Frequent collaborators Ryan Coogler and Michael B Jordan are working together once again, this time on a ‘top secret genre project’.
Ryan Coogler and Michael B Jordan have worked together on three films so far, and each one has turned out to be pretty special.
2013’s Fruitvale Station is an acclaimed indie drama that is credited with launching both of their careers, 2016’s Creed reinvigorated the Rocky series, while 2018’s Black Panther was a cultural phenomenon, grossing well over a billion dollars and positioning Jordan’s Killmonger as one of the finest Marvel villains.
The duo certainly bring the best out in each other, so it comes as welcome news that they’ll be teaming up once again on a ‘top secret genre project.’
As it’s top secret, there’s obviously precious little to go on, but here’s what we do know: Coogler has penned the project, his first spec script since Fruitvale Station. It has also been indicated that the project is an original tale.
Coogler will direct and Jordan will star in the film, which according to The Hollywood Reporter is going in front of interested parties this week, as the duo look for a production commitment from a studio (or perhaps streamer). Given the quality of their previous collaborations, they won’t have to twist anybody’s arm, we’d imagine.
Finally, the story is said to possess a ‘period element’ so part (or all) of it may divert from a contemporary setting. That would be a relative first for the duo (although Fruitvale Station was set in 2008, some five years before the film’s release date). The levels of privacy would surely please even the ultra-secretive Jordan Peele: there are reports of executives having to travel to Coogler’s office to read the script.
This looks like great news from were we standing: one of America’s most talented directors returning to original storytelling is a win all by itself, and that’s before you consider the buzz generated by his reunion with Jordan, who’s never less than excellent in any project he brings his name to. We’ll bring you more on this one as we hear it.
(And note too, the Coen brothers are reteaming as well!)
