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Ryan Coogler’s New Horror Film “Sinners” Draws Inspiration From “Puss in Boots” Villain
Filmmaker Ryan Coogler, known for his blockbuster hits, has revealed a surprising source of inspiration for his upcoming horror movie, Sinners. Despite initial expectations for a serious, live-action thriller, Coogler cited the animated DreamWorks film Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, specifically the menacing Wolf character, as a “massive” influence on his latest project. This revelation highlights the unexpected places filmmakers find creativity, even from animated villains like the iconic Wolf from Puss in Boots, demonstrating its impact on the anticipated horror film Sinners.
Unexpected Origins: From Animated Wolf to Live-Action Terror
In a recent interview on the Get Rec’d podcast, Coogler elaborated on the connection between the animated antagonist and the villain in Sinners. He pointed out the “defining features” shared by both characters, most notably their striking red eyes. The villain in Sinners, named Remmick and portrayed by Jack O’Connell, shares this visual characteristic with the Wolf from Puss in Boots. Coogler jokingly suggested that audiences should remember the animated wolf when Remmick haunts their nightmares after watching Sinners.
Beyond Animation: Diverse Sources of Creativity
This instance is not unique in the world of cinema, as filmmakers frequently draw inspiration from diverse and sometimes unconventional origins. The terrifying tentacles of Davy Jones in Pirates of the Caribbean were conceived from the texture of a stained coffee cup. Similarly, Christian Bale’s unsettling yet captivating portrayal of Patrick Bateman in American Psycho was partly based on Tom Cruise’s intensely amicable demeanor observed in a David Letterman interview. Even the distinctive, large eyes of WALL-E were born from director Andrew Stanton’s observation while handling binoculars at a baseball game.
Inspiration in the Mundane
Ultimately, the creative spark for significant artistic works can emerge from seemingly trivial moments and unexpected sources. Coogler’s admission underscores this notion, demonstrating that even animated films like Puss in Boots can provide profound inspiration for serious, live-action productions. The influence of popular animation on a prestige horror film like Sinners showcases the unpredictable nature of creativity in filmmaking.