Director Ryan Coogler’s latest film is unlike any he’s done before. In Sinners, the superstar filmmaker, along with close friend and collaborator Michael B. Jordan, delves into the horror genre with spectacular results.
One of the many elements that makes Sinners so unique is the fact that it’s a story that’s very personal to Coogler. Taking place in the Jim Crow era South, Sinners tells the story of a predominantly Black community. What’s interesting though is that Coogler clearly made the intentional choice to include Asian characters in the story, reflecting a cross-community support that’s rarely seen in film.
That cross-community collaboration was highlighted in a special advance community screening of Sinners hosted by Warner Bros. Pictures, Gold House and the Armenian Film Society. Senior Writer Jorgie Rodriguez was on hand for the event, and had the chance to speak with two of the film’s stars, Li Jin Li and Yao, who play Grace and Bo Chow in the film.
Speaking of different communities supporting each other, Yao shared his personal experience growing up in California and how he was embraced by the Black community.
“I grew up in California as a immigrant and Asian, not really Asian-American, and I always had some trouble assimilating, but it was always Black folks who made me feel at home and made me feel welcome. And I think that this movie kind of shows that anybody can get along,” Yao said about how he personally connected to the film.
Li Jun Li talked about what made director Ryan Coogler unique as a filmmaker, emphasizing his egalitarian approach to working with the on screen talent.
“I think he goes out of his way to make sure that we are all treated equally, that we are all heard. He’s extremely collaborative, so any concerns, anything that you feel is not making you feel safe or making you feel like you’re in an environment where you can do your best work, he will sit down, listen and hear you out,” Li said.
Watch the full interview below. Sinners releases April 18, 2025 in theaters.
About Sinners:
From Ryan Coogler—director of “Black Panther” and “Creed”—and starring Michael B. Jordan comes a new vision of fear: “Sinners.”
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 (the “Black Panther” and “Creed” franchises) in a dual role, joined by Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld (“Bumblebee,” “True Grit”), Jack O’Connell (“Ferrari”), Wunmi Mosaku (“Passenger”), Jayme Lawson (“The Woman King”), Omar Miller (“True Lies”), and Delroy Lindo (“Da 5 Bloods”).
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.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents A Proximity Media Production: “Sinners.” The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theaters only nationwide on April 18, 2025, and internationally beginning on 16 April 2025.
Ron is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of POC Culture. He is a big believer in the power and impact of pop culture and the importance of representation in media.
