevitable. During a recent episode of the Heroes Journey podcast with CBR, Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan addressed the possibility of continuing the story. However, Coogler revealed that industry talks have not been about making a direct film sequel, but rather a different creative direction:

“Yes! I have been approached. Mike very famously loves Anime and Manga. But I’m a comic book dude myself, specifically American comic books and graphic novels. A lot of the storyboard artists that I work with are comic book fans. One of my boy artists had brought up that somebody had asked him about it. It was Louis (Gonzales). Somebody had asked Louis… they were looking at his boards and going, ‘Hey, is there a comic book here?’ So yeah, it’s a question that’s been floated before, for sure.”

— Ryan Coogler, Director

This insight from Coogler hints that if Sinners continues beyond its first installment, the story may move from cinema to the pages of a graphic novel or comic book—a direction that aligns with his creative collaborators’ passions and the interests of fans like Michael B. Jordan.

Sinners’ Critical Success Fuels Sequel Discussion

Sinners has proven to be one of 2025’s most celebrated horror films. Boasting a 97% critics’ score and a 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has earned both the Certified Fresh and Verified Hot distinction—a rare feat, especially in the horror genre. The widespread acclaim from audiences and critics makes Sinners not just an entertainment success but a standout cultural moment for Warner Bros., who are now positioning the movie as a key player for the upcoming awards season.

Ryan Coogler
Image of: Ryan Coogler

The film’s high-profile cast includes Michael B. Jordan in the dual roles of Smoke and Stack and Hailee Steinfeld as Mary, both of whom have received critical praise. The involvement of talented comic book fans and storyboard artists also played into the film’s visual intensity and genre appeal. With so much momentum and positive feedback, the possibility of a Sinners 2 has naturally surfaced, though as Coogler suggests, the creative team is considering nontraditional story formats moving forward.

Sinners Eyes Awards Glory Amid Fierce Competition

As awards season draws near, Sinners is increasingly viewed as a contender in several categories, raising the film’s profile within Hollywood circles. Warner Bros. is reportedly preparing a significant campaign to support Sinners at the Oscars, where it might go head-to-head with another of their horror successes, Weapons. While Amy Madigan from Weapons is a possible nominee for Best Supporting Actress, experts and industry watchers expect that Sinners will push for a broader range of nominations.

The film’s impressive score, produced by two-time Oscar winner Ludwig Göransson, is expected to receive attention for Best Original Score. Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s work may also be recognized in the Best Cinematography category. While Sinners faces tough competition, nominations for Ryan Coogler in Best Director and Best Original Screenplay would signal a significant recognition for horror films in mainstream awards circuits. Although a Best Picture nod is considered a long shot, Sinners remains a top contender for multiple honors.

The Future of Sinners: Next Steps for the Franchise

With its strong reception and the conversation surrounding a possible sequel or comic book adaptation, Sinners stands out as a rare achievement in contemporary horror cinema. Ryan Coogler’s openness to exploring the world of comics lets the Sinners story continue in new and unexpected ways, potentially deepening the film’s cultural impact and attracting new creative talent. As Warner Bros. positions the film for awards season, all eyes remain on what direction Coogler and his team will choose for the franchise’s next act, and whether Sinners will become a multi-platform phenomenon.