sci-fi films inspired by timeless short narratives, or even a Matt Damon romantic sci-fi film adapted from a Philip K. Dick tale, demonstrates that the film sector is adept at exploring every possible concept. For director Ryan Coogler, the muse for his 2025 Southern-Gothic horror film “Sinners” originated from a reference some sci-fi enthusiasts may find recognizable.
In his conversation with the media, Coogler shared an array of influential works that ignited his creative process for “Sinners,” notably an episode from Season 3 of the iconic series “The Twilight Zone” called “The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank.” It is essential to clarify that we are referring to the original 1959 series by creator and performer Rod Serling, not the 2019 Jordan Peele reboot of “The Twilight Zone.” The summary of this particular episode may sound familiar to fans of “Sinners.”
Featuring Michael B. Jordan, Jack O’Connell, and Hailee Steinfeld, “Sinners” has garnered significant attention since its U.S. premiere in April 2025. With a domestic opening of $48 million, the film has accrued nearly $368 million globally. As of this writing, it has also received 187 award nominations and secured 69 wins. This includes multiple nominations for the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, such as Best Picture, Best Director for Ryan Coogler, and Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan.
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In a discussion with SciFiNow in January 2025, director Ryan Co
