Ryan Coogler’s Sinister Horror Influences Will Shock You

Ryan Coogler’s upcoming film Sinners, set for release on April 18, 2025, explores the themes of vampirism through the lens of American blues music. Coogler highlights that his influences for the film extend beyond cinema, drawing inspiration from Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot and classics like Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. The narrative centers on twin brothers in the 1920s who face a lurking evil in their Mississippi hometown. Coogler also emphasizes the personal significance of the film, rooted in his family's history and his uncle's passion for blues music, which Connets to the theme of choice and seduction associated with vampires. Ludwig Göransson, Coogler’s frequent collaborator, will create the score, enriching the film's connection to its musical foundations.

The main inspirations for Sinners are Stephen King’s novel Salem’s Lot, classic films by the Coen Brothers and John Carpenter, as well as the storytelling style of Rod Serling from The Twilight Zone. Additionally, Coogler draws heavily from his own family history and the cultural significance of blues music.

Sinners marks Ryan Coogler's first venture into the horror genre after his success in superhero films like Black Panther. This project further solidifies his artistic range and creative storytelling, blending personal heritage and genre influences to create a compelling narrative that touches on darker themes than his previous works.