Ryan Coogler has addressed the widely speculated topic of a follow-up to his hit horror film, sharing a fresh perspective on the Ryan Coogler Sinners sequel update. Speaking with CBR during a podcast, Coogler revealed discussions have taken place about continuing Sinners, though not in the form fans might expect.
While Sinners has captivated audiences and critics alike since its 2025 release, prompting natural interest in a cinematic sequel, Coogler’s comments reveal a different direction for the franchise. He and Michael B. Jordan, the film’s star, addressed the subject during their appearance on the Heroes Journey podcast. Coogler confirmed interest in a sequel but suggested future chapters might unfold in the world of comics rather than traditional film.
“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
Possible Future for the Sinners Franchise
Instead of a straightforward cinematic sequel, Ryan Coogler is considering exploring Sinners’ universe through comic books and graphic novels. During his podcast conversation, he noted how his affinity for American comics, shared by his storyboard team, makes this a fitting direction. This approach aligns with Michael B. Jordan’s known appreciation for anime and manga, potentially broadening Sinners’ appeal to fans of graphic storytelling.
Interest in a comic adaptation emerged from within the creative process, with artists and collaborators noting how the film’s visual style lends itself naturally to the format. Louis Gonzales, a storyboard artist mentioned by Coogler, was asked about the idea during production, highlighting growing curiosity within and outside the core team about expanding Sinners’ mythology beyond the screen.
Sinners’ Impact and Awards Potential
Since its debut, Sinners has garnered widespread acclaim, holding a 97% critics’ score and a 96% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film’s Certified Fresh and Verified Hot status has made it one of the most lauded projects of the year, an impressive feat for a horror release. Warner Bros. now views Sinners as a potential frontrunner during award season, with conversations centering on its ability to secure nominations at major events such as the Oscars.
As studios ramp up their awards campaigns, Sinners is positioned as a strong contender alongside other notable horror films like Weapons. While Weapons may spotlight Amy Madigan for Best Supporting Actress, Sinners’ success could see it vying for recognition in multiple categories. Notably, two-time Oscar winner Ludwig Göransson’s work on the film’s score is expected to attract attention in the Best Original Score category, and Autumn Durald Arkapaw could garner a nomination for Best Cinematography.
Challenges in Achieving Oscar Recognition
Despite the film’s strong critical reception, the Oscars remain competitive, especially for the horror genre. Unless Ryan Coogler is nominated for Best Director or Best Original Screenplay, broader recognition is not guaranteed. Nevertheless, the enthusiasm surrounding Sinners suggests it could become one of the few horror productions to earn major nominations, possibly breaking genre barriers at Hollywood’s most prominent ceremony.
Main Cast and Notable Performances
Sinners features an ensemble cast with Michael B. Jordan leading as Smoke/Stack and Hailee Steinfeld as Mary. Both actors deliver compelling performances, contributing to the film’s emotional intensity and widespread acclaim. Critics and audiences alike have praised the chemistry and depth brought to the screen, a key factor in Sinners’ sustained popularity.
Ryan Coogler’s update suggests that while a direct film sequel may not be imminent, the world of Sinners is far from closed. With the possibility of expanding through comic books and with the film’s ongoing critical and commercial success, fans have reason to look forward to new stories in this universe. The outcome of award season could further cement Sinners’ status as a genre-defining film, while discussions about its future continue to energize the community of comic book and horror enthusiasts alike.
