Latest news with #Ebony
Geek Tyrant
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Ryan Coogler Isn't Planning a SINNERS Sequel Anytime Soon: 'I Wanted to Get Away From That' — GeekTyrant
Despite the mid-credit scene in Sinners , and the recent reprot that a second film is in development, director Ryan Coogler currently has no plans for setting up a prequel, sequel, or cinematic universe. The critically-acclaimed vampire horror film, which is being called one of 2025's best movies, was never intended to kick off a franchise. According to Coogler, that was kind of the whole point. In a recent interview with Ebony , Coogler he was asked about sequel plans, and he said; 'I never think about that. I've been in a space of making franchise films for a bit, so I wanted to get away from that. 'I was looking forward to working on a film that felt original and personal to me and had an appetite for delivering something to audiences that was original and unique.' After spending the last several years building out major franchises like Black Panther and Creed , Coogler was ready for something different. Sinners was that reset he was looking for, a blood-soaked, emotionally raw story set during the Jim Crow era, rooted in Southern gothic horror and layered with metaphor. Coogler wanted that one film to feel like a complete experience. 'I wanted the movie to feel like a full meal: your appetizers, starters, entrees and desserts. I wanted all of it there. I wanted it to be a holistic and finished thing. That was how I was asked all about it. That was always my intention.' That said, Sinners does leave behind a world that feels bigger than what we saw onscreen. Even Coogler acknowledges that, saying: 'My favorite movies are ones where it feels like a world was happening before and a world is gonna happen after. So that's the best compliment somebody can say.' Still, if the door's closed, actor Michael B. Jordan might be looking for a crack to slip through. Jordan, who plays twin brothers Smoke and Stack in the film, said he'd be open to exploring a prequel if the opportunity came around. 'I mean, you know, I'm always… I'd be up for it. Not saying he [Coogler] wouldn't, but he calls the shots!' Set in the 1930s Deep South, Sinners follows Smoke and Stack as they return to their hometown, hoping to outrun their past. What they find instead is something older and far more terrifying… vampires. The movie blends period drama with vampire mythology in ways that feel both fresh and haunting. So for now, it looks like Sinners is a one-and-done. But when a story leaves behind this kind of impact, it doesn't need a sequel to linger. Source: Ebony
IOL News
16 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Crunch time for Beacon chocolate range as Tiger Brands hits uncertain times
Beacon chocolates face an uncertain future as Tiger Brands considers selling the brand. Image: YouTube For countless South Africans, the sight of a Beacon chocolate bar evokes feelings of nostalgia and comfort. Whether it's a casual slab snatched at the checkout or special treats like Nosh or the beloved TV Bar, these local delights have become an integral part of sharing sweet moments across generations. Yet, this emblem of South African confectionery may soon vanish from our shelves, as Tiger Brands—a towering figure in the country's food production—has revealed plans to sell its Beacon chocolate range. Founded nearly a century ago, the Beacon brand encompasses an array of popular items, from the iconic chocolate-and-marshmallow Easter eggs to the creamy slopes of Ebony and Ivory chocolates. However, current realities paint a challenging picture. CFO Thushen Govender recently shared with News24 that while no definitive decision has been made, the company is actively pursuing options to divest its chocolate category. "We will continue delivering on the strategic turnaround of the business until such time as an appropriate exit mechanism has been identified," Govender stated, leaving the future of these beloved treats hanging in the balance. CEO Tjaart Kruger further emphasised the difficulties facing the chocolate division, admitting that technological advancements had not kept pace, with the chocolate-making equipment remaining unchanged for over three decades. "The investment required to modernise the facility is now too high to justify," he explained. However, Kruger remains hopeful about the brand's potential, reiterating that 'in the hands of the right person, the Beacon chocolate brand can be a good business.' The competitive landscape presents another hurdle, as Kruger noted the challenges of competing with industry giants. "We price against Cadbury like R4 or R5 a slab cheaper and still don't get the volumes," he remarked. This disparity in scale and marketing prowess has left Beacon struggling to maintain its footprint in a market dominated by formidable competitors. While the future of Beacon chocolates remains uncertain, Tiger Brands has reassured its consumers that other cherished favourites in its sweets portfolio—such as Jelly Tots, Maynards Wine Gums, and Liquorice All Sorts—will remain unaffected by these changes. They have also confirmed that production of Beacon chocolates will continue until a suitable buyer or alternative strategy is established. The prospect of losing such a beloved brand is undoubtedly a troubling thought for loyal fans and casual consumers alike. For many, these chocolates represent more than just a snack; they are a nostalgic reminder of simpler times, family gatherings, and spontaneous treats that could turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary. As we await further announcements from Tiger Brands, our cherished Beacon chocolates might soon transition from a simple indulgence to treasured memories, leaving us all pondering the future of these iconic treats. DAILY NEWS
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Ryan Coogler addresses future of Sinners after massive box office success
Director Ryan Coogler has confirmed that he will not create a sequel to Sinners, his critically acclaimed vampire thriller that has been a box office success in 2025. Despite its popularity and financial performance, Coogler emphasized that he always intended Sinners to be a standalone film. The supernatural drama starred Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as vampire twins and was praised for its original storytelling and genre-bending direction. It became the only original title to break into the top 10 highest-grossing films of the year, solidifying its impact without needing franchise backing. In a recent interview with Ebony, Coogler explained his decision: 'I've been in a space of making franchise films for a bit, so I wanted to get away from that… I was looking forward to delivering something original and personal.' He added that he wanted Sinners to feel like 'a full meal'—complete and self-contained, with no cliffhangers or need for continuation. Coogler's directorial journey began with Fruitvale Station in 2013, followed by major successes like Creed, Black Panther, and Wakanda Forever. While those films expanded into franchises, Sinners represents a return to his indie roots and creative freedom. Looking ahead, Coogler is working on Wrong Answer, another collaboration with Jordan, and the Disney+ spinoff series Eyes of Wakanda. He's also expected to return for Black Panther 3, according to The Hollywood Reporter. For now, Sinners continues to draw audiences in theaters—with no sequel planned, just as Coogler envisioned.
