'Sinners' Ryan Coogler Says He and Michael B. Jordan Are Like MJ and Scottie Pippen

As the weeks roll on, the Ryan Coogler-directed film Sinners continues to impress at the box office. After an impressive first three weeks following its release on April 17, 2025, the movie cleared $200 million at the domestic box office on Friday, according to World of Reel.

Equally as impressive, during its fourth week in theatres, Sinners checks in with a projection between $26 and $28 million, as the same report cites. That number could rival Thunderbolts* for the top spot this week, which World of Reel currently projects for $30 million in its second weekend.

Regardless of where Sinners finishes the week, the popular film that boasts a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes is primed to continue its stellar stretch.

Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan attend the European Premiere of "Sinners" at Cineworld Leicester Square.

Dave Benett/WireImage

As the film starring Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, Miles Caton and the rest of the impressive cast makes its case as one of the best movies of 2025, Coogler had high praise for Jordan, who plays the role of both Smoke and Stack in the film.

While speaking on the Ball is Life podcast, Coogler compared himself and Jordan to the former Chicago Bulls iconic duo of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, as Discussing Film detailed.

“We're like Mike [Jordan] and [Scottie] Pippen...We just kinda know what the other one needs...we've got a rhythm," Coogler said of Jordan. "...We've become friends and a part of each other's lives, and we know what's important outside of filmmaking."

Coogler's use of the comparison to explain how well he and Jordan connect is not at all surprising, especially considering the duo's success even beyond Sinners. Coogler has directed several films that feature Jordan, including multiple in which he plays the lead role, such as Fruitvale Station (2013) and Creed (2015).

The duo also worked together on Black Panther (2018) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), while Coogler was an executive producer on Creed II (2018) and a producer on Creed III (2023).

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