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An idea that strikes like lightning
“ It’ s not that I put anything on hold,” Coogler explains.“ It’ s more that making this film was less risky than not making it. The idea was in my heart. And when something is that clear, it’ s rare for me.” After making two Black Panther films— the second, Wakanda Forever, taking four years instead of two due to the tragic death of Chadwick Boseman and the pandemic— Coogler knew he wouldn’ t be making a third Marvel film right away.
Flashmag! Issue 169 February 2026
“ There’ s so much pressure surrounding these films. So many people involved, so many industries revolving around them,” he explains.“ I’ m not complaining, but it hit me like a bolt of lightning. I had to do something different.”
A life built on dichotomy
To understand“ Sinners,” you have to understand Ryan Coogler.“ This film is about dichotomy, and that’ s something I’ ve experienced my whole life,” he says.“ That feeling of never quite belonging, or that things never quite fit together perfectly.” Black, from Oakland, middle class in neighborhoods where his parents— married young, college graduates, but who stayed in their community— were exceptions. A serious student and“ huge nerd,” but also a high-level athlete in a culture where sports give you street cred. Raised in the Black Baptist tradition, but educated in Catholic schools.
“ It made me very sensitive to themes of identity and the idea of dichotomy,” he explains.“ And I feel that in almost every character in this film.”
Why Vampires?
Ryan Coogler’ s Wife Zinzi heavily Invested in His Early Career
The choice may seem strange: why use supernatural creatures to talk about 1930s America?“ I love vampires,” Coogler simply replies.“ I love horror movies, fantasy. And vampires intersect with all of that: organized religion, street culture. They draw from all of that.”
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