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Biggest film of 2025 won't be getting a sequel, director confirms
Horror fans hoping to traverse the Rocky Road To Dublin once more have had their hopes dashed after Sinners director Ryan Coogler confirmed there won't be a sequel. The action-packed vampire flick hit cinemas in the UK on April 18, starring Michael B Jordan in the dual role of twins Smoke and Stack. Smoke and Stack have returned from the bright lights of Chicago to their hometown of Jacksonville, Mississippi, with grand ideas of opening their own blues bar – with a little help from their friends to get it running that night. Their opening night appears to be going off without a hitch until three strangers arrive at their door, hellbent on gaining entry by any means necessary. The 'horny' and 'gory' flick became an instant success with fans and critics alike praising its incredible soundtrack, powerful performance from the ensemble cast, and its unique narrative exploring everything from colonialism to female sexuality. While its ending did leave room for the story of Sinners to continue, Black Panther creator Coogler has said he wants to 'get away' from creating franchises. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'I've been in a space of making franchise films for a bit, so I wanted to get away from that,' he told Ebony magazine. 'I was looking forward to working on a film that felt original and personal to me, and had an appetite for delivering something to audiences that was original and unique. 'I wanted the movie to feel like a full meal: your appetizers, starters, entrees, and desserts, I wanted all of it there. I wanted it to be a holistic and finished thing. That was how I was asked all about it. That was always my intention.' While Sinners fans won't be getting a sequel, the incredible film is still available in select cinemas to watch on the big screen. Following in the footsteps of fellow vampire film Nosferatu released earlier this year, Sinners has absolutely dominated the box office, raking in an impressive $267million (£197million) at the domestic box office and $83m (£61m) globally (per Box Office Mojo). It quickly became the highest-grossing original film of the year, beating A Minecraft Movie to the top of the US box office. More Trending Sinners is currently the eighth highest-grossing film of 2025, falling slightly behind Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and Thunderbolts*. The film currently holds a near-perfect 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critic's consensus reading: 'A rip-roaring fusion of masterful visual storytelling and toe-tapping music, writer-director Ryan Coogler's first original blockbuster reveals the full scope of his singular imagination.' The audience says: 'Ryan Coogler has not only delivered a deliciously vicious vampire hit, but an unapologetically Black genre knockout ablaze with a killer cast and a cranked-up score.' Sinners is in cinemas now . Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Stranger Things fans 'furious' after Netflix announces major news about season 5 release dates MORE: Horror movie buffs praise 'shocking and disturbing' film that's leaving some fainting in the cinema MORE: There's an LGBTQ+ film festival you can attend without even leaving the house
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Ryan Coogler speaks out on potential Sinners sequel
Ryan Coogler says 'Sinners' will not be getting a sequel. The filmmaker wrote and directed the acclaimed horror movie, which is set in 1932 in the he Mississippi Delta and stars Michael B. Jordan as twin brothers Smoke and Stack who return to Clarksdale wafter serving in World War I and open a juke joint only to be confronted by a supernatural evil. Coogler has told fans there will not be a follow-up film as it was always his intention for 'Sinners' to be a standalone story, following his work on franchises 'Black Panther' and 'Creed'. In interview with Ebony magazine, he said: "I've been in a space of making franchise films for a bit, so I wanted to get away from that. "I was looking forward to working on a film that felt original and personal to me and had an appetite for delivering something to audiences that was original and unique.' Coogler wanted movie goers to watch 'Sinners' - which also stars Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, Miles Caton and Jack O'Connell - and come away with the feeling it was a "holistic and finished thing". He added: "I wanted the movie to feel like a full meal: your appetizers, starters, entrees and desserts, I wanted all of it there. I wanted it to be a holistic and finished thing. That was how I was asked all about it. That was always my intention." 'Sinners' has been a box office hit and has earned over $350 million at the global box office and it will be available on streaming platforms and VOD on 3 June. Coogler recently revealed that the plot for 'Sinners' was inspired by the Metallica song 'One', which featured on the metal band's 1988 LP ' ...And Justice for All'. Speaking to the San Fransisco Chronicle, he said: "I wanted the movie to feel like a song, so I used Metallica's One." The filmmaker explained how the song "starts off intense, then gets melodic and going somewhere just crazy. But by the time you're finished, it was clear you were always going to get there." Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich even worked on the score for the horror film.
