'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.”

Copyright © 2026 OnTheRedCarpet.com. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Thousand-year-old ancient oak tree tied to 'Robin Hood' legend has died, wildlife charity says

Robin Hood’s Legendary Ancient Oak Dies After 1,000 Years, Wildlife Charity Confirms

The Major Oak, the towering ancient tree long associated with the legend…
Supreme Court sides with Texas man who challenged law barring drug users from having guns

Supreme Court Backs Texas Man in Major Gun Rights Case Challenging Ban on Firearm Ownership by Drug Users

Washington — The Supreme Court on Thursday sided with a Texas man…
Twice-deported illegal immigrant charged with flying drone in restricted airspace during FIFA Fan Festival

Twice-Deported Migrant Accused of Flying Drone in Restricted Airspace at FIFA Fan Festival

Federal authorities say a twice-deported undocumented immigrant with an extensive criminal record…
New Air Force One plane, a $400 million jet gifted by Qatar, unveiled by military

Military Unveils Qatar’s $400 Million Gifted Jet as New Air Force One Candidate

Washington — The Air Force on Friday revealed the Boeing 747-8 set…
Three hikers die at Grand Canyon in heat-related illnesses during rising temperatures

Rising Heat Turns Deadly at Grand Canyon as Three Hikers Die From Heat-Related Illnesses

Three hikers have died in the Grand Canyon from suspected heat-related illnesses…
ICE urges New York not to release Salvadoran national accused of raping 16-year-old girl on Long Island

ICE asks New York to hold Salvadoran man accused in alleged rape of 16-year-old on Long Island

Federal immigration officials are urging New York authorities not to release a…
South Carolina personal trainer goes missing, last spotted walking toward wooded area

South Carolina Fitness Trainer Found Dead After Warning Friend She Feared for Her Life

Authorities confirmed Friday that human remains discovered earlier this week in Lexington…
Chicago officials debate Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposed $425M TIF funding for 'The 78' project, Chicago Fire soccer stadium

Chicago Officials Weigh $425M TIF Plan for The 78, Including Proposed Chicago Fire Stadium

CHICAGO (WLS) — A debate is unfolding over whether Chicago should tap…
Comedian Carlos Mencia charged with 12 felony tax counts, LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman says

Carlos Mencia Faces 12 Felony Tax Charges, Says LA County DA Nathan Hochman

LOS ANGELES — Comedian Carlos Mencia is facing 12 felony tax charges,…
DOJ rebuffs judge's demand to state "anti-weaponization" fund is officially dead

DOJ Pushes Back on Judge’s Demand to Declare Anti-Weaponization Fund Defunct

Washington — The Trump administration on Friday refused to provide a court…
Karmelo Anthony supporter reportedly fired as other backers face backlash over verdict remarks

Karmelo Anthony Adds New Lawyer to Appeal While Saying He Can’t Afford Legal Fees

FRISCO, Texas — Karmelo Anthony has added a new attorney as he…
Two-train crash leaves at least 1 dead, 89 injured as emergency crews rush to chaotic scene

Two-Train Collision Kills 1, Injures 89 as Emergency Responders Swarm Crash Scene

Emergency services rushed to the scene Friday after two passenger trains collided…