Ryan Coogler discusses future of Sinners sequel, making it clear that audiences who are hoping for a follow-up to the acclaimed film may have a long wait ahead. Speaking in an April interview with EBONY, the celebrated director explained his current outlook, providing insight into his creative choices and priorities.
Coogler Explains His Stance on a Sinners Sequel
Fans anticipating further stories in the world of Sinners may be disappointed, as Ryan Coogler has publicly stated he has no immediate plans for a sequel to his recent box office hit. The director, known for his work on franchise films, emphasized the importance of moving toward original storytelling.
“I’ve been in a space of making franchise films for a bit, so I wanted to get away from that,”
—Ryan Coogler, Filmmaker
Coogler elaborated on the personal nature of Sinners, emphasizing his desire to create something unique and heartfelt for audiences.
“I was looking forward to working on a film that felt original and personal to me, and had an appetite for delivering something to audiences that was original and unique.”
—Ryan Coogler, Filmmaker
Aiming for a Complete and Standalone Film
Despite Sinners’ impressive performance at the box office—earning $350 million globally, as reported by Variety—Coogler intended the movie to stand alone and not serve merely as a stepping stone to a larger series.
“I wanted the movie to feel like a full meal: your appetizers, starters, entrees, and desserts, I wanted all of it there,”
—Ryan Coogler, Filmmaker
The director noted his aim was to craft a story that felt whole and satisfying. The cast of Sinners includes major talents such as Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, and Delroy Lindo. The narrative follows twin brothers who attempt to rebuild their lives by returning to their hometown in Mississippi, only to encounter deeper challenges.
“Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their Mississippi hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.”
—Sinners official synopsis
Gratitude Toward Fans and Audience Engagement
Coogler has been vocal about his gratitude for the film’s supporters, expressing appreciation for the commitment and enthusiasm of the viewers.
“Eternal gratitude. My heart is bursting with it. I want to thank each and every one of you who bought a ticket to see Sinners,”
—Ryan Coogler, Filmmaker
He emphasized that many fans went out of their way to see the film, often making special arrangements to experience it in theaters.
“Who decided to drive to see the film in different formats. Who bought popcorn and a drink, booked a sitter and carpooled, and stood in the lobby afterward and talked and made a friend. Who changed their work schedules. Who saw the film in groups.”
—Ryan Coogler, Filmmaker
For Coogler, the project was steeped in personal inspiration and aimed to resonate with a wide audience. He highlighted that Sinners was always crafted with theatergoers in mind, seeking not just to entertain, but to move people through the power of cinema.
“I had the gift of the opportunity of making a film inspired by my family and my ancestry, but it was always a film that we wanted to make for audiences, in theaters,”
—Ryan Coogler, Filmmaker
“We always had our minds on you, the audience, and felt a deep responsibility to entertain you, and move you in the way only cinema can.”
—Ryan Coogler, Filmmaker
Looking Forward: What’s Next for Coogler and Sinners Fans
Although the world of Sinners has captivated audiences and its cast—including Michael B. Jordan, who recently received attention for his public support of Jonathan Majors—Coogler’s statements suggest that fans should not expect a sequel in the near future. The director’s commitment to originality indicates that, for now, he will pursue other creative avenues instead of revisiting his recent hit.
The absence of immediate plans for a Sinners sequel underlines Coogler’s desire to break away from franchise filmmaking and focus on singular, complete stories. While the possibility remains for future revisitation, the filmmaker’s statements make it clear that audiences should appreciate Sinners as a finished work, reflective both of its creator’s artistic vision and the strong connections it formed with viewers in theaters.
