TSPDT

Key Production Country: USA
Key Genres: Drama, Action-Adventure, Superhero Film, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Tragedy
Key Collaborators: Michael B. Jordan (Leading Actor), Michael P. Shawver (Editor), Ludwig Göransson (Composer), Hannah Beachler (Production Designer), Lupita Nyong'o (Leading Actress), Danai Gurira (Leading Actress), Joe Robert Cole (Screenwriter), Kevin Feige (Producer), Autumn Durald Arkapaw (Cinematographer), Rachel Morrison (Cinematographer), Claudia Castello (Editor), Letitia Wright (Leading Character Actress)

"Oakland-born director Ryan Coogler is always conscious of his roots. With a filmography in which each work threads the needle between franchise legacy and personal struggle, his characters are usually in some kind of communion between the past, or with a previous generation (or both). One of the most touching moments of 2015’s Creed sees Coogler employ editing to convey the spirit of the main character’s father reaching him for a brief moment. 2018’s Black Panther takes things a step further and features a tangible realm for the protagonist’s deceased ancestors. His new film, Sinners – technically a vampire movie, but one that chafes against simple categorisation – is a sort of communication with his own family, via its Mississippi setting." - Kambole Campbell (Little White Lies, 2025)

"His movies are deep and soulful but also crowd-pleasing and spectacular. It’s a rarity in today’s movie landscape, and Coogler comes across as a sincere and thoughtful artist." - Steve Rose (The Guardian, 2025)

"Since his directorial debut Fruitvale Station premiered in 2013, Ryan Coogler has been on a filmmaking journey. With five films under his belt, Coogler has showcased remarkable craftsmanship and storytelling on a scale that runs the gamut. Beginning with a character-driven drama based on a real-life tragedy, to transitioning into big studio filmmaking by expanding the canon and cinematic legacy of one of our most-celebrated film franchises, to bringing us one of the most culturally significant blockbusters of the century, to helming its sequel amidst the worst circumstances possible, and to now bring his original passion project with the biggest creative statement of his career, Coogler has proven himself as one of our most exciting filmmakers working today." - Noah Villaverde (Slash Film, 2025)

"Much like Steven Spielberg, no matter what genre he’s working in — whether he’s making a sports movie or a superhero movie or a gangster movie that turns into a supernatural horror movie — Coogler is always the same master visual storyteller exploring human characters and universal emotions. Coogler and his go-to leading man Michael B. Jordan have produced five stellar movies so far, ranging from the eye-popping spectacle of the Black Panther movies to the harrowing true story of Fruitvale Station. From the beginning of Fruitvale Station to the end of Sinners, Coogler has made his mark as a true visionary." - Ben Sherlock (Screen Rant, 2025)

"Ryan Coogler has only made five feature-length films so far in his career, yet the writer and director has already amassed a truly impressive filmography. After a series of shorts that teased his great talents, Coogler made his debut film, Fruitvale Station, in 2013, which also helped catapult his frequent collaborator Michael B. Jordan to stardom. Since his debut, Coogler has brought new life to the Rocky franchise with 2015’s Creed, and made two of the most successful superhero films ever made with 2018’s Black Panther and 2023's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." - Ross Bonaime (Collider, 2025)

"It is a collaborative medium for a reason. As long as the people understand my intention, vision, and reason for doing something, they can open up and bring their full selves to the project. That’s what it’s about: I want everybody involved to bring their full selves to work, reach back to their traditions, and think about their ancestors and loved ones who passed." - Ryan Coogler (Roger Ebert.com, 2025)