As Ryan Coogler's Sinners continues its impressive reign at the box office, defying initial projections and captivating audiences, the inevitable question of franchise potential has begun to circulate.
Recently, director Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan were directly asked about the possibility of a Sinners prequel, specifically one exploring the backstory of their characters, Smoke and Stack, during their time working for the notorious Chicago gangster, Al Capone.
Jordan expressed an enthusiastic openness to the idea, stating, "I'm always up for it. Not saying he wouldn't (pointing to Coogler) but I'm just saying, I would be up for it." When pressed for further comment, Jordan deferred to the director, adding, "He calls the shots," with a nod towards Coogler.
Coogler's response was more nuanced, playfully deflecting the "shot-caller" label with a callout to his wife, Zinzi Coogler. For those unfamiliar, Zinzi Coogler is a highly experienced film professional, boasting nearly two decades in the industry as an ASL sign language interpreter and, more recently, a producer.
Together, following their successes with Creed and Black Panther, the Cooglers co-founded their production company, Proximity Media, in 2018 alongside Sev Ohanian, Ludwig Göransson, Archie Davis, and Peter Nicks.
Addressing the broader appeal for more stories within the Sinners universe, Coogler explained, "For me, my favorite movies, it feels like a world was happening before and a world is going to happen after. So, that's the best compliment someone can say." Jordan echoed this sentiment, adding, "That you care about the characters, and want to see what happens to them."
Touted as the first must-see film of 2025, Sinners continues to exceed expectations, with its final box office total still difficult to pin down as it defies traditional trends. Some industry analysts project a finish north of $200 million, while others believe Sinners could ultimately close out with over $270 million worldwide.
About Sinners:
The night belongs to sinners. Only in theaters April 18.
Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.
“You keep dancing with the devil, one day he’s gonna follow you home.”
Written and directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Coogler, “Sinners” stars Jordan in a dual role, joined by Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku , Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Miles Caton, and Delroy Lindo.
The film is produced by Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian and Ryan Coogler. The executive producers are Ludwig Göransson, Will Greenfield and Rebecca Cho.
Coogler’s behind-the-camera artisans include his “Black Panther” franchise collaborators: director of photography Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Oscar-winning production designer Hannah Beachler, editor Michael P. Shawver, Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson, and Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter.