Director Ryan Coogler admits being in the Twilight Zone while making Sinners

Director Ryan Coogler, creativity often stems from the most unexpected sources, particularly in Hollywood, where filmmakers regularly draw inspiration from classic literature, iconic sci-fi stories, and even lesser-known gems.

This imaginative approach has led to countless adaptations and original works that push the boundaries of storytelling and the inspiration behind his latest Southern-Gothic horror film “Sinners” came from a surprising yet fitting source: an episode of the legendary television series The Twilight Zone.

Coogler, known for his genre-defying approach to filmmaking, recently revealed that *The Twilight Zone* Season 3, Episode 23 — “The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank” — played a significant role in shaping the vision for Sinners. The original Twilight Zone series, created by Rod Serling and first aired in 1959, remains one of the most influential pieces of television history, blending science fiction, horror, and social commentary in groundbreaking ways.

Featuring a stellar cast that includes Michael B. Jordan, Jack O’Connell, and Hailee Steinfeld, Sinners premiered in April 2025 to widespread acclaim.

The film’s domestic opening weekend brought in $48 million, contributing to an impressive worldwide gross of nearly $368 million to date.

Its success has been further cemented by 187 award nominations and 69 wins, including multiple nods at the upcoming 2026 Critics Choice Awards for categories like Best Picture, Best Director (Ryan Coogler), and Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan).

In a January 2025 interview with SciFiNow, Coogler opened up about the creative influences behind Sinners.

While he cited a range of inspirations — including Robert Rodriguez’s vampire thriller From Dusk Till Dawn and the Coen brothers’ Oscar-winning No Country for Old Men — he emphasized the impact of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot and The Twilight Zone.

“My favorite thing ever made is The Twilight Zone, and my favorite episode is called ‘The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank,'” Coogler shared.

For those unfamiliar with this particular Twilight Zone episode, it tells the eerie tale of Jefferson Myrtlebank, who shocks his community by waking up during his own funeral in perfect health.

As gossip spreads among the townsfolk, tension rises, and questions about Myrtlebank’s true nature deepen — a hallmark of the series’ signature blend of suspense and moral ambiguity.

Coogler’s ability to weave together diverse influences into a cohesive narrative is one of the defining traits of Sinners. As Sinners continues to captivate audiences worldwide, it serves as a testament to the enduring power of creative inspiration — and the timeless brilliance of The Twilight Zone.