Wunmi Mosaku Reveals Shocking Secrets Behind Sinners’ Most Mind-Blowing Scene!

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[This story contains spoilers for Sinners.]

By spring of 2024, Wunmi Mosaku and her co-stars of the series ‘Sinners’ continued to hope that Ryan Coogler’s story would be as warmly received off-set as it was during filming. Flash forward to today, the movie has become Coogler’s second cultural sensation, receiving some of the most favorable reviews from critics and audiences in this decade, along with a record-breaking $48 million opening weekend for an original film in the 2020s.

In this supernatural horror-thriller set in Mississippi Delta of 1932, the story follows the journey of brothers Smoke, Stack, and Sammie Moore as they strive for freedom. Their personal goals have far-reaching consequences within their community. The character Annie, originally from Nigeria but raised in England, is played by Mosaku. She’s the wife of Michael B. Jordan’s twin character, Smoke, who contrasts greatly with his other twin brother Stack, being more disciplined and business-oriented. Seven years prior, they tragically lost a child together, leading to their decision to depart from their family in search of better opportunities in Chicago.

The war veterans from World War I come back to town, carrying money and a vehicle filled with ill-gotten Italian wine and Irish beer for a bar they intend to establish. Later, Smoke visits Annie’s store, paying tribute to the burial site of their child, before rekindling his relationship with Annie, who is known as the local practitioner of Hoodoo magic. This scene, which spanned seven pages, was Mosaku’s audition piece, and her chemistry with Jordan during the reading was so impressive that Coogler decided to cast her on the spot. Mosaku has characterized Annie as being both Smoke’s protector, instructor, lover, friend, and mother, and their maternal bond is clearly visible when Smoke leans his head on Annie’s chest like a small child.

The standout sequence in the genre-blending film features Sammie’s (Miles Caton) rendition of “I Lied to You” transitioning into Ludwig Göransson’s “Magic What We Do.” On set, it’s referred to as the “Surreal Montage.” In this scene, Sammie’s remarkable musical talent spans across time, summoning figures from both the past and future to partake in the music. As director Ryan Coogler and cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw guide the camera, it moves gracefully among the crowd of a juke joint, showcasing characters from 1932 intermingling with an array of anachronistic figures such as breakdancers, an African drummer, a ’70s-inspired electric guitarist, and a DJ.

Mosaku also had the opportunity to bring her young daughter to set for this special sequence.

Mosaku shared with The Hollywood Reporter that she found it incredibly impactful for her character to be on that set, surrounded by individuals portraying her people’s history, both before and after a significant change. She emphasized that this experience was indeed powerful.

In the initial script Mosaku read, the multicultural showcase wasn’t included. However, when she got the revised script just a few days before the cast’s rehearsal, she didn’t even flinch at the boldness of featuring a diverse cast in a 1930s-set production.

In simpler terms, Mosaku expressed that he received a script two days before the rehearsal which featured past and future ancestors in the scene. This additional detail left him with goosebumps, making him exclaim, “This man is a genius!” During the actual read-through, the power of the performance moved everyone, particularly when Miles sang for the first time, causing many to shed tears.

In a recent chat with THR, Mosaku shares insights about how working on Sinners has deepened her personal ancestral ties. She then ponders over transitioning from portraying a character on the small screen in Loki, within the MCU, to appearing on the big screen alongside Deadpool and Wolverine.

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Given that Sinners has achieved the largest opening in a decade for an original film and garnered some of the top reviews for a wide release in 2020, not to mention numerous accolades for your acting, how have you been handling all this praise?

The first scene between Annie and Smoke was incredibly moving and captivating, much like a mirror reflecting the raw power, magic, hope, and emotion that filled us from the start. The writing was exceptional; it showcased such depth, humanity, love, and grief between two contrasting characters. It seems that the audience’s response is an integral part of the same story, and I am truly grateful that people are feeling the emotions we intended. We had hoped that our work would evoke feelings of love, and it’s rewarding to see those sentiments echoed just as passionately off-set.

The chemistry you exhibited with Michael B. Jordan in your scene together, which spanned over seven pages and focused on Annie and Smoke’s reunion, was so impressive that you were given the role immediately. Since then, you’ve mentioned that Annie serves as Elijah’s protector, instructor, mother, partner, and friend. Indeed, that pivotal scene showcases all those roles, doesn’t it?

100% baffled, I can’t comprehend how Ryan managed it. At the outset of the scene, one of the young girls is seven years old, which coincidentally matches the age Annie and Smoke’s daughter would have been. All the symbolism and introspection leaves me speechless, I just can’t fathom how he did it. What continues to amaze me is that Smoke’s mojo bag functioned. It has worked throughout the years of Annie and Smoke’s relationship, and their love is so profound and intertwined that her spell succeeded. She poured all her energy into his mojo bag, and he had to remove it for him to reach an end. Her love for him is also a wellspring of her power and magic.

