In a recent Variety Awards Circuit Podcast interview, Michael B. Jordan discussed the challenges of starring in Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners,' a supernatural drama set in 1930s Jim Crow-era Mississippi where he plays twin brothers. He described the role as the second hardest project of his career and shared updates on directing a reimagined 'The Thomas Crown Affair' and the future of the 'Creed' franchise. Jordan emphasized his collaboration with Coogler and the film's personal significance.
Project Overview
'Sinners' marks another collaboration between Jordan and director Ryan Coogler, following films like 'Fruitvale Station,' 'Black Panther,' and the 'Creed' series. Set in 1930s Mississippi, the story follows twin brothers navigating survival, ambition, and supernatural elements amid Jim Crow oppression. Jordan plays fully developed adult characters, a departure from coming-of-age roles, highlighting their distinct identities without transformation arcs.
The script drew from Coogler's personal ties to blues music and his Uncle James, allowing the director to pursue a passion project after years of franchise work. Jordan noted the emotional depth: "The script was a fast, emotional read—laugh, cry, get upset, inspired." Filming in Louisiana demanded a Southern dialect, period authenticity, and fantastical aspects, pushing Jordan to explore his limits. He called it "the second hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life," especially after directing 'Creed III,' where Coogler urged him to focus solely on performance: "Turn off the producer side, turn off the director side."
Cast and Production Insights
The ensemble included debutante Miles Caton, who learned guitar for his role after touring with H.E.R., earning Jordan's praise: "There’s no way you can sit there and tell me this is his first movie." Veterans like Delroy Lindo, Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, Lily Collias, Jamie Foxx, and Jack O'Connell fostered a family-like set environment, a hallmark of Coogler's productions. Jordan stressed elevating the team: "I want everybody who took the time away from their family to... get all the love and the respect."
He advocated for Coogler, describing his collaborator's empathy and specificity as "food for the soul." The film aims to advance Black cinema and horror representation at awards, with Jordan candid about industry oversight of such works.
Upcoming Ventures
Jordan recently wrapped directing a reimagined 'The Thomas Crown Affair' in London, calling it another demanding endeavor involving writing, producing, and acting. Influenced by the 1968 Steve McQueen and 1999 Pierce Brosnan versions, his take raises personal stakes beyond heists by "rich white guys stealing for fun." The cast features Adria Arjona, Kenneth Branagh, Pilou Asbæk, and Danai Gurira, with costume designer Ruth E. Carter.
For 'Creed IV,' Jordan confirmed its development but plans to evolve the franchise beyond his boxing: "Do I want to be in the ring boxing for the next 15 years? Not so much." A spin-off TV series on Amazon focusing on Adonis Creed's daughter Amara will expand the universe. He also mentioned 'Miami Vice' among future projects.
In reflections, Jordan named 'Malcolm X' as Denzel Washington's overlooked masterpiece, cited 'Waiting to Exhale' as a favorite, and expressed interest in working with Leonardo DiCaprio, Sidney Poitier, or Dorothy Dandridge.