The article contains spoilers for Sinners ending.
Sinnersdirector Ryan Coogler explains why a sequel is unlikely to happen for the horror movie. Following a stint in franchise projects likeBlack PantherandCreed, Coogler ventured into his original story that merged the love letter of the blues with the horrors of vampires. WiththeSinnerscastled by frequent collaborator, Michael B. Jordan, the story follows twins, Smoke and Stack, who open their juke joint in Mississippi, but a group of vampires turns their night into terror.The movie ends with a bloodbathbut also opens the door for potential continuation for a few characters.
While speaking withEbony, Coogler was asked about whether he considered a potential sequel. Althoughit was an idea that he never thought about,the director elaborated on how he wanted to work on something original after having done many franchise projects. He then explained that his intention forSinnerswas to “feel like a full meal” and would be a “finished thing.” Read his full quote below: .
I never think about that.
I’ve been in a space of making franchise films for a bit, so I wanted to get away from that. I was looking forward to working on a film that felt original and personal to me and had an appetite for delivering something to audiences that was original and unique.
I wanted the movie to feel like a full meal: your appetizers, starters, entrees and desserts, I wanted all of it there. I wanted it to be a holistic and finished thing. That was how I was asked all about it. That was always my intention.
What Coogler’s Comment Means For Sinners' Future
There Are Ways To Turn It Into A Franchise, But It’s Based On Some Factors
The ending ofSinnerssolidifies the fates of several characters, which could corroborate with Coogler’s comments. Smoke passes away after his battle with the Klan, while Sammy drives off with his guitar and becomes a popular blues musician. The movie’s mid-credits scene also reveals that Stack and Mary survived after leaving the group of vampires, and they eventually visit Sammy in 1992 in a conversation addressing the events. As a result, it seems thatSinnersmay remain as a singular movie, especially if Coogler turns his attention to other projects, which includeBlack Panther 3.
Despite many arcs being resolved, there is a way to continue the story. For instance, since Mary and Stack remained together all these decades, it’s possible that a sequel could address their whereabouts during that time and whether they attempted to turn others. In addition,Jordan previously spoke about an interest in doing a prequelthat would follow the twins' ventures in Chicago. Still, the decision would ultimately come down to Coogler since he has full rights to the movie.
Although there are ways to expand the story,Sinnersconcludes most of the main plot points, and it may just be better to leave it as a one-off to avoid soiling the quality.
Even then, the chances of a franchise would come down to the box office, with thehorror movie expected to make $40 million on its opening weekend. Although that seems like a promising debut, the budget is roughly around $90-100 million. That will become a huge challenge for Warner Bros. to recoup, especially with more blockbuster releases along the way. Thus, this may sour the chances of expandingSinnersinto a franchise.
Our Take On Whether Sinners Could Become A Franchise
It May Just Be Best As A One-Off
It’s understandable why many viewers are curious about a potentialSinnerssequel and an expansion into a franchise, considering how incredibly well the story is told. With the film gaining praise from both critics and audiences, it seems that Coogler may have another big win under his belt, even if the box office becomes the biggest obstacle. However, the movie being a near masterpiece could be why a franchise may not be the wisest decision. Although there are ways to expand the story,Sinnersconcludes most of the main plot points, and it may just be better to leave it as a one-off to avoid soiling the quality.
