Director Ryan Coogler has officially shut down a sequel to Sinners, the latest blockbuster starring Michael B. Jordan. Moreover, the director claims he always meant the film, which began with a gigantic box office opening, to be a one-off effort.
Ryan Coogler Wanted to Move Away from Franchise Films
In an earlier interview with Ebony, reposted on April 15 just days before Sinners opened in theaters, Ryan Coogler explained that he never wanted to turn the film into a franchise.
“I’d been in a zone of creating franchise movies for a while, so I just wanted to get out of that,” Coogler explained. “I was excited to work on a movie that was original and personal to me, and had a hunger for providing something to audiences that was original and new.”
Additionally, the Creed and Black Panther filmmaker added that he wanted to provide a holistic cinematic experience.
“I wanted it to be a whole meal: your appetizers, starters, entrees, and desserts, I wanted all of that there,” he said. “I wanted it to be a done and finished thing. That was how I was questioned all about it. That was always my intention.”
Sinners Score Big at the Box Office
Sinners opened on April 18, and although it was an R-rated horror movie, it broke all expectations. It earned $48 million in the US and $63 million worldwide on its opening weekend. It also broke the record as the second-largest Monday for an R-rated horror film, earning $7.8 million, just behind 2017’s It, which made $8.76 million.
Coogler Grateful for Fans’ Support
Following the film’s success, Coogler posted a heartfelt thank-you message on social media.
“Eternal thanks. My heart overflows with it. I wish to thank every single one of you who purchased a ticket to view Sinners,” he posted. “Who chose to drive into view the film in various formats. Who purchased popcorn and a soda, arranged for a sitter and carpooled, lingered in the lobby afterwards, and conversed and made a new friend. Who adjusted work schedules? Who viewed the film en masse?”
“I had the privilege of the chance to make a movie based on my family and my heritage, but it was always a movie that we were determined to make for people, in the cinema,” he added. “We always had you, the audience, in mind and had a deep sense of responsibility to entertain you, and to move you in a way that only film can.”
