Michael B. Jordan’s Chilling Words About Chadwick Boseman: “It Went From Three Back to Two Again”

In a moving and deeply personal revelation, Michael B. Jordan opened up about the emotional depths he drew from while preparing for his dual roles in Sinners, the latest film from director Ryan Coogler. Speaking to The New York Times, Jordan shared that Coogler reminded him of the late Chadwick Boseman’s iconic portrayal of T’Challa, a performance that has forever left a mark on Black cinema and on Jordan’s life.

“There’s not a lot of us doing what we’re doing,” Jordan said in a moment of solemn reflection. “With Chad, it felt like we finally had a little squad, you know? It went from being the two of us to three… and then it went back down to two again.”

This stark and honest admission serves as a chilling reminder of how rare and precious Black brotherhood is in Hollywood, especially one bonded by excellence, purpose, and revolutionary storytelling.

A Tribute Hidden in a Vampire Horror

Sinners is not your typical horror film. Set in 1930s Mississippi, it follows twin brothers—Smoke and Stack, both played by Jordan—who return to their hometown to open a juke joint, only to uncover a nightmarish world of supernatural threats. Critics have praised the film for its genre-defying brilliance, blending historical drama with horror, music, and action.

What many don’t know is that Sinners is also a spiritual tribute to Chadwick Boseman.

During production, Coogler often encouraged Jordan to reflect on Boseman’s energy and the integrity he brought to his roles, especially in Black Panther. That meant not just playing a character but embodying a king.

“Ryan told me, ‘Remember how Chad carried himself. He wasn’t just T’Challa in the suit, he was T’Challa in the quiet moments too.’ That stuck with me every single day on set.”

The Legacy of Chadwick Lives On

Since Boseman’s untimely passing in 2020, Jordan has spoken only occasionally about their friendship, often choosing his words with the care of someone still grieving.

In a now-viral 2020 Instagram post, Jordan wrote:

“You showed me how to be better, honor purpose, and create legacy. I’m dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did. With grace, courage, and no regrets.”

That legacy appears to be infused into every frame of Sinners, which currently boasts a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and is being hailed as Ryan Coogler’s most visionary work to date.

Behind the Madness: A Scene That Shook the Cast

One of the most haunting sequences in Sinners takes place inside the juke joint itself. In a surreal, music-driven montage that fuses Delta blues with hip-hop and gospel, ancestral spirits descend upon the club, blurring the lines between the living and the dead.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the sequence was so emotionally intense, several cast and crew members were brought to tears on set. It wasn’t just a cinematic moment, it was a spiritual experience.

“It felt like Chad was in the room,” Jordan recalled. “Like he was watching us, making sure we were honoring something bigger than just a film.”

Coogler’s Most Personal Film Yet

For Ryan Coogler, Sinners is more than a horror movie. It’s an ancestral calling. Inspired by stories from his grandfather about the Mississippi Delta and Black Southern folklore, Coogler poured years into the script before finally bringing it to life.

“This was the most vulnerable I’ve ever felt as a filmmaker,” Coogler told Business Insider. “It’s about blood, music, spirit, and survival. And I couldn’t imagine telling it without Mike by my side.”

The “Squad” That Changed the Game

Jordan’s comments about the “little squad” he, Coogler, and Boseman formed offer a rare glimpse into the weight carried by Black artists navigating an industry that still offers few seats at the table. Their bond, once a trio of revolutionary talent, now moves forward as a duo but with Chadwick Boseman’s presence still felt in every scene, every line, every heartbeat.

“We lost a brother, but not his legacy,” Jordan said. “Every day I show up, it’s with Chad in mind. I’ll never forget that.”

‘Sinners’ Now Playing Nationwide

Sinners is currently in theaters and continues to draw critical acclaim. With masterful performances, a soul-shaking story, and an unforgettable homage to a lost king, it’s not just a film, it’s a reckoning.

And for Michael B. Jordan, it’s a promise kept.