Michael B. Jordan on how Sinners reframed his connection to family

Michael B. Jordan is a proven Hollywood juggernaut, from boxing in Creed to stepping into the Marvel universe as a hero and villain, he has consistently delivered performances that leave a mark. But his last project, Sinners, demanded a different kind of skill.

In Ryan Coogler’s film, Jordan plays twin brothers, Stack and Smoke, running a backwoods honkytonk in the segregated South, facing history and unexpected horror.

The challenge of playing two characters at once brought a mix of nerves and excitement. Jordan leaned into his family roots for inspiration, recalling relatives from Hope, Arkansas, and their life in a segregated Los Angeles neighborhood.

Visiting the First Baptist Church of Venice, a relic of his family’s community, reminded him of the weight of history and the refuge that churches offered Black families.

Michael B. Jordan on Heritage and Growth

Jordan’s own upbringing shaped him for such roles. His father is a U.S. Marine veteran, his mother a former high school counselor. He started as a child model, then a child actor, landing roles in The Wire and Friday Night Lights while still in high school. Skipping college to pursue acting full-time was a turning point, and Jordan says there was no turning back.

Breakout success came with Fruitvale Station, and later, Creed pushed him physically and mentally, a discipline he still maintains. Playing Erik Killmonger in Black Panther was another transformative experience, one that required therapy to decompress from the character’s intensity. Jordan now sees that process as part of self-discovery and emotional growth.

Family remains central. Even after he could afford his own place, he stayed with his parents, eventually buying them a house while enjoying the quirks of living under the same roof. That bond continues to influence his work and perspective.

With Sinners, Michael B. Jordan is poised for Oscar attention, proving that his range extends beyond physical prowess. The film connects him to history, family, and horror, all while highlighting his ability to carry multiple roles at once. Jordan acknowledges he is still building his legacy but says he’s walking in the promise of his own name, Bakari, meaning “noble promise.”

For Jordan, Sinners is more than a film; it’s a journey into identity, heritage, and craft, and he’s just getting started.