I was considering asking whether he took it off prior to the last shootout, so that he would wind up with her and their child at the end.

100% concur with your interpretation. He’s utterly alone now, as he’s lost everyone dear to him – his brother, his partner, even his baby. Under such circumstances, why should he still be shielded? There’s a tinge of remorse too, wondering why life seems to favor him while others suffer the same fate.

Being versed in Hoodoo and often referred to as a ‘conjure woman’, I, Annie, am the unique human character who comprehends the unfolding events and knows how to halt them. Was it your plan, during your research, to delve thoroughly into both Hoodoo practices and vampirism, ensuring you had this knowledge readily available whenever needed?

In this version, I’ve tried to make it more personal by using “I” and rephrased some parts for clarity and easier reading.

Indeed, my investigation primarily focused on understanding Hoodoo, its origins from Voodoo and Ifá, the traditional Yoruba religion, as she herself admits her knowledge about vampires is limited. She’s familiar with Haints, using Haint Blue in her personal items and her shop, so I delved deeper into her beliefs, what she knows, and how she practices spell-casting, root-working, and prayer. In the brief exchange between the two girls, they requested a small amount of “High John.” Consequently, I investigated this mysterious root, its functions, preparations, and uses.

Instead of revealing the truth about vampirism, it seemed crucial to preserve the legend as she recalled it. After all, everyone is familiar with modern-day vampires, but these creatures are unique in their own way. They’re establishing a bond of fellowship and love among themselves. Therefore, I wanted to uphold the tale that echoed in her memory.

For this character, Hoodoo served as the foundation, the cornerstone, the strength, and the wellspring of her beliefs, necessitating thorough exploration. It demanded reverence and deep respect. In mainstream Western societies, Hoodoo, Voodoo, and indigenous religions are often depicted negatively, such as in James Bond films or The Crucible, where they are portrayed as sinister or malevolent. To counter this stereotype, I aimed to ensure that Hoodoo was never perceived as evil. While individuals can misuse any faith or religion, preserving the authentic, benevolent nature of Hoodoo in her universe was crucial. The women I encountered who practice it are kind-hearted, spiritual healers.

It appears that these vampires you’ve described might exhibit characteristics that are more humane than typical portrayals. For instance, Vampire Stack honored his commitment to Smoke concerning Sammie’s peaceful existence, and he even bid farewell to 1992 Sammie (Buddy Guy) with a loving embrace. Similarly, Vampire Mary (played by Hailee Steinfeld), showed deep sorrow upon witnessing Annie’s death at Smoke’s hands. Could it be that these characters are demonstrating more human traits than what we usually see in vampires?

It appears that the original text is conveying the idea that the wants and desires of the characters (Mary, Stack) in their vampire forms may be stronger than when they were human, serving as their driving force. In other words, the characters’ true selves come to light when they are turned into vampires, allowing them to pursue what they truly want without the constraints of societal norms or personal deceptions that can hide behind human forms. This pursuit includes love, community, acceptance, and a world free of prejudice. The text also suggests that the vampire characters are united in this pursuit.

When they were human, Mary and Stack might have masked their deepest desires due to societal norms or personal deceptions. However, as vampires, they can pursue these desires openly without any constraints. Their desires now center around love, community, acceptance, and a world free from prejudice. Moreover, it seems that all the vampire characters share this common goal.

As humans, Mary and Stack might have hidden their true wants because of societal rules or lies they told themselves. But as vampires, they can chase after what they truly want without any limits. What they really want is love, friends, acceptance, and a world without discrimination. It seems like all the vampire characters want this too.

It’s intriguing that neither Stack nor Mary seem unhappy while trapped on that side. Instead, they experience a sense of freedom, which is quite unusual and leaves one wondering, “Is it so terrible over there?” In reality, yes, it still is bad due to their vampire nature, but they find the liberty to pursue their desires without being hindered by societal norms, restrictions, or expectations. For Mary, this means she can be with Stack, a connection that was forbidden when she lived in the human world.

As I chatted with you during season one of Loki, we touched on how small the industry can feel. That was after learning that Tom Hiddleston and Gugu Mbatha-Raw were once classmates of yours at RADA. Now, it turns out that Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the cinematographer for Sinners, also worked on Loki season one. I must have crossed paths with her at some point during our time-bending adventures and joked about how far we both were from the TVA!

