Ryan Coogler, known for his work on boxing dramas and superhero films, dives into the horror genre with his latest movie “Sinners.”

This time, he took a hands-on approach, literally getting mixed up in the gore.

“On some days, we were completely covered in blood,” shared Coogler, the mind behind “Creed” and the “Black Panther” films, during a virtual press Q&A for “Sinners” on Monday. “Whenever I view a horror movie, I measure how often I feel squeamish or reluctant to look away. I’m excited to feature some of that.”

“Sinners,” which hits theaters on April 18, is a historical drama that intertwines blues music with supernatural elements. It features Michael B. Jordan in dual roles, facing off against a host of menacing vampires. A recently released trailer gives a glimpse of Coogler’s terrifying creations: set in early 20th-century Mississippi, twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both portrayed by Jordan) return to their hometown and join a house party where a young musician plays a captivating guitar amidst an atmosphere filled with music and sensuality.

However, not everything is as it seems. “There are tales of individuals gifted with such incredible music that they can summon the spirits of the past and future,” warns hoodoo practitioner Miss Annie (Wunmi Mosaku) in a voiceover. “This talent can lead to fame and wealth, but it also risks tearing the curtain between life and death.”

This leads to a group of vampires who start transforming people into bloodthirsty creatures. The trailer hints at a troubling situation for Stack, who finds himself trapped and pleading with Smoke for help. “That ain’t your brother,” Annie reminds him.

Coogler remarked that horror is “a genre meant for the masses, yet it frequently emerges when discussing exceptional works of art.” He continued, “It has an ancient quality to it, resembling the first stories ever told, which were likely horror tales, yet it somehow feels fresh at the same time.”

He stressed that while the film features vampires, “there’s a lot more to it than that.” Coogler promises, “We plan to surprise the audience.”

To develop the screenplay, Coogler delved into hoodoo culture and the backgrounds of blues icons like Robert Johnson. “When considering vampires, it’s fascinating how they appear across various cultures,” he noted. “They are the supernatural beings linked to seduction and choice. This theme is very relevant, especially since blues music is often deemed the devil’s music. The film engages with all these elements.”

Coogler drew inspiration from filmmakers like the Coen brothers, Robert Rodriguez, and John Carpenter while crafting his inaugural horror film. He highlighted two influences specific to “Sinners”: Stephen King’s “Salem’s Lot” and his favorite “Twilight Zone” episode, “The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank.”

The film’s setting holds personal significance for Coogler, as his maternal grandfather and blues-loving uncle hailed from Mississippi.

“I had an opportunity to explore my own ancestral background through this film,” Coogler reflected. “It’s rare for a movie to almost help you piece together your identity.”