Katea Mahe (KT)
January 29, 2025
A Front Row Seat to Horror History: Our Exclusive Junket Experience with Ryan Coogler and Juju “Straw Hat Goofy” Green
Have you ever had the chance to witness cinematic history in the making? We recently enjoyed an incredible opportunity: an exclusive trailer junket for Ryan Coogler’s fifth directorial feature film, Sinners. Moderated by the ever-charismatic Juju “Straw Hat Goofy” Green, this event was more than just a sneak peek—it was a deep dive into the heart and soul of what promises to be a genre-redefining horror experience.
Our Question, Front and Center
And the best part? Our very own question was selected, and Juju Green read it aloud for Ryan Coogler to answer! Hearing him respond with thoughtful, behind-the-scenes details was surreal and unforgettable. It’s not every day you gain direct insight from one of Hollywood’s most innovative directors, especially when it comes from a question you submitted.
The Trailer: A Glimpse into a World of Supernatural Blues
The day began with the world premiere of the official Sinners trailer, and “electrifying” is hardly an overstatement. Coogler masterfully weaves supernatural elements with the haunting tones of American blues, exploring themes of family, faith, and folklore. In the room, the atmosphere was immediately charged—a collective realisation that we were witnessing something truly special from the visionary behind Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther.
Cornbread, Conflict, and Chills: A Scene Breakdown
After the trailer, we were treated to a short but memorable clip—affectionately dubbed the “Cornbread scene.” In this tense exchange, characters like Smoke, Annie, and others engage in a confrontation that hints at deeper mysteries: who’s alive, who might not be, and what hidden secrets bind them. The scene crackled with humor, conflict, and a foreboding sense of dread, leaving us clamoring for more.
Ryan Coogler: A Visionary’s Insights
Juju Green’s in-depth conversation with Ryan Coogler offered shared a wealth of insights:
- A Family Affair
Coogler drew inspiration from his Southern roots and the memories of his late uncle. Those personal ties make Sinners his most intimate film yet, reflecting the generational themes he has famously explored (as in his Black Panther films). - Michael B. Jordan’s Dual Role
This marks Coogler and Jordan’s fifth collaboration, and Coogler praised Jordan’s dedication and artistic growth. Portraying identical twins was no small feat; Coogler even hired twin consultants (filmmakers Noah and Logan Miller) to capture authenticity. - Horror as a Canvas
A lifelong horror fan, Coogler relishes the genre’s capacity to probe deep-seated fears. He describes Sinners as “genre-fluid,” melding thriller, supernatural, and drama, all grounded by a strong emotional core. It’s not just horror; it’s Southern Gothic. - IMAX Immersion
Determined to immerse viewers in Sinners, Coogler filmed with IMAX cameras and ultra-widescreen Ultra Panavision, even consulting Christopher Nolan for advice on shooting in that format. Expect jaw-dropping visuals and sound design that will envelop you in each scene. - Music as a Character
Composer Ludwig Göransson returns, creating what Coogler calls a uniquely blues-infused score. Göransson’s father, a guitar teacher, joined the team in Mississippi, performing on B.B. King’s stage—a nod to the film’s deep reverence for blues history. - A Stellar Ensemble
Alongside Michael B. Jordan, the cast includes Haley Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo, newcomer Miles Caton, and more. Coogler emphasized the tangible chemistry and dedication from the entire ensemble, all tasked with bringing the original Sinners characters to life.
Our Moment in the Spotlight
During the global Q&A, Juju “Straw Hat Goofy” Green fielded questions from media outlets around the world—and that’s when our own query was brought to Ryan Coogler! We were eager to hear how he balances the emotional core of his storytelling with the broader narrative demands of filmmaking, especially given his track record of projects like Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther. Coogler’s response revealed the importance of trusted collaborators—particularly his wife, Zinzi—and longtime creative partners like Michael B. Jordan in keeping him anchored to the film’s heartbeat. That “family” dynamic, he explained, permeated the entire production, though he joked that Sinners is certainly “not for kids” despite feeling like a family affair behind the scenes.
(START)
Juju: Fruitvale Station, Creed, Black Panther, and now Sinners—you have a poetic ability to speak truths. How do you balance heart and story? Are they one and the same, or do you see them as separate?
Ryan Coogler: I think they go hand in hand. You do have to be aware of both. I’m blessed that I got to write and direct this one. I worked with my wife, Zinzi, who produced and knows me really well, so our own personal stories are in this. … Working with people who know me let me split my focus … in any tone that wasn’t fully developed, I had people around me to keep me on track.
Juju: You talked about trust, especially with Michael B. Jordan. You’ve worked together before—it helps.
Ryan Coogler: This was a family movie, man. Big time.
Juju: Like, don’t take your kids to see…
Ryan Coogler: Nah, nah, definitely not for kids! But it’s a family movie in how it was made.
(END)
It was a once-in-a-lifetime thrill to see Coogler address our query directly. His answer offered a unique window into how he intertwines heart and story—revealing that, sometimes, the best way to keep a film’s emotional core intact is to rely on the people who know you best.
A Love Letter to Cinema
For Coogler, Sinners is more than a film; it’s a love letter to experiencing movies on the big screen. Every frame, every musical note, and every jump scare is crafted to be savored in a darkened theater alongside other moviegoers.
Mark Your Calendars: The Horror Event of the Year
With its supernatural twists, blues-influenced melodies, and deeply personal underpinnings, Sinners is poised to leave an indelible mark on the horror genre. If our early look is any indication, it’s a film that demands to be seen—and heard—on the biggest screen possible.
- Release Dates:
- April 16th (International)
- April 18th (Domestic)
We’ll be back soon with deeper insights and our full reaction. Until then, rest assured: if you’re craving a film that blends scares, soul, and spectacle, Sinners is one you won’t want to miss.
Stay tuned, and get ready to enter the haunting, blues-soaked world of Ryan Coogler’s Sinners.