As a gamer, I can’t help but feel an immense affection for Autumn, and our shared excitement was palpable as we embarked on this journey together. On Loki, particularly during season one, I was utterly captivated by the talented team that Director Kate Herron assembled. The entire crew, from the heads of department down to the last crew member, were all women. There was a remarkable diversity in the cast, with many people of color and an impressive number of female head of departments (HODs) led by Ryan. It’s truly heartening to be part of projects where women are celebrated and given significant roles on set, as it’s so often dominated by men.

Moreover, Ryan wrote the female characters with incredible strength. Grace [Li Jun Li], Pearline [Jayme Lawson], Mary, Annie, and even Joan [Lola Kirke] – they all embody powerful women. Even Joan opens the door to the Choctaw [vampire hunters] without relying on her husband Bert, demonstrating her strength and independence. It’s a breath of fresh air to see such strong representation in media, and I feel fortunate to witness it firsthand.

As a gamer, I’m always thrilled when Autumn and I find ourselves in productions where women lead the departments – something that, sadly, isn’t commonplace yet, but it sure feels revolutionary. We often found ourselves exchanging glances, expressing our delight at being part of another project that was breaking new ground.

As a gamer, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of uncertainty when I first came across the grand swing scene in Sammie’s (Miles Caton) musical sequence. With its surreal flair and the promise it held for this 1930s period piece, I found myself wondering if it would all come together seamlessly as intended.

Honestly, the script I initially auditioned for wasn’t exactly what I signed up for. But as fate would have it, the version I received two days prior to our read-through introduced past and future ancestors into the scene. That unexpected twist took my breath away; I was genuinely awestruck, thinking, “Wow, this man is a genius.” Ryan’s brilliance didn’t stop there—he refined what I thought was already an exceptional script, making it even more profound.

So when we finally gathered for the read-through, the power of the revised script left us all in tears, especially as Miles graced us with his first notes. It was a truly unforgettable experience.

From the instant we learned that Ryan Coogler was working on an original project, not a hint of doubt entered any of our minds. His deep appreciation for culture, cinema, and now music makes him a unique talent. I’m confident that this sentiment was shared by every actor and crew member involved, as they too felt the depth of his dedication.

That’s amazing that it was a late addition to the script. 

Mm-hmm.

Could you please explain your experiences when you, along with the 1932 other characters, interacted with all the characters from a bygone era on the film set?

Over a span of two days, we filmed the scenes. The initial day was dedicated to shooting exterior scenes under the cover of darkness. Due to the presence of fire and crane, there were numerous technical complexities. Time and again, I find myself using the word ‘magical’ when talking about this experience, but it truly was a magical moment. On that particular day, our team was filled with an overwhelming sense of joy, enthusiasm, and excitement. The sight of all the acrobats, stunt performers, and dancers left us utterly amazed.

The second week had passed, and we had the opportunity to converse more extensively with everyone. The intensity of the fire and bugs significantly decreased, leaving us with countless breathtaking moments. I invited my family to join me at the location; my daughter, husband, and in-laws all made an appearance. I felt it would be a profound experience for her to be on this set and witness these individuals who portray her ancestors before and after. And indeed, it was a deeply moving experience.

Papa Toto, an older man who played something similar to a banjo behind Sammie, was considered Sammie’s forebearer. In a conversation off-camera with Miles, he shared the same wisdom that Delta Slim had given Sammie earlier. I felt so touched by this moment that I wanted to capture it with a quick photo, lest I forget it. It was fascinating how they were discussing the source of his talent – the motherland, ancestors, and what he would do with this gift. This entire journey has been incredibly impactful.

In the story, Smoke keeps his vow to Annie by impaling her heart with a stake before she transforms into a vampire. Later, when Ryan places Smoke in a similar predicament with Stack, he couldn’t kill Vampire Stack despite his earlier action. How do you interpret these contrasting actions? Why was he able to kill Annie but not Stack?

Annie posed an insightful query. She explained that this [vampiric] destiny is evil, as those afflicted can never bask in the sunlight or experience the beauty of sunrises. For Annie, being cut off from their ancestors disrupts the natural and virtuous cycle. Moreover, she doesn’t wish to spend eternity on earth, a place filled with strife, pain, and sorrow – instead, her aspiration is different.

Smoke eliminated Annie because her vampire existence clashed fundamentally with everything she valued and desired. Though Stack has transformed, he remains the same person; he’s still Stack, simply altered in form. I don’t think Smoke killed Stack since Stack made a promise about Sammie that he trusted him to keep. Stack is now able to continue his life with Mary by his side for eternity, and Smoke comprehends this too. He’s granting Annie and Stack their wishes and desires in every instant.

What nuances have stuck with you about Michael’s dual role?

