Michael B. Jordan has been involved in directing, acting, and producing various projects, including a new version of the heist thriller "The Thomas Crown Affair" and the horror film "Sinners."
In "Sinners," Jordan portrays identical twins Smoke and Stack. These characters are World War I veterans and Chicago mob enforcers who own a juke joint in the Jim Crow South and confront vampires. Jordan's performance in "Sinners" has garnered recognition, including a Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama contention at the Golden Globes and early Oscar buzz.
Director Ryan Coogler, who wrote, directed, and produced "Sinners," noted Jordan's portrayal of two distinct roles, including a vampire version of Stack. Coogler highlighted Jordan's work in developing unique physical languages for each twin, making them distinguishable on screen. Co-star Wunmi Mosaku praised Jordan's detailed characterizations. Jordan explained his methods for differentiating the twins, such as wearing a half-size too-small shoe for Stack to convey uneasiness and a half-size too-big shoe for Smoke to suggest groundedness. He also gave them distinct voices: Smoke with a lower, tired, and raspy tone, and Stack with a more buoyant and whimsical voice.
Jordan, 38, born Michael Bakari Jordan in Southern California, grew up in Newark, N.J. His acting career began in his pre-teens with TV commercials and shows like "The Sopranos," "Cosby," and "All My Children." He later worked with Chadwick Boseman in "Black Panther," after replacing him on "All My Children."
His significant film break came in 2013 with Coogler's "Fruitvale Station," where he played Oscar Grant, a real-life figure. Jordan described the challenge of understanding Grant through his family and friends. Following this, Coogler cast Jordan in the "Black Panther" films, where Jordan played the antagonist Erik Killmonger. Jordan characterized Killmonger as a "layered antagonist" whose perspective was understandable despite his actions.
Jordan and Coogler's collaboration also extends to the "Creed" film series, where Jordan plays the son of Apollo Creed. Jordan described Coogler as a detailed, empathetic director who provides actors with creative freedom. Coogler stated he always anticipated Jordan would direct and produce, noting his early interest in optioning books in his mid-20s. Actor Delroy Lindo, who appears in "Sinners," commended Jordan's approach to navigating Hollywood by simultaneously acting, directing, and producing. Michael B. Jordan has reflected on his leading man position, stating, "Heavy is the crown when you're in that position."