Michael B. Jordan returns to the big screen in a bold and genre-defying performance, portraying twin brothers in Sinners, a supernatural action thriller set in rural Mississippi during the 1930s. Reuniting with director Ryan Coogler, known for Creed and Black Panther, Jordan said he needed no convincing to take on the challenging dual roles of Smoke and Stack. Despite not being a fan of horror films, the unique storyline and Coogler’s vision made it an easy “yes” for the actor.
In the film, twins Smoke and Stack return to their hometown after spending seven years in Chicago. Armed with ambition, liquor, cash, and weapons, they convert an abandoned sawmill into a lively juke joint. With their cousin Sammie, a gifted musician played by newcomer Miles Caton, performing for crowds, the club’s opening night is poised to be a success—until uninvited guests arrive and the festivities spiral into a night of terror and chaos.
Jordan spoke about the complexities of playing two distinct characters, crediting the support of a body double who helped him navigate the dual role. “I would walk him through a lot of my choices and actions when I was playing one brother, and then switch,” he said, describing the intricate process behind the scenes.
Writer, director, and producer Ryan Coogler drew inspiration from Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot, Robert Rodriguez’s From Dusk Till Dawn, and the Swedish horror film Let the Right One In. However, the emotional core of the film was inspired by Coogler’s late uncle, James Emerson, a blues aficionado. “After he passed, I found myself listening to blues records we used to play together. That music’s ability to trigger memory and emotion gave birth to the story,” Coogler shared.
The film’s exploration of family, legacy, and community struck a chord with its cast. Actress Hailee Steinfeld, who plays Mary, one of the twins’ love interests, connected with the themes on a personal level. “This role opened up conversations about my own heritage,” she said, referencing her grandfather’s mixed Black and Filipino background.
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