Spike Lee Calls Ryan Coogler’s Film ‘Sinners’ Starring Michael B. Jordan: ‘Black Cinematic Power’

From Ryan Coogler, the acclaimed director of Black Panther and Creed, comes Sinners, a gripping thriller poised to redefine the horror genre. Starring Michael B. Jordan in a dual role, the film delves into the dark repercussions of facing one’s past, revealing a sinister force that waits in the shadows, ready to strike.

The story follows twin brothers, played by Jordan, who return to their hometown in an attempt to escape their troubled lives. However, an ominous line in the film warns, “You keep dancing with the devil, one day he’s gonna follow you home.”

Iconic director Spike Lee recently shared his excitement after watching the film, praising Coogler’s artistic vision.

“I just had the greatest experience of watching a film in years,” Lee said. “My brother Ryan Coogler invited me to experience his new film Sinners (in IMAX). His magnificent artistry as a storyteller iz on A Annudder’ level. And y’know, brother Michael B. Jordan did his ‘THANG, THANG’—Da performances, cinematography, production design, costume design, original score, songs, and visual effects are DOPE. What else ya want?”

Written and directed by Academy Award-nominated Coogler, “Sinners” stars Jordan, 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”).

Lee went on to describe the electrifying experience of sitting beside Coogler and his wife, producer Zinzi Coogler, during the screening, comparing it to being courtside at Madison Square Garden. He added, “I haven’t felt this way in a movie theatre in a minute. Last thing I told my brother Ryan, ‘He really, 100, tapped into our ancestors on this joint.’ And dat’s the Black cinematic power, truth, ruth. Ya-dig? SHO-NUFF.”

The film also reunites Coogler with several key collaborators from the Black Panther franchise, including 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.

Produced by Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian and Ryan Coogler, and with executive producers Göransson, Will Greenfield and Rebecca Cho, Sinners is set to become a haunting and thrilling cinematic experience.

The film will be released by Warner Bros. Pictures, hitting theaters nationwide on April 18, 2025, with international releases beginning on April 16, 2025.