Ryan Coogler | Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Hello everyone. Welcome to another. episode of Good Hang. This is a This is. a good one. We were thrilled when this. person wanted to talk to us. Ryan. Cougler, the incredible director, um. Sinners, Black Panther, Creed, Fruitville, Station, just so everything, all the good things. And um we we we're. going to talk about so many things. today. We're going to talk about um. football. We're going to talk about. Jurassic Park. Uh we're gonna talk about.

uh how vampires are sexier than zombies. and we are gonna get in in the minutia. of the beautiful film Sinners that is up. for all the awards and should win all. the awards. So I loved this conversation. with Ryan and um and uh can't wait for. you to hear it. And we always start. these episodes by speaking to somebody. who knows our guest, who gives me a. question to ask them and speaks well. behind their back. And joining me today. is Ludvig Yurensson. Um Ludvig is a uh.

well just the most preeminent composer. has made music on all the films that you. love. Uh and and makes you know is a. record producer and and and just is so. super talented and they um he and Ryan. have been working together forever. So. we're going to join Ludvig and I'm going. to try out a little bit of my Swedish. Hello [music]. This episode of Good Hang is presented.

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[music]. [singing]. Yeah. What's who can? >> Yes. Uh my brother lives in Stocksund. >> Okay. >> So nice to meet you. Thank you for doing.

this. >> Where where are we talking to you from. right now? >> Uh I'm in uh uh my studio in LA, Los. Angeles. Excellent. And are you working. on something right now? >> Yes, I'm uh working on, you know, new. new projects, new. >> Can you tell us what it is or secret? >> No, no. I'm I'm I'm I'm I'm in the world. of Chris Chris Nolan right now. So, we'll just uh Yeah, that's that's taking. up my time and it's really fun.

>> Well, we're we're talking you uh we're. talking to Ryan Cougler today. We're. thrilled to talk to him. I'm a huge fan. and I'm [clears throat] really excited. And one of the things I've been learning. as I've been getting to know him is how. dedicated he is to the people he works. with and how he has really long. relationships with the people that he. works with. And you two met in at USC. together. >> Yeah, we met at USC 200. early 2008, I believe. Yeah. >> What was your first impression of him?

Do you remember meeting? >> Yeah, of course. Um, I was so when I. first moved to LA, I move I lived in. Culver City and every everyone in. America told me that you need you need. to move you need to get a car, right? You need to have a car. But I thought, oh, silly Americans, they don't they. don't get the idea of walking, right? So, but I I quickly understood that like. the bus just doesn't come, right? So, so I moved to USC to live close to. campus. I could walk from and I and it.

ended up I ended up moving into like a. fraternity house that was only open for. grad students [clears throat]. >> and uh it literally felt like I didn't. know what a fraternity was at the time. like it literally felt like I moved into. a American pie movie you know. >> so one night we had a party Ryan came. over and we ended up playing pool. together and he had and I remember uh. Ryan had these hu super long locks you. know down to his to his back uh and kind.

of. you know kind of muscle muscular in a. way because he had just you know he had. just come from uh uh football. He played. football for SAK State for college. So. he you know so that and and we started. talking playing pool um and then I. remember specifically talking about. music and he he had a lot of knowledge. about we talked about Swedish artists. >> Yeah. Uh, and that's kind of what we. kind of started bonding over music and. then that translated into film and and.

so um we yeah we we just we were just. kind of college kids in the beginning. Started just hanging out at parties and. talking about music and film. >> Was there a moment when you decided. we're going to kind of work together. forever? Like you know it's one thing to. like each other's taste but sometimes. people work a certain way that doesn't. you know connect with the way you like. to work. How do you two like to work. together and why does it work? >> The first score I did was for a little. um feature for the student film he had.

