Hollywood power duo Michael B. Jordan and director Ryan Coogler are joining forces once again for an undisclosed original genre film. The project, which has been kept under wraps, was presented to industry executives and buyers at the offices of WME last week. Subsequent meetings are planned to secure production commitments from potential suitors.
This venture marks a significant milestone as the first spec script from Coogler under his production banner, Proximity Media. The collaboration signifies the fifth partnership between Jordan and Coogler, whose cinematic journey began with the critically acclaimed “Fruitvale Station” premiering at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. Their creative synergy continued with the successful “Creed,” a spinoff from the iconic “Rocky” franchise. While Coogler transitioned from directing the series, Jordan assumed the lead role and even stepped into the director’s chair for the third installment. Coogler, in the interim, spearheaded the groundbreaking “Black Panther” series at Marvel Studios, with Jordan portraying the memorable antagonist Erik Killmonger in the initial entry and making a cameo in the 2022 sequel “Wakanda Forever.” The collective box office earnings from Coogler’s four features have surpassed an impressive $2.4 billion globally.
For this undisclosed project, Coogler is set to direct, write, and serve as the lead producer. Joining him as producers are Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian. Jordan, also represented by M88, is slated to take on a starring role in the film.
This collaboration marks a significant moment for Coogler, as it represents his first project post-“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” the highly anticipated sequel to his own critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated film. Furthermore, this original genre film will be Coogler’s first since his directorial debut, “Fruitvale Station,” showcasing the filmmaker’s return to original storytelling.
