Pop Culture

Ryan Coogler Says 'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish' Was a Huge Influence on 'Sinners'

Coogler said the Death character in the 'Shrek' spin-off inspired the vampires in his film.

A man with glasses and braided hair stands in front of a backdrop with logos, wearing a dark ribbed sweater.
(Photo by Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images)

Ryan Coogler got inspiration for his new film Sinners from an unlikely source.

In a conversation with Get REC'D'with Straw Hat Goof on YouTube, Coogler admitted that Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and in particular the film's villain, Death, helped him create the vampires in his new movie.

"So I talk about influences in this movie [...] That's a massive one I love," he about the Shrek spin-off. "Think about the villain Death, think about his defining features [the eyes], think about his demeanor.”

Coogler added that the influence was amplified by one of the artists on his team, Louis Gonzales, who was employed by Pixar for nearly 20 years and worked on several films like The Iron Giant, and both Black Panther movies.

Sinners is set to arrive in theaters on April 18 and stars Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell, and more. The film follows twin brothers, played by Jordan, who find their home overrun by a deadly force.

Coogler recently went viral for a video in which he breaks down different film formats while advising audiences how to watch his new movie.

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