Episode 1634 - Ryan Coogler - WTF with Marc Maron Podcast

Transcript

Marc Maron (0:00)

Lock the gate. All right, let's do this. How are you? What the. What the Buddies?

Ryan Coogler (0:13)

What the Nicks?

Marc Maron (0:14)

What's happening? I'm Mark Maron. This is my podcast. Welcome to it. What is happening? How's it going? How's it. How's it feeling? I just want to, you know, check in. Tough times. Tough times in the world. Tough times. If you think a certain way. Tough times in your head if they're already tough. Already. Already tough already. Yeah, I just said that sentence. Look, I'm sitting in a hotel room in Traverse City, Michigan. I did two shows here last night, and they went really nice. They were. They went well. It was a nice little theater. It's a comedy festival up here. I've. I've never been up to Traverse City on some level in my immediate world. Right now, I'm in a. I'm in a room. I'm looking out on what I imagine is Lake Michigan. Correct. And it's. It's pretty. It's a little overcast, it's quiet. Because this is a summertown. So it's got that summertown off season vibe. I guess it's similar to, like, an island. Like island people. I mean, there are definitely locals who spend the summer accommodating tourists who are there to have a good time. And then here we are in the sort of off season time where, you know, the locals kind of can relax and sort of fortify their spirits in preparation to hide the resentment for the demanding tourists of the summer season. So it's kind of got a nice vibe. So, look, folks, today on the show, I talked to Ryan Coogler. He's the writer and director of Fruitville Station, Creed and the two Black Panther movies. His new film is called Sinners, which he made with his frequent collaborator, Michael B. Jordan. And it's a pretty trippy movie. I didn't know what to expect. A lot of times I get guests and I get screeners, but this movie is definitely a horror movie. I think it's Jordan Peele does his thing, but there seems to be sort of a. A world of black centric horror that's coming out that's pretty. Pretty intense and pretty engaging. And I had no idea what this movie was about, but it's sort of focused in the story of the blues, and it's very grounded in music and mysticism and vampires. So there's a lot to be liked about this movie. And it was very interesting to talk to Ryan because I also watched Fruitville Station, which I hadn't seen, which is a devastating movie about a police officer killing a black young man. And it's based on a true story. And, you know, all this stuff still happens and continues to happen and continue to. Continues to get worse. But it was good to talk about where Ryan came from and what, you know, what his vision for films are. I'm in Los Angeles at Dynasty Typewriter starting this Monday, April 14. Then on Saturday, April 26, and again on Tuesday, April 29. Those are all 7:30pm Shows. I'm at Largo, 8pm show on Tuesday, April 22. Toronto. I'm at the Winter Garden on Saturday, May 3, for two shows. Burlington, Vermont. I'm at the Vermont Comedy Club for two shows on Monday, May 5, and one show on Tuesday, May 6. Portsmouth, New Hampshire. I'll be at the Music hall on Wednesday, May 7. Then I'm in Brooklyn for my HBO special taping at the Bam Harvey Theater on May 10th. Two shows there. Go to wtfpod.com tour for all my dates and links to tickets. Yeah, so I've been away a lot, and I'm a bit untethered out here, but again, out here in the world, a lot of good people, a lot of nice people, a lot of people that come out and enjoy the relief. It's a very strange thing, though, after a show that I know that I'm doing a show, and I know that my audience, mostly, they are grateful for the show and they get some laughs. But then you leave and you walk out into the world of what's happening politically and what's happening in your own mind and your concerns about your own life. Had some federal workers, you know, come up to me after the show who are on the edge of losing their jobs or have already lost their jobs, and there's just not. There's not a lot of places to go in the mind in terms of.

Summary

WTF with Marc Maron Podcast - Episode 1634 Summary

Title: Episode 1634 - Ryan Coogler
Release Date: April 14, 2025
Host: Marc Maron
Guests: Ryan Coogler & Michael B. Jordan

Introduction

In Episode 1634 of WTF with Marc Maron, host Marc Maron engages in a deep and revealing conversation with acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Coogler, alongside his frequent collaborator, actor Michael B. Jordan. The episode explores Coogler's journey in the film industry, his creative inspirations, and his latest project, "Sinners."

Ryan Coogler’s Journey in Filmmaking

Ryan Coogler, renowned for directing impactful films like Fruitvale Station, Creed, and the culturally transformative Black Panther, shares his evolution as a filmmaker. He discusses his dedication to storytelling that delves into themes of identity and social justice, particularly within the African American community.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Coogler [28:05]: "I tend to make movies that explore stories about identity—my identity as an American, as an African American, a black man."

