The smoke-filled backroom buzzed with whispers as the story of Smoke and Stack began to unfold, years before the crimson nights of Sinners. Every hushed tone painted a different picture, each more vivid than the last. What secrets lay buried beneath the perfectly tailored suits and knowing glances?
Ryan Coogler Rewinds the Clock on Smoke and Stack
Hearing filmmakers talk about their work is like watching a magician reveal their secrets, the illusion fades as the inner workings come to light. With Sinners still fresh in our minds—and hearts—Ryan Coogler recently offered a glimpse into the past, revealing what Michael B. Jordan’s characters were doing before the events that unfolded on screen. He’s generally kept a tight lid on the film’s meaning and squashed any sequel chatter. But Coogler opened up with Proximity Media, detailing the twins’ exploits before their return to Chicago and the vampiric chaos they brought with them.
We knew they’d swindled Italian and Irish gangs (including Al Capone’s crew), making off with cash, booze, guns, and some seriously stylish suits. Coogler took us even further back, tracing their steps after Smoke committed patricide.
What Did Smoke and Stack Do After Killing Their Father?
Coogler explained, “They killed their father, hid out at Mary’s mom’s place, then went to New York and joined the military. Went to fight in France, and they went back home for a little bit. Mary was older, so that was when Stack and Mary happened.” It’s interesting to consider how trauma and violence shaped their paths, leading them to seek both refuge and opportunity in unexpected places.
The saga continues: “It was like a three-year run where the twins had basically broken up. Smoke and Annie got their house, and Stack and Mary went to Little Rock. When [Smoke and Annie] lost their daughter was when things got rocky; they both basically left their partners and went to Chicago.”
SINNERS lore unlocked pic.twitter.com/Moq4MpEBAg
— PROXIMITY MEDIA (@proximitymedia) January 27, 2026
The film then shows the twins’ explosive return home and the opening of their ill-fated juke joint. Fan fiction often fills in narrative gaps, but it’s great that Coogler gave us some behind-the-scenes details about the twins’ lives. It’s like getting the director’s cut of their backstory.
Why This Backstory Matters
Consider this a treasure map offering clues to the characters’ motivations. Learning more about the backstory highlights the strained relationships between the twins and their partners, Annie and Mary. At the very least, it might discourage Hollywood from greenlighting a prequel—a project that Coogler rightly owns and likely doesn’t need. However, an animated prequel in the style of the film’s opening sequence? That we’d happily accept. The twins’ journey feels almost Shakespearean, a macabre dance between fate and free will, punctuated by bad decisions and even worse luck.
How Does This Backstory Affect the Viewing Experience?
Knowing what Smoke and Stack endured adds layers to their on-screen actions, turning them from simple villains into complex figures driven by a turbulent past. It’s like hearing the orchestra tune up before the curtain rises, each note hinting at the drama to come. This additional information lets you read between the lines, understanding the hard feelings between the characters from the start of the film.
What’s Next for the ‘Sinners’ Universe?
That remains to be seen, but Coogler’s willingness to share these insights suggests a continued investment in the world he’s created. While there are no firm plans for sequels or spin-offs, the richness of the characters and their environment leaves plenty of room for future stories. Will Coogler revisit this world, or are these breadcrumbs all we’ll get?
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