Ryan Coogler Reveals Smoke and Stack’s Backstory for Excellent SINNERS Lore

Let me tell you, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners is the real deal – a truly stunning film that I predict will be talked about and enjoyed for years to come. Coogler himself says there are no current plans for any follow-ups, but fans are already clamoring for more, especially when it comes to the fascinating characters of Smoke and Stack, both brilliantly portrayed by Michael B. Jordan. What is their story? Luckily, Coogler recently shared some background on the pair in an interview with Proximity Media, giving us a really compelling piece of the Sinners universe to chew on.

The film shows the brothers living a thrilling, risky, and profitable life in Chicago for seven years. After that, they returned home wanting to create a safe and welcoming hangout spot for Black people. While we knew they were World War I veterans, director Ryan Coogler shares more of their history. According to Coogler, the brothers killed their father and sought refuge with Mary’s mother before heading to New York and enlisting in the military. They fought in France, briefly returned home, and that’s when Stack and Mary’s relationship began, as Mary was older.

It makes sense that they killed their father, given how strongly they react to any perceived threat. Director Coogler also revealed that Smoke and Annie became a couple when they returned home. Stack and Mary headed to Little Rock, but after Annie experienced a miscarriage, both brothers abandoned their partners and moved to Chicago. This explains a lot of the resentment Mary feels towards Stack, beyond just him missing their mother’s funeral. And Annie was understandably hurt by Smoke leaving her during a difficult time.

Mr. Coogler, I appreciate you making this film independent, and I’m hoping you’ll consider expanding the story somehow. Perhaps a graphic novel focusing on Smoke and Stack’s experiences in Chicago, or on the group of native vampire hunters? A beautiful book with the script and background information about the film would also be fantastic. I believe fans would eagerly buy it.

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2026-01-30 18:33