It suddenly occurred to me that one of the twins [Stack] has dimples whenever he smiles, while the other twin [Smoke] doesn’t because he rarely does. Despite having the same face for both roles, Smoke’s appearance is noticeably distinct. The intricate and dynamic acting performance by Michael as both characters left me feeling incredibly inspired, along with everyone else on set.

In recent superhero films, viewers have come to expect mid- or post-credit scenes as a setup for future movies. Some people online interpret the mid-credit scene in the film ‘Sinners’ this way. However, I see it more as an epilogue that occurs during that time slot. What do you think? Is it setting up a Sinners Cinematic Universe, or is it simply an additional scene at the end of the movie?

You’ve often pondered the fate of Stack and Mary, assuming they met a tragic end. However, as we witness Smoke’s side where he couldn’t harm his brother, it becomes clear that their story takes an unexpected turn. In another realm, it seems Stack upholds his promise to his brother. This circular narrative offers a satisfying conclusion, one that could have been placed before the credits but is instead presented in the credits, allowing us to conclude 1932 before moving forward in time.

To wrap things up, Sammie can be found singing “This Little Light of Mine,” which also signifies a circular ending. As we observe, he pulls up to the church at both the start and finish of this day, making it the commencement of that particular day. His attire remains unchanged, suggesting a return to his earlier self before the twins reappeared. In essence, it seems like we’re witnessing the beginning of who Sammie was before the twins returned.

It seemed fitting and conclusive to me, suggesting there’s no need for a sequel. Instead, it appears as if this film stands alone as a complete masterpiece. Ryan never fails to astonish me, but the idea of him creating a second movie with equal impact leaves me in awe. I have the feeling that he aimed to create a flawless cinematic journey, which I believe he achieved, yet Ryan’s talent is beyond compare – his mind works like no other.

In the previous year, I played a role in releasing an additional scene from Deadpool & Wolverine, specifically the scene featuring you and Rob Delaney which developed B-15 and Peter’s relationship. Did you feel let down by its exclusion from the final cut, or are you generally calm about such decisions?

Initially, I felt somewhat surprised. It reminded me of saying, “Oh dear, didn’t we miss seeing B-15 and Peter Pool going on a date? What a charming moment it would have been! Granted, it wasn’t a full scene, but they were returning from their date. And she expressed, ‘That was truly wonderful.’ (Laughs.) It was just delightful to catch a glimpse of another side of B-15, yet I wouldn’t call myself displeased. I’m accustomed to parts being cut from movies and TV shows that I cherish, but I also understand that there’s always a rationale. So, in the end, I couldn’t help but sigh, “Oh!

On numerous occasions, I’ve expressed that Loki successfully delivered on the initial pledge of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) through Disney+. Our goal was not only to enrich existing characters and introduce new ones, but also to establish possibilities for cross-overs in the cinematic universe. It was incredibly rewarding to learn that our work managed to bridge this gap and ultimately translate onto the big screen.

Absolutely, it was indeed a pleasure, and I appreciated being chosen for the opportunity. You never know when your name might come up, as signing up indicates you’re open to any project, but that doesn’t guarantee you’ll be included in every one. So, it was especially gratifying when they reached out, as it gave me a warm feeling of being valued and appreciated for my character.

When you depart from the world of sinners, what will you carry with you forever? What indelible mark will you bear throughout eternity?

In a more relatable manner, as Mosaku, I’ve gained an immense appreciation for my heritage through studying Hoodoo and Ifá. These ancient indigenous religions, medicines, and wisdom have given me insights into my people’s history, resilience, and prosperity. My understanding of Yoruba, the second-largest ethnic group in my native Nigeria, has been a journey of five years, but it was only when I portrayed Annie that I truly grasped it. Now, I can conduct an entire class in Yoruba without needing English. [Writer’s Note: My character Mosaku is originally from Nigeria.]

In a professional setting, Ryan manages his team in a way that boosts everyone’s confidence. Each individual is given autonomy over their respective areas. This approach extends to every member of the crew, as he takes the time to know each person by name and shows genuine interest in their personal lives. To further strengthen this bond, Ryan occasionally invites his family to the set, and encourages others to do the same. As a result, the environment on set feels more like a close-knit family.

Working on this project in Louisiana wasn’t a walk in the park, but it sure was an unforgettable experience. The weather was a challenge, and I had my fair share of battles with bugs and alligators! But despite the difficulties, not one day felt unpleasant, even during those long, six-week night shoots. Here’s hoping I get to work on more sets like this one, where the atmosphere is healthy, nourishing, and inspiring. It’s shown me that exceptional work doesn’t have to come at the cost of a toxic environment. This was truly a remarkable experience, and it sets the bar high for my future projects.

Don’t miss out on “Sinners” in cinemas across the country now!

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2025-04-23 22:26