Ryan Coogler’s action-horror blockbuster, Sinners, has garnered lots of praise from big Hollywood names since its release, including legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg. Coogler’s new film has stood out from the many other IP-based films that have dominated cinemas in 2025, featuring an original story about bloodthirsty vampires attacking a juke joint set up by two gangsters in 1930s Mississippi.
When approached by Variety at the unveiling of The Steven Spielberg Theater in Los Angeles, Spielberg had nothing but good things to say about Sinners. He expressed his faith that films like Ryan Coogler’s Sinners gave him faith that stories similarly based on original ideas could continue to succeed at the box office.
Spielberg also implied that he hopes that exciting young filmmakers like Coogler will come to watch edits of their movies in his new theater. Check out his comments below:
Sinners is a deeply personal film. It’s also a huge crowd pleaser and so deeply thought through. So many relevant moral points. I look forward to anything [Coogler] does.
What Steven Spielberg’s Comments Mean For Sinners And Ryan Coogler
Spielberg’s Review Hints At A Bright Future For Sinners And Coogler
When a filmmaker receives praise from a master like Spielberg for their work, they know they have done something right. With all the praise that Sinners has received from audiences, Spielberg’s glowing review has further cemented the film’s status as a modern masterpiece. It has also continued to present Coogler as one of Hollywood’s most creative and exceptional young directors.
Coogler became a household name directing IP-based films like Creed and Black Panther, but Sinners was a deep and unique story that the director created himself. Sinners‘ success proves that Coogler can be a successful filmmaker by presenting stories that are his own. This could open the door for studios and producers to support Coogler in creating more original films.
Our Take On Steven Spielberg’s Comments On Sinners And Ryan Coogler
Spielberg Highlights What Makes Sinners And Coogler So Unique
Spielberg is correct when saying that Sinners is a “deeply personal” film, as Coogler stated that he was inspired by his Uncle James to create the story (via IndieWire). Likewise, Coogler clearly put his heart and soul into making Sinners.
The film brims with a pᴀssion for artistic filmmaking and a desire to honor Black culture and history. The latter is particularly evident in how the film portrays blues music and juke joints as a means of bringing relief and freedom to Black individuals in America.
Also, despite being set in Jim Crow-era Mississippi, the film does explore relevant topics such as white supremacy and racial persecution in America. While the film addresses serious social issues, it effectively balances them with thrilling musical and action scenes, resulting in the kind of insightful, well-rounded blockbuster that Spielberg has made numerous times in his decades-long career.
Having won over audiences with films that have both original and well-established stories, Coogler has displayed his versatility as a big-budget filmmaker.
Spielberg’s comments on Sinners have made Coogler’s future in the film industry even more promising. Having won over audiences with films that have both original and well-established stories, Coogler has displayed his versatility as a big-budget filmmaker. Now that he has achieved recognition from artists like Spielberg, Coogler has clearly taken his place among the next generation of cinema’s best storytellers.
Source: Variety, IndieWire