called Locks and I I played guitar on. that and and he was like he was it was. just so funny because I remember his. reaction when he first heard his my. music for his little short film and he. was like blown away. He's like, "Oh my. god, I can't believe someone writes like. music for the for my film and and it you. know and I was like obviously you know I. was kind of worried he was not going to. like it first. So when he was just blown. away that reaction, it was just so it. was so fun. And that and then every time. we were together, it was like it was he.

he had such an it was it was like such a. um it was so passionate about his work. and and uh and it was always so fun, right? So and we and we so we both are. like addict addictive like we love our. work, right? and and when you get to. combine that friendship with with with. work. Uh so that that's that's that's. that makes it very special. You can hang. out with your with your buddies right. while working. >> Can I geek out with you for a second on.

three films? Fruit veil, um Black. Panther, and Sinners. When you think of. those three films, what instrument comes. up in your mind first for each? Uh, Fruitville was guitar. cuz I knew I was like Ry I knew how much. Ryan loved guitar, you know, and and I. guess I never. really thought about why he loves the. guitar. And I never understood why he.

loves it until like we started working. on Sinners. And I was like, I understand. like, okay, well, his uncle, you know, was a blues. um um he he loved blues music and he. always played blues and obviously in. blues music, guitar is the that the main. instrument, right? So So Ryan kind of. grew up listening to that music and it's. always been in his in his in his bones. and his mind. And. my dad is a guitar player and it was. blues music that changed my dad's life.

to become a a a blues guitar player. 1964 he bought his first my dad bought. his first blues album John Hooker and. that music you know coming from the. other side of the world to Sweden. changed his life to become a guitar. player and that obvious and that made my. you know he put a guitar in my hands. when I was seven. >> So it's it's kind of a full circle. there. Um, >> that's really cool. >> So, yeah. So, with with Pil Station, I. would say the guitar is is is the main. the main instrument. Um, and Black.

[clears throat] Panther. is the the the the talking drums. >> I don't really know what talking drums. are. Could you explain? >> Yeah, it's it's a it's kind of the first. type of communication device. It's the. first telephone. So in in in in Africa. and and I was specifically I went to. Sagal and West Africa. Um but this but. talking drum exists in in so many. different um regions down there down in. Africa. But it's it's it's basically a. drum that that you can play messages.

with because it's it's very small and. you you can breathe and you can squeeze. it to have different pitches. Um so with. these different pitches and this these. different rhythms you can talk. It's. almost like Morse Morse code, you know, but but analog on a drum. Um, and in. every village, they would have a talking. drum. They would relay messages to the. the the one you he would stand in the. middle. He or she would stand in the. middle and then play and they would you. could tell, oh, the king has died or or.

we someone's back from being gone for a. long time or, you know, everyone get. together. So, and I met this incredible musician. in in Sagal, Masambado, who uh who's who um put together an an. amazing talking drum crew and and we. recorded a bunch of stuff in in Sagal. Um and also it was like one one thing. that I thought was interesting was like. how would you say Tachella's drum tala's. name on that instrument on that? >> Yeah. Oh wow. Very cool.

>> The theme and then and for singers Yeah. It's the guitar again, man. We're back. to where it all started. >> Yeah. And Buddy Guy and and who was in. the film and who I want to talk to Ryan. about. Uh it's just like. amazing like an amazing moment at the. end of the film. >> Yeah. >> Thank you for talking about Ryan and I'm. really excited to talk to him today. Do. you have a question uh for me before we. go that you think would be fun for me to. ask? It's it could be big or small. It. could be asking him a story to tell. It.

could be a private joke of your many. years together or it could be something. about the film or anything at all. >> I mean, you could ask him, you know, because when we were doing Sinners, he. was he was practicing guitar. He was. playing almost every day, you know, he. had a guitar in his office. He had he. took it with him when he moved to New. Orleans for for production. So, you know, and I spent I spent a little. not a lot of time, but a little time on. on with him just like showing him how.

how certain riffs was going. And so, you. know, that's something you could you. could check in with him like how how. how's his uh chops coming along. [laughter]. >> Perfect. Perfect. Okay. >> And and only because the movie is over. does it mean that he just need, you. know, does does he that he doesn't need. to keep it up? >> Yeah. Right. >> Right. that Lig says like, you know, you. just can't put it down. Like, next time. I see you, I expect you to be I expect. you to have improved. [laughter]. >> Exactly.

