Over six decades after its original run, The Twilight Zone continues to hold a prestigious place in Hollywood storytelling, inspiring acclaimed creators with its unique blend of mystery and the supernatural. Renowned filmmaker Ryan Coogler has openly acknowledged how the series, particularly the episode
“The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank,”
shaped key aspects of his Oscar-nominated film Sinners. This connection highlights the lasting impact of Rod Serling’s groundbreaking work, especially as Coogler brings this timeless influence to modern audiences.
Drawing from a Classic Episode and Southern Gothic Themes
The episode
“The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank,”
written and directed by Montgomery Pittman and featuring James Best, portrays a small Southern town unsettled by a man who mysteriously rises from the dead at his own funeral. This eerie resurrection sparks rumors that Jeff might be a “haint,” a malevolent spirit rooted in African American folklore. Coogler’s Sinners shares this supernatural foundation, unfolding against the American South during the Prohibition era and exploring similar themes of undead beings and folklore.
Coogler explained in a 2025 interview with SciFi Now,
“Truthfully, the biggest influences are not in cinema,”
before naming Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot and
“The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank”
as his top inspirations.
“Salem’s Lot and ‘The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank’ are probably the biggest influences.”
The film echoes the eerie tension and cultural mysticism found in these sources, blending them into a story that defies strict genre classifications.
Expanding Beyond Twilight Zone Inspirations
While The Twilight Zone episode provided a strong narrative and atmospheric foundation, Coogler also cited several other influences that shaped Sinners. These include genre films such as From Dusk Till Dawn, The Faculty, and John Carpenter’s The Thing, as well as storytelling nuances from Inside Llewyn Davis, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Fargo, and No Country For Old Men. This mix of inspirations contributes to what Coogler describes as a “genre-fluid film.”
He elaborated,
“Sinners is a unique one, and it’s kind of genre-bending. It’s a genre-fluid film. There are vampires in the film, okay, but it’s really about a lot more than just that. It’s one of many elements and I think we’re gonna surprise people with it.”
By blending horror, folklore, and complex character dynamics, Sinners invites audiences to engage with a multifaceted cinematic experience.
Recognition at the 98th Academy Awards and Cultural Significance
Sinners has garnered an unprecedented 16 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Ryan Coogler, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan. The film’s connection to Twilight Zone’s legacy enriches its cultural texture, bridging classic supernatural tales with contemporary storytelling. The 98th Annual Academy Awards are scheduled to air on Sunday, March 15, at 7:00 p.m. ET on ABC, where Sinners is poised to make a significant impact.
The enduring appeal of The Twilight Zone remains evident, with classic episodes still broadcast regularly on SYFY, continuing to influence filmmakers like Coogler and Jordan Peele—who not only reveres the original series but has also revived it for Paramount+. As evidenced by Sinners, the show’s legacy remains vital in shaping new narratives that explore identity, fear, and the unknown within American culture.
