Ryan Coogler Sinners inspiration took an unexpected turn when the acclaimed filmmaker revealed that the 2001 Disney Channel original movie, The Luck of the Irish, was among the unlikely influences for his latest film. During a recent panel at the Contenders Film event, Coogler shared insights on how this family movie played a role in crafting the story and characters in Sinners.
Exploring Cultural Connections and Shaping a Villain
According to Deadline’s report, Coogler’s fascination with the shared elements between Irish and Black cultures was heightened by watching The Luck of the Irish. He was especially drawn to parallels in folk music and traditions, which ultimately inspired the creation of Sinners’ central antagonist, Remmick.
“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,”
Coogler explained.
The filmmaker further described how a small Irish community in The Bay Area influenced his outlook, becoming a point of discussion 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,”
he said.
Legacy, Mythology, and Character Development
The Luck of the Irish, which follows a young basketball player’s adventure rooted in Irish folklore, served as a cultural springboard for Coogler’s own vampire tale. In Sinners, set in 1932 Mississippi, twin brothers Stack and Smoke launch a juke joint that quickly attracts the predatory Remmick. The story allowed Coogler to merge Irish and Black histories, both musically and thematically.
“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.”
For the villain Remmick, Coogler envisioned a character with a mysterious and complex heritage, rooted in Irish history.
“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,”
Coogler explained.
Collaborative Experiences on Set and Personal Ties
Jack O’Connell’s portrayal of Remmick also contributed significantly to the film’s emotional depth. Coogler shared that both he and O’Connell channeled personal memories into their work. Coogler said 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.”
Box Office Success and Growing Critical Acclaim
Sinners has achieved notable commercial success, bringing in more than $367 million worldwide, and earning a reputation as one of the highest-grossing horror films ever. As Oscar buzz builds for the film, Coogler’s creative approach—blending unexpected influences and cultural exploration—remains at the center of discussions surrounding its achievements and artistic significance.
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