>> Yeah. Yeah. Great. Well, thank you so. much for your time. It really means a. lot that we got you in in in what I know. is probably a busy day with a young. upand cominging filmmaker, Christopher. Nolan. I wish him the best and um just. such a fan of your work and really. really appreciate your time, Lic. Really. nice to meet you. >> Very nice to meet you, too. And I hope. to see you maybe in Sweden uh next time. >> Anytime. And uh uh. >> t. I.

>> Yes. >> Okay. [laughter]. >> Thank you so much. >> Bye. [laughter]. >> This episode is brought to you by. Visible. Got a resolution to save? Kick. 2026 offright with Visible. It's a. oneline wireless plan with unlimited. data and hotspot for $25 a month. Taxes. and fees included, all on Verizon's 5G.

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This episode is brought to you by Apple. Watch. So, how's that New Year's. resolution going? Or are we quietly. pretending the second Friday of January. doesn't exist? That's quitter's day, by. the way. Most of us tap out by then. But. not this year. Not if you've got Apple. Watch. Apple Watch keeps you moving. literally with those movement goals, activity rings, little achievement. streaks, and even gentle nudges like, "Hey, maybe stand up today." It's like. having a motivational mentor who's also.

very polite and lives on your wrist. So, if you're thinking about giving up, don't. This is the year we quit. quitting. Let's go. Apple Watch made to. motivate. Find out more at. apple.comapplewatch. series1. iPhone 11 or later required. >> Ryan Cougar is here. I am so so happy. Thank you so much for doing this. >> Thanks for having me. This this is it's. amazing. I can't believe I got I got. invited here. >> Are you kidding? Are you kidding? We're.

thrilled you wanted to do this. And I. just got to start by saying like I'm. going to I'm going to glaze you a little. bit in the beginning. >> Please don't. >> I know. I know you're not comfortable. It only take a few minutes. I promise. I'll be done. But what of the what we. were talk when I was thinking about what. what I wanted to talk to you about today. like the big thematic thing is that and. what I love about your work and your. characters is that you don't limit. >> the possibilities of what you want to do. as an artist and what your characters. could do. Like you're really into the.

idea of almost open borders in terms of. [laughter]. in terms of in terms of what people can. do and also like what's in them. basically what's in them. And I feel. like that comes from I've, you know, been reading so much about you and. watching of course everything you make. and it feels like you're really into. this idea of making sure that you get. influences from everywhere like that. that really informs you. >> Why do you think it's important to be. influenced all the time by many. different things? I think um for me.

[snorts] I'm interested in like a lot of. different things, you know. Um and all. of my experiences definitely like inform. >> me um where where I find myself, right? >> Yeah. Um, and I think that. what I what I do and you know the. position I occupy um in the industry is. is is. you know I'm I'm trusted to to make. things that can go into theaters and and.

um uh and work for people from a lot of. different backgrounds and environments. and circumstances. Right. >> Yeah. So I think um I think like what I. have to do is I have to stay true to um. to myself and and what I like and and. and also consider um you know what what. people came up consuming if that makes. sense. Is that is that is that is that. >> it does and and what you're saying is is. really interesting too because as an. artist you have to kind of like you're. you have such a strong instinct about.

what you want. >> Yeah. And you it's almost like you can't. you almost want to forget who you're. making it for. But what I love about. your work is you don't. >> Well, yeah. Yeah. >> You don't. >> Yeah. No, [laughter] no, no. For sure. Cuz I cuz I can't, right? Like like um. you know, I fell in I fell in love with. movies. >> like at at the multiplex, you know, you. know? I ain't go to I didn't go to a. house theater or to a film festival till. I was like. >> a fully bagged adult. You know, you know. what I'm saying? Like. >> when you were a kid, what did you uh. what did you eat at the movies? Oof.

