'This is not just a vampire movie': Coogler and Jordan reinvent horror with heart in 'Sinners'

NEW YORK — Vampires, dual performances by Michael B. Jordan, and a unique blend of horror, heart, and soul come together in the film ‘Sinners.’

The movie promises audiences an experience that goes beyond the typical vampire lore. As Joelle Garguilo, an entertainment reporter for Eyewitness News, describes it, “‘Sinners’ is not just a vampire movie. It’s deep.”

In an attempt to capture the essence of the film, Garguilo posed a challenge: “Can you finish the line? ‘Sinners’ is a movie that…”

Delroy Lindo, a prominent actor in the film, succinctly replied, “It’s about a community that gets infiltrated.”

Adding to the intrigue, Omar Benson Miller chimed in with a promise of transformation, “And will change your life.”

With its innovative approach, ‘Sinners’ offers more than just traditional chills, aiming to leave a lasting impression on its audience.

“And?” Garguilo continued.

Ryan Coogler said, “The feeling of immortality that comes with having a good time with people you love.”

Written, produced and directed by Coogler, “Sinners” marks his fifth collaboration with Michael B. Jordan.

This time, the story takes viewers to 1930s Mississippi, where twin brothers, both played by Jordan, return home hoping for a fresh start.

Instead, they encounter something dark and supernatural.

“What’s the most rewarding part about playing two?” Garguilo asked.

“The fact that I got a chance to develop two characters and two relationships,” Jordan said. “It was the first time I had an opportunity to play a character with that much range and depth.”

Garguilo asked the cast to weigh in: “Do you think he’s more like Smoke or Stack?”

“I feel like I know the Stack side of him, and you know the Smoke side of him,” Hailee Steinfeld said.

“Exactly. So funny,” Wunmi Mosaku said.

The film is deeply rooted in blues culture, blending music, history, and yes, vampires.

“Listen to me,” Garguilo said. “It is on record that after I interviewed you all, I said we would be talking about this film come Oscars.”

“Oh, really?” Jordan said.

“Here we are,” Garguilo said.

“Yes, ma’am,” he said.

“This is the actual award, but what has been the reward of this process, getting to create with Coogler?” Garguilo asked.

“Oh, man,” Jordan said. “I think it’s the impact it has on the culture and the fans.”

But the proud Newark native and Best Actor nominee almost left his acting dreams behind.

“I have this obsession with the concept of ‘the call,’” Garguilo said. “The calls that really came for you. What was the call that changed everything?”

“Probably this movie called ‘Red Tails,’” Jordan said. “It was at a time when I was getting ready to move back to Jersey because acting just wasn’t happening fast enough for me to stay in California. That was the one that shifted the tide for me in terms of momentum. And I kept booking consistently after that.”

“And that kid from North New Jersey is standing here right now,” he said.

March 15 is Oscar Sunday! Watch the 2026 Oscars live on ABC and Hulu.

Live red carpet coverage starts at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT with “On The Red Carpet at the Oscars.”Catch all the action on the red carpet live on ABC, or stream on Hulu and OnTheRedCarpet.com.The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. and will be followed by “The Bachelorette: Before the First Rose.”

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