Ryan Coogler Shares the Chilling Origins of 'Sinners' Twins

Ryan Coogler, the creative force behind the horror flick 'Sinners', has finally shed light on why he chose to centre the story around a pair of twins. The film, which has been making waves in the awards circuit, features Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as Smoke and Stack Moore. The twins return to their hometown of Clarksdale, only to be confronted by a terrifying vampire threat.

Coogler revealed that the decision to focus on twins wasn’t just a narrative gimmick.

‘Having twins was a deliberate hook for the story,’

he explained, drawing from his own family’s connection to twins and a personal unease with the idea of doppelgängers. He spoke about this on the podcast ‘Good Hang with Amy Poehler’, delving into the unsettling feeling of having someone out there who looks just like you. The psychological tension of that scenario, he reckoned, was ripe for a horror story.

Twins, Terrors, and Personal Fears

For Coogler, the fascination with twins goes beyond simple storytelling. He’s got twins in his own family, which made the subject close to home. But it’s his fear of doppelgängers that really fuelled the film’s eerie atmosphere. The idea of a double lurking nearby, he said, is something that’s always given him the creeps. That fear became the backbone of the film’s suspense, as the twins in 'Sinners' are forced to confront not just external monsters, but the unsettling reality of their own mirrored existence.

Michael B. Jordan’s performance as both Smoke and Stack has been widely praised, with punters and critics alike noting the subtle differences he brings to each character. The dynamic between the two brothers adds a layer of psychological depth, making the horror all the more intense.

Award Season Standout

'Sinners' has been racking up accolades since its release in 2025. The film scored thirteen nominations at the Critics Choice Awards, walking away with four wins. At the Golden Globes, it picked up seven nods and took home two trophies: Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, and Best Original Score. Some fans were a bit let down by the categories it won, but the film’s momentum hasn’t slowed, and it’s still a hot favourite for the 2026 Oscars, especially in the music department.

The competition this year is fierce, with Paul Thomas Anderson’s 'One Battle After Another' and Timothée Chalamet’s turn in 'Marty Supreme' also drawing heaps of attention. Still, 'Sinners' stands out for its unique premise and the way it blends psychological horror with family drama.

Music and Collaboration

One of the film’s strongest elements is its soundtrack, crafted by Oscar-winner Ludwig Göransson. Coogler and Göransson started working together early in the process, making sure the music would be an integral part of the film’s mood. The result is a score that’s both haunting and memorable, helping to cement 'Sinners' as a modern classic in the genre.

With its twin-centred storyline, personal inspiration, and critical success, 'Sinners' has carved out a spot as one of the most talked-about horror films in recent years. Coogler’s willingness to draw from his own fears and experiences has given the film a unique edge, resonating with audiences and critics alike.