>> What? Tell me about your movie. experience. What would Right. Would you. bring stuff in, sneak stuff in? Would. you get it there? >> I cannot confirm or deny [laughter]. any any snack smuggling. But but if I. but if I did, I might have brought a. peanut butter and jelly sandwich or two. You know what I mean? Like that was what. I would do if I was into that. >> Um [laughter]. >> but but but no, like I I used to like to. I used to like it was a period in time. where they used to let you weigh the. candy. >> Yeah. >> You know what I mean? Like you pay by. weight. >> Yeah. And um and I I would do.

experiments trying to see like what. candy was lighter that looked that. looked crazy, which candy was heavier. You know what I mean? >> Like a trash bag full of cotton candy. >> Yeah. Yeah. We Exactly. Exactly. We we. in there with limited funds, you know. [laughter] Um and shouts out to uh to to. um uh all the simmers that used to let. us stay. Once we bought one thing, you. know, we go ahead and go. They weren't. tripping off us going to see something. else. >> Yeah. >> Get a little bang for your buck. But but. no, my go-to was peanut M&M's. Um I'm not a big soda soda person, but.

like but like when they started to let. you mix and match the drinks, I got. involved with that, [laughter] you know. Um yeah. So So yeah, it was peanut M&M's. and and then and then obviously the. junior mix if they if they in the. freezer, >> you know, like if they got them in the. freezer, then then I'm then I'm going to. do it. If you like the ritual of getting. the your snack and sitting down and. lights going down like you I know you've. talked about it but like it's so. important for you to for films to live. in theaters. >> Why is it so important for you,

>> man? You you you uh this is really cool. We talk about this. Um, no. I I just. love how um how uh. I mean, is the word egalitarian. like like like but I love how it's just. you you in you in there. >> with a bunch of different types of. people, you know? Um it's teenagers in. there cuz that's the only place I could. go be alone. >> Um it's it's uh it's retired couples, you know what I mean? Like it's it's.

groups of friends depending on the movie. you. >> you going to see. But everybody's in. there together. >> Yeah. And and when a movie and when a. movie is is great, you know, everybody. kind of unifies, you know, like like you. feel you can feel everybody's energy. focus on the same thing. Yeah. >> And what I what I actually really love. about it that I learned about myself um. since since like the streaming era is. like when I get when I get overwhelmed, whether it's something's too funny or um. something scary or I got too much. anxiety. >> or I'm too like I'm too like like turned.

on by what I'm looking at or whatever, I. pause like almost like immediately. You. know, you know what I mean? like like. like out of a fear that. >> maybe I'm going to miss something cuz. I'm laughing too hard or or um. >> out of a out of a worry that like I'm. going to get too worked up and I'm going. to have a heart attack or some. curse on this curse. Okay, [laughter]. >> I'm going to have a I'm going have a. heart attack or something. You know, I'm. like I'm have a panic attack. I'll pause. Like what's what's dope. >> in the theater is you can't pause. >> That's so right. >> You know, like it's no so when. something's happening that that has you. like feeling like you.

>> you out of control, you still got to you. still got to go with it. That feeling of. giving yourself over. >> Yes. >> to to something that you don't have to. control to pause, rewind or fast. forward. Like that that is a really, >> you know, it's a really nice feeling. Like you come from you come from from. you're making me remember like when I. went to the movie theater. too, what also happened was like from. like I wanted to be funny. So also it. was a place where you could be kind of. funny like you know you'd have a a.

moment a quiet moment [laughter] you. know like especially in the like in the. trailers not so much in the movies. sometimes people wouldn't like it but in. [laughter] the trailer a mo a trailer. would come out and someone would be like. >> nope you know or whatever whatever. [laughter]. and. >> AFTER AFTER THE TRAILER. >> YEAH OR you know or someone be like. [laughter] so and you'd get to get a. laugh in a group. >> like you'd get like that was sometimes. like a lot of people's first laugh. >> Oh, that's awesome. I never thought. about that. >> And also in movie theaters, a lot of. action happens like your first date.

