Renowned Hollywood director Ryan Coogler has shared a behind-the-scenes look at the immense challenges faced during the production of his upcoming 2025 vampire blockbuster, 'Sinners'. The film, starring Michael B. Jordan in a dual role, pushed the filmmaker to his limits during a particularly complex driving sequence.
The Scene That Almost Broke the Director
During a recent appearance on Entertainment Weekly's Awardist podcast, the 39-year-old director, famous for 'Black Panther', recounted a specific moment that tested the entire crew. He described a scene where the characters, played by Jordan and his double Percy Bell, had to drive a car into bushes with perfect timing. Coogler admitted he "almost lost (his) mind" trying to execute this shot.
"Pulling off that shot was crazy," Coogler explained. The difficulty lay in the need for a repeated pass of the car driving up, landing, and the actors exiting the vehicle with precise synchronization before interacting with the bush. Every element, from the driving to the movement, had to be flawlessly timed across multiple takes.
The Precision of Twin Performances
The complexity was compounded by the nature of Jordan's roles. In 'Sinners', he portrays twin gangster brothers named Smoke and Stack, who each have distinct physical mannerisms. Coogler emphasized that each brother's unique way of moving had to be meticulously recreated in every single take. The timing of their entry into the bushes was especially critical to maintain the illusion of two separate characters.
Michael B. Jordan, 38, elaborated on the intricate process. He revealed that he had to work closely with his twin double, Percy Bell, directing him on the exact performance he would give. This was essential so Jordan could have a genuine performance to react against when filming his counterpart's scenes. "Whichever brother began the sequence would set the rules of blocking and coverage for the scene because we couldn't exist in the same space," Jordan noted, calling it a discovery made in real time.
About the Film 'Sinners'
Set in 1932 Mississippi, 'Sinners' follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack as they return to their hometown to open a Black-owned juke joint, aiming to leave crime behind. Their plans are shattered when a charismatic vampire, played by Jack O'Connell, unleashes a supernatural nightmare. The twins, along with their musician cousin Sammie (Miles Caton) and their community, must fight for survival and freedom.
The film also features a stellar cast including Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, Delroy Lindo, Jayme Lawson, and Omar Benson Miller. Jordan has expressed his belief that his performance as Smoke is worthy of an Oscar nomination. Despite the filming hurdles, Coogler confidently stated that the challenging sequence ultimately "looks good" in the final cut of the movie.
