*
Hailee Steinfeld
steps into a part that resonates personally
Ryan Coogler’s
upcoming horror film “
Sinners
,\” scheduled for release on April 18.
Playing Mary alongside
Michael B. Jordan’s
In the roles of twin characters, Smoke and Stack, Steinfeld takes on a multiracial persona that mirrors her personal background, representing an unprecedented moment in her professional journey. By incorporating a half-Black grandfather into her character, the actress—whose lineage includes both Black American and Filipino ties through her mother—seizes a unique opportunity to authentically represent herself on-screen.
In an interview with
Blavity’s Shadow and Act
Steinfeld delved into the personal impact of the role, stating, \”It raised many questions for me.\” She went on to explain that the research involved turned into an extensive exploration of her own ancestry.
\”The research became about my family and uncovering our history. What should have been the most enjoyable aspect of the work didn\’t quite fit into what I expected from the job description. Instead, it turned out to be incredibly rewarding discussions—conversations that make me think how much better it would have been if they started earlier, yet I\’m immensely thankful that we\’re having them now,\” she said additionally.
The movie, which takes place in the racially divided American South during the 1930s, combines historical strife with eerie thrills when twin siblings encounter an evil entity after coming back to their hometown. Below is the official \”Sinners\” description:
Seeking refuge from their tumultuous pasts, identical twins revisit their birthplace intending to reboot their lives, but they find themselves confronting an even more sinister threat awaiting to greet them home.
For Steinfeld, “
Sinners”
provoked thoughts about her grandfather’s journey.
“After seeing the movie last night with just some family, it’s like the conversations about this movie are so important, but it brought me so much closer to my mom and to my grandfather,” she said. “[With this role], my imagination ran wild with thoughts of what his life might’ve looked like growing up, what his parents’ life might’ve looked like. I’m just so honored to be a part of this story.”
Coogler, reteaming with Jordan after “
Creed”
and “
Black Panther
\”weaves a story that is both exhilarating and profound.\” Steinfeld refers to it as an honor to be part of a venture that’s \”wild, and exciting, and fun,\” but also intensely personal.
The actress said the project felt like a voyage of self-exploration she \”hadn\’t realized I desperately required.\”
Meanwhile, during a Zoom video call with members of the media earlier this year, Coogler shared insights into the creative process behind his upcoming horror film. He discussed the inspirations that shaped the movie, the historical and supernatural elements woven into its narrative, and the unique dynamic he shares with Jordan. The filmmaker revealed that “Sinners” is a deeply personal project, shaped by his own life experiences and the cultural history he grew up with, creating a story that feels both intimate and resonant.
“It’s very personal. My maternal grandfather is from Mississippi, and my Uncle James, who passed away while I was finishing up
Creed
, also hailing from Mississippi, which was a place I hadn’t visited yet. My maternal grandfather had passed away before I came into the world. We were raised in a home that he constructed in Oakland after relocating to California, and fortunately, I maintained a strong bond with my Uncle James. This film revolves around… The inspiration for it began with my connection to my uncle,\” clarified Coogler.
\”He listened to blues music constantly. Whenever he heard those tunes, he couldn’t stop talking about Mississippi, which significantly influenced me. This movie gave me an opportunity to explore my roots, and it has been incredibly fulfilling,\” he went on to say.
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Hailee Steinfeld Reflects on Black Family Roots in ‘Sinners’ Role
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