Ryan Coogler, acclaimed for his 2025 film Sinners, recently shared insights on working with the late Chadwick Boseman during the making of Black Panther. Coogler reflected on the lessons he learned from Boseman, particularly about embracing the present moment despite personal struggles and doubt.
Boseman, who died in August 2020 from stage 4 colon cancer complications, portrayed the superhero T’Challa in Wakanda, the central character of Black Panther. Coogler explained that, at the time, he was overwhelmed with anxiety, which prevented him from fully appreciating the collaboration. He said he was lost in stress and doubt, fearing the project might fail.
Reflecting on those moments, Coogler admitted his mindset stopped him from savoring the experience. He stated,
“Engaging with him on an artistic level, conversations that will forever just be between me and him — I was about 30 years old, stressed, completely out of my mind, sleep-deprived, convinced that the movie wasn’t going to work,”
David Canfield reported.
Coogler confessed that he missed out on enjoying Boseman’s flawless performances, telling Canfield,
“I robbed myself of truly enjoying that privilege — even of sitting there and enjoying the countless Chadwick Boseman takes, because he didn’t have a bad take,”
and added,
“So when he passed, I’m like, ‘Oh my God, how much stuff have I not allowed myself to enjoy because I was in my own head — feeling like I was unworthy?’
He highlighted the impact Boseman had on him, stating,
“I’m going to take the lessons from Chad for the rest of my life, bro. That includes all of this. I have to see the good in things, see the value in things, and not let imposter syndrome or guilt or negativity rob me of moments with my cast who I love — or with folks who want to say, ‘Hey, good job.’”
The Early Struggles: Ryan Coogler’s Battle with Impostor Syndrome Beginning with Fruitvale Station
Coogler revealed that feelings of anxiety and self-doubt have accompanied him since his first major film, 2013’s Fruitvale Station. The movie recounts the tragic real-life story of Oscar Grant, a young man fatally shot by police in Oakland, portrayed by Michael B. Jordan. Although the film earned critical acclaim and box office success, Coogler admitted to battling intense imposter syndrome during its release.
He told Canfield,
“You can convince yourself that somebody’s playing a joke on you,”
adding,
“You can convince yourself that none of this is real: ‘I don’t deserve to be here. This place isn’t for me.’”
Reflecting on his youth and inexperience at the time, Coogler acknowledged,
“[‘Fruitvale Station’] was made by a person who didn’t totally understand how the world worked — like, straight up,”
describing the idealism and naivety that informed his early artistry.
Coogler underscored the importance of fresh voices in filmmaking, explaining,
“This is why we need films from people who are naive, the reason why we need films from people who aren’t old enough or jaded enough to understand that art can only do so much,”
and further noted,
“There’s a place for optimism. There’s a place for youthful ignorance. It’s a vital place.”
This perspective aligns with his evolution as a filmmaker, now evident in his personal and ambitious work.
Ryan Coogler’s Original Vision Comes Through Strongly in Sinners
Coogler’s latest film, Sinners, marks his first original movie outside of existing intellectual properties. Michael B. Jordan, a frequent Coogler collaborator except for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (due to his character’s fate in the original Black Panther), praised the film’s confidence and depth while speaking to Canfield.
Jordan expressed pride in Coogler’s artistic journey, commenting,
“To go through every stage of filmmaking and creation — writing through the studio system and independent film, from preexisting IP to making original IP — this entire journey just feels full. It feels complete. To see everybody embrace him, for him to get his flowers this way, it’s just a tremendous sense of joy.”
Coogler’s wife and producing partner, Zinzi, emphasized the personal nature of Sinners, stating,
“I see Ryan the most in this movie. This film is deeply reflective of him. It’s personal in a way that’s woven into the DNA of every character and every choice.”
With its story of Black Southern twins returning from Chicago to open a juke joint in the Mississippi Delta—only to face an attack by vampires on opening night—Sinners blends musical horror with humor, sensuality, and heartfelt themes. The film stands as evidence of Coogler’s growth and creative conviction, helping him overcome lingering insecurities about his place in the film world.
The project also includes a subtle tribute to Chadwick Boseman, honoring the late actor’s ongoing influence. Sinners is currently available for streaming on HBO Max, providing viewers a chance to witness Coogler’s most intimate and assured work to date.
