Podcast Summary: "Sinners' Star Wunmi Mosaku on Slaying Vampires"

Podcast Information

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Guest: Wunmi Mosaku
• Episode: Sinners' Star Wunmi Mosaku on Slaying Vampires
• Release Date: May 14, 2025
• Description: ALL OF IT explores culture and its consumers, engaging thinkers, creators, and community members to delve into the what and why of their work.

Introduction

In this episode of ALL OF IT, hosted by Alison Stewart, Wunmi Mosaku discusses her compelling role as Annie in Ryan Coogler's anticipated horror film "Sinners." The film is poised to become one of Hollywood's most successful horror movies, not just for its box office potential but for its deeply researched narrative and cultural significance.

Audition and Immediate Offer

Wunmi Mosaku shares the exhilarating experience of being offered the role of Annie immediately after her audition. Reflecting on this moment, she describes it as "so overwhelming and so fun and so lovely" (02:06). She recounts the spontaneous interaction with Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan, emphasizing the magical and transformative nature of securing the role.

Deep Dive into Annie's Character

First Impressions and Initial Script

Annie's character is introduced as a healer with profound spiritual wisdom, capable of perceiving vampires' true nature. Wunmi highlights the depth of the seven-page love scene shared with Michael B. Jordan's character, stating, "I felt like I understood their history, their love, the depth of their humanity" (02:58). This scene set the foundation for Annie's multifaceted role as both a love interest and a guardian against supernatural threats.

Love as the Central Theme

Love permeates the narrative of "Sinners," serving as the heartbeat of the story. Wunmi explains, "The characters, they're so real, they're so whole. So you understand... what they love, and the love within the community" (04:10). She elaborates on how love manifests in various forms—romantic, familial, communal—and how it intertwines with themes of ancestry and purpose.

Annie's Journey and Personal Stakes

Reconnection and Loss

Annie is introduced at a pivotal moment when Smoke (Elijah) returns after seven years away, following the tragic loss of their child. Wunmi describes their reunion as one imbued with "unsaid, unspoken kind of knowingness" (05:33), highlighting Annie's unwavering commitment to honesty and their deep soul connection.

Cultural and Spiritual Foundations

Annie embodies the role of a healer deeply rooted in hoodoo and Yoruba traditions. Wunmi delves into her character's spiritual significance, connecting it to her own Yoruba heritage. She shares, "This was like the opening up of my ancestry, my survival, my why I'm here" (09:42), illustrating how the role empowered her personal and cultural identity.

Themes of Ancestry and Community

"Sinners" intricately weaves the importance of ancestry and community into its narrative. Annie's actions and beliefs are grounded in preserving the cultural heritage of her people. Wunmi articulates, "She is rooted in that space because of her child. She's rooted in that space because of her beliefs and her people" (07:25), emphasizing the character's dedication to her community's survival and spiritual well-being.

Character Dynamics: Smoke vs. Elijah

Wunmi distinguishes between Smoke and Elijah, portraying Smoke as the persona he presents to the world—a facade of power and material success—while Elijah represents his true, vulnerable self. She explains, "Smoke is Elijah's shield and protection" (08:25), highlighting the internal conflict and duality within his character, which Annie uniquely understands and connects with.

Costume Design and Symbolism

The episode delves into the meticulous costume design by Ruth E. Carter, which plays a significant role in portraying Annie's character. Wunmi discusses the symbolism behind the "haint blue" color in her attire, noting, "Haint blue is a color of protection" (12:43). This color choice not only serves a protective purpose within the film's lore but also reflects Annie's spiritual depth and commitment to her role as a healer.

Resisting Temptation and Maintaining Purpose

Throughout the film, various characters are tempted by the vampires' promise of eternal life and forbidden relationships. However, Annie remains steadfast in her mission. Wunmi explains, "Because her goal and her whole purpose is to be spiritually connected... she is not tempted by that" (15:25). Her unwavering dedication to her spiritual path and community anchors her resistance against the vampires' allure.

Personal Transformation and Cultural Awakening

Wunmi Mosaku shares how portraying Annie has been a transformative experience, both spiritually and artistically. She reflects on her journey with Yoruba practices, stating, "Annie is the beginning of that reclaiming and home-going and reconnectedness and a spiritual awakening" (16:31). This role has deepened her connection to her ancestry and empowered her personal growth, bridging her cultural heritage with her artistic expression.

Conclusion and Film Re-Release Announcement

The episode concludes with an announcement about the re-release of "Sinners" in IMAX starting May 15 for one more week. Alison Stewart thanks Wunmi Mosaku for her insightful discussion, leaving listeners eager to experience the film's rich cultural tapestry and compelling narrative.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Wunmi Mosaku on Audition Offer: "It was so overwhelming and so fun and so lovely..." (02:06)
• On the Love Scene: "In seven pages... I understood their history, their love" (02:58)
• Centrality of Love: "The characters... you understand what they love, and the love within the community" (04:10)
• Annie's Roots: "She's rooted in that space because of her child... her people" (07:25)
• Smoke vs. Elijah: "Smoke is Elijah's shield and protection" (08:25)
• Costume Symbolism: "Haint blue is a color of protection" (12:43)
• Resisting Vampires' Temptation: "She is not tempted by that" (15:25)
• Personal Transformation: "Annie is the beginning of that reclaiming and home-going" (16:31)

Final Thoughts

This episode of ALL OF IT offers an in-depth exploration of Wunmi Mosaku's portrayal of Annie in "Sinners," highlighting the film's intricate blend of horror, love, and cultural heritage. Through personal anecdotes and detailed discussions, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the film's themes and the profound impact the role has had on the actress herself. The episode not only promotes the film but also invites the WNYC community to engage with the rich cultural narratives that "Sinners" brings to the forefront of modern cinema.