Discussing Fruitvale Station

Coogler reflects on Fruitvale Station, a raw and devastating portrayal of a police officer's killing of a young black man. He emphasizes the film's basis in true events and its enduring relevance amidst ongoing racial tensions.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Coogler [25:29]: "It was a devastating movie about a police officer killing a black young man. It's based on a true story, and all this stuff still happens and continues to happen."

Creed and Expanding the Rocky Franchise

Transitioning to Creed, Coogler discusses his role in revitalizing the Rocky franchise by introducing Adonis Creed, the son of Apollo Creed. He delves into the emotional connections and personal motivations that drove him to continue the legacy of the beloved series.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Coogler [56:09]: "Rocky was my dad's movie hero, so the idea for me was to let me make a movie where Rocky's got to overcome something and to let my dad enjoy that right now."

Black Panther and Its Cultural Impact

Coogler speaks passionately about Black Panther, highlighting its unprecedented success and significance in showcasing black culture and narratives on a global stage. He discusses the challenges of working within the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the responsibility that comes with directing such a pivotal film.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Coogler [60:17]: "I wanted to get every Black Panther comic that was ever written. And it was like, 'Yo, we'll be right with you.'"

Sinners: Blending Horror with Black-Centric Themes

Coogler introduces his new film, Sinners, a horror movie that intertwines blues music, mysticism, and vampire mythology. He explains his intent to create a unique narrative that honors black cultural elements while exploring darker themes.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Coogler [74:35]: "I wanted to deal with the archetypes in this movie...to feel like a blues song, something that you heard before, even though you heard it for the first time."

Personal Challenges and Creative Process

The conversation shifts to Coogler's personal challenges, including managing anxiety and maintaining balance amidst creative pressures. He discusses the importance of community, support systems, and staying true to his vision while navigating the complexities of the film industry.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Coogler [88:50]: "The biggest challenge is going to afford myself the confidence and space to know when a take is done, to know when a set is set up."

Collaboration with Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan joins the discussion, providing insights into his collaboration with Coogler. They talk about the synergy between directing and acting, the importance of mutual trust, and the creative dynamics that drive their successful partnerships.

Notable Quote:

Michael B. Jordan [16:42]: "My wife was a sign language interpreter before I convinced her to make movies with me."

Exploration of Music and Mythology in Sinners

Coogler delves into the thematic elements of Sinners, emphasizing the role of blues music and its deep cultural roots. He discusses how music serves as a vehicle for expressing pain and transcending it, blending mythological aspects with real human emotions.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Coogler [70:05]: "Black Panther with a mythological universe that, you know, the good guys and the bad guys. Everybody's black."

Conclusion

Marc Maron and Ryan Coogler conclude the episode by reflecting on the power of storytelling and its ability to shape and reflect societal issues. Coogler expresses gratitude for the opportunities to tell meaningful stories that resonate with diverse audiences, underscoring his commitment to impactful filmmaking.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Coogler [87:46]: "I had to go through what I went through with my other movies to be able to have the ability to do this."

Key Takeaways

Identity and Storytelling: Coogler's films center on exploring and representing black identity and social issues.
Cultural Impact: Black Panther marks a significant milestone in showcasing black narratives on a global platform.
Innovative Projects: Sinners represents Coogler's venture into blending horror with deep cultural and musical themes.
Collaboration: The strong partnership between Coogler and Jordan highlights the importance of trust and mutual understanding in creative endeavors.
Personal Growth: Coogler openly discusses his personal challenges, emphasizing the importance of mental health and community support in his creative process.

Quotes with Timestamps

Ryan Coogler [28:05]: "I tend to make movies that explore stories about identity—my identity as an American, as an African American, a black man."
Ryan Coogler [25:29]: "It was a devastating movie about a police officer killing a black young man. It's based on a true story, and all this stuff still happens and continues to happen."
Ryan Coogler [56:09]: "Rocky was my dad's movie hero, so the idea for me was to let me make a movie where Rocky's got to overcome something and to let my dad enjoy that right now."
Ryan Coogler [60:17]: "I wanted to get every Black Panther comic that was ever written. And it was like, 'Yo, we'll be right with you.'"
Ryan Coogler [74:35]: "I wanted to deal with the archetypes in this movie...to feel like a blues song, something that you heard before, even though you heard it for the first time."
Ryan Coogler [88:50]: "The biggest challenge is going to afford myself the confidence and space to know when a take is done, to know when a set is set up."
Michael B. Jordan [16:42]: "My wife was a sign language interpreter before I convinced her to make movies with me."
Ryan Coogler [70:05]: "Black Panther with a mythological universe that, you know, the good guys and the bad guys. Everybody's black."
Ryan Coogler [87:46]: "I had to go through what I went through with my other movies to be able to have the ability to do this."

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