MOVIES
Is ‘Sinners’ Based On A True Story?
Is Sinners a true story? That’s the question buzzing among moviegoers after Ryan Coogler’s new horror film shattered expectations with a $48 million opening weekend. The film, starring Michael B. Jordan, dives into a haunting 1930s Mississippi setting filled with juke joints, racism—and vampires.
But beyond the box office success and star-studded cast, fans are asking: Is Sinners based on a true story?
Sinners is set in 1930s Mississippi and follows gangster twins Smoke and Stack, both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan, who return to their hometown after making a name for themselves in Chicago. The brothers open a juke joint to provide a safe haven for Black residents facing daily racism and violence in the Jim Crow South. However, their dream is soon shattered when a sinister group of vampires descends on the town of Clarksdale, threatening to consume its people and culture.
The film also stars Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, Delroy Lindo, and newcomer Miles Caton as Sammie Moore, a character steeped in musical history.
Is Sinners Based on Real Events?
While Sinners is not based on a true story, it draws heavily from real historical themes and personal family experiences, giving it an authentic emotional core.
Director Ryan Coogler, best known for Black Panther and Creed, revealed in an interview with IndieWire that the story was inspired by his late Uncle James, who grew up in Mississippi. After his uncle’s passing, Coogler found solace in blues music—his uncle’s favorite genre—and began imagining the people and stories behind the songs.
“It all started with the fact that I would listen to that blues music to think about my uncle,” Coogler shared. “I thought, ‘Man, who was he thinking about when he was listening to it?’”
This emotional journey sparked the concept behind Sinners, blending supernatural elements with historical realities from the segregated South.
The Real History Behind Clarksdale and the Blues
Clarksdale, Mississippi, is widely recognized as the birthplace of the blues and is steeped in myth and folklore. One of the town’s most famous legends involves Robert Johnson, a real-life blues musician who is said to have sold his soul to the Devil at the crossroads in exchange for musical genius—a tale famously explored in documentaries like ReMastered: Devil at the Crossroads and the cult classic film Crossroads.
In Sinners, the character Sammie Moore appears to be loosely based on Johnson. Coogler cast legendary guitarist Buddy Guy to portray an older version of Sammie in a powerful mid-credits scene set in 1992, where the musician is shown living out his legacy in Chicago. Buddy Guy, who was reportedly Coogler’s uncle’s favorite artist, agreed to join the film with no hesitation.
Michael B. Jordan and director Ryan Coolger, on set of ‘Sinners’ (2025). Photo: Eli Ade / © Warner Bros
Sinners marks Coogler’s first original film following two blockbuster franchises. He describes the film as a “heart-on-the-sleeve” project, filled with references to his own family history. From stories about his grandmother’s first date to memories of his uncle’s youth, Coogler sought to honor the “trans-generational” experiences of Black Americans in the South.
“It made me realize the youthful nature of these people, their virility and vitality,” Coogler said, emphasizing the importance of portraying his ancestors as vibrant and full of life—not just victims of history.
Why Sinners Is a Must-See
With its unique blend of historical context, horror fantasy, and rich character development, Sinners stands out as one of the most compelling new films of 2025. Ryan Coogler proves yet again that he is a master storyteller, capable of balancing entertainment with emotional depth and social commentary.
Whether you’re a fan of supernatural thrillers, Southern folklore, or powerful cinema that resonates across generations, Sinners is a movie you don’t want to miss.