>> Yeah. >> You're scared. You grab someone's hand. The first time I held someone's hand was. in a movie theater. >> Like it is so intimate. It's so cool. Who were the What were the movies when. you were like What were the movies that. you can remember as a young person going. in and walking out of that theater and. feeling like you had been completely. transformed? >> Yeah, it it'll be it'll be um two big. ones. Boys in the Hood. Yeah. Um, and I. was I was a baby in there, man. Like. like younger younger than my younger. than my eldest kid is now.

>> And she can't get through a Pixar movie. without being like, "Dad, that's too. crazy." You know, [laughter]. my dad had me like Boys in the Hood like. right here, son. You know, like I'm like. four years old. Like, ah, [laughter]. oh Um, but then uh but then Beauty. and the Beast. >> Yeah. >> Um, and then and then Malcolm X. >> Yeah. >> Um, all of these was like kindergarten, first grade. [laughter]. And and then I would say I would say. probably. one of the biggest ones was Jurassic. Park. >> We we saw Jurassic Park when Oakland.

still had a drive-in. Um and I I was I. remember being in I remember being in. the in the car like um and I used to. hook the uh speakers up to the window. >> Yeah. >> And I'm in there and and it's the scene. where uh the T-Rex scene at night. You know that thing comes out. They in a. they in a they in a car driving away. from you and they got the shot in the um. in the in the uh like side view mirror. where it says objects may be closer than. they appear.

>> and the T-Rex is right on them screaming. and I and I look at I look at I look at. my [laughter] side view mirror and it's. got the same written on it. So I'm. I'm like like going to be a you know I. mean like a T-Rex jumping off, you know? I'll never like [laughter] I'll never. forget I'll never forget that man. And like I got addicted to that feeling. Yes. Yes. >> Um, so I got the opportunity now to try. to to to attempt to give people that. feeling, you know. >> You So you mentioned Oakland. You grew. up in Oakland. You're going to school. there. >> You're really good at sports. You're. really good at. >> I was I was like, "Yeah.".

>> Okay. [laughter] Uh, you you're a really. good What position did you play? >> Um, in college I played receiver. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. So I I returned kicks, play. receiver. >> Um, and and. >> when you're a receiver and you're in. college, are you always worried about. your hands? [laughter]. Like, you know, do you when you're like. out and you're like, I can't do that. Like, >> no, we didn't I didn't think about it. like that. >> You don't treat your hands like. >> No, I didn't. I didn't. Okay. >> Yeah. I Yeah. No, we was I mean I was. like, [laughter]. >> but I mean it feels like it like it.

would be like you didn't get. >> No, that's I mean, if I was smart, I I. would [laughter]. like I was like 17, you know? You know. what I mean? I wasn't tripping like like. um I was I was literally like slamming. my hand in car doors, you know, [laughter]. like like so it wasn't it wasn't really. something we was I should have been. thinking about. But like now the kids. get paid which is great. >> Yeah. you know, um I was on scholarship, which is like the most you could do. legally, you know what I mean? Like at. the time and um and I was like I was. like thrilled that I could pay for. school cuz my parents was busting their. ass put me through put me through. private school most of my most of my.

life. >> Um so y'all was just I was thrilled, man. I was not thinking about my my. >> No, you were. And [laughter]. >> did you love that? [clears throat] Did. you love that feeling of playing? Like. what was so great? >> Oh, yeah. I loved it. >> And were you you're a Raiders fan. growing up, obviously. >> I was agnostic. Yeah. Like like in the. Bay I was acknowled. >> Do you have any posters on your wall? Did Young Ryan have posters on. >> I I did I did. >> Who were they of athletes or were they. >> Yeah, athletes artists. I had I had them. all like um. >> Who do you have?

>> I was crazy. I had Jerry Rice. >> Oh yeah. >> Um I I had Tim Hardaway Warriors. Warriors around TMC. um you know down. the road um you know I would I would get. I would get into like into like other. athletes like Hakee Elijah was a big one. for me. >> um you know and then and then. football-wise I once I started playing. receiver I just love you know I liked. all the receivers man Randy Moss Terrell. Owens. >> um Tim Brown you know Steve Smith who. was Steve Smith I love cuz he was like.

short like I was you know and was still. out there making it happen. >> it's interesting like athletes just like. any anyone else are I find looking for. people that rep like look like them. Absolutely. That that are that are good. because it's like I absolutely Yeah. >> But I mean I I also knew that like you. know I would I would meet players like. >> um like Maurice Jones, Drew or Marawn. Lynch like players I would play against. and I'll be like man they got a lot. better than me. You know what I mean? Like you were like oh they're going to.

be like you come across players that's. like oh that's something different. happening there. and and and that was. kind of how how I also kind of could see. early maybe football wasn't going to be. what I did for every. >> How about Maran being like a comedy star. now? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Was he always funny? >> I mean, he not funny when you trying to. tackle [laughter] him, you know what I'm. saying? I used I used to really I used. to really play against him, you know, like like we we came across each other a. lot. >> Um and he would he would he would he. would actually in high school he was.

trying to guard me. So, I was dealing. with him on offense and and defense. I. had some success on the offensive side. against him, but like but like trying to. trying to tackle that man was. impossible. So like yeah, he was not. funny on the field. [laughter]. >> But but but yeah, as a as a as a person, man, he he hilarious, you know what I. mean? Like his whole family is like that. though, you know? Like like our family's. from the same. >> from the same part of Oakuckland and he. Yeah. His mom hilarious. You know what I. mean? Like his brother's, >> you know? Um Yeah. >> But how do you go from So you're playing. and you're a finance major and then you.

you switch to becoming a film major. No. Like, so, so. >> you leave and go to USC after you, after. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, so um I went to I. went to high I went to I went to high. school in Berkeley. >> Yeah. >> And at this point, I was living in. Richmond, another city. >> that that's even that's even more blue. collar than Oakland, right? >> Yeah. >> Um and I I got I got a a scholarship to. a school called St. Mary's College, which bay. >> I had a teacher there, Rosemary Graham, who who read something that I wrote in a. credit writing class was like, "Yo, you.

should write screenplays." But at that. time I was a chemistry major. So I. figured I was going to try to be a. doctor or something, right? And then um. but the chemistry labs was not working. out with my football practices. I was. having a real tough time. So I was like. I got to get out this chemistry so. I can keep my keep my scholarship. And. um that that football program collapsed. So I got another scholarship to. Sacramento State. Went there and majored. in finance but I took I took film making. classes on the side. That makes sense. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, when I'm [clears throat]. when I've been learning about you like.

USC, you've met so many people that that. [laughter]. >> it's talking about talking about a team, it's where you met your team. >> Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. Yeah, that's was grad school. Um, >> right. >> And then I met um. >> Oh, man. I guess out of all the people I. worked with, Lou Vig was who I met. first. Um, Louis Van, >> my composer, and then um my coowriter on. on Creed, Aaron Cington. Um, and then. eventually I meet Sev Onion who.

>> your producing partner. >> Yeah. Who who works for me and Zay at. Proximity. >> And you met your beautiful wife Zindy. there. >> Well, Zindy I met in Oakuckland. Like I. met I met. >> Oh, you met You guys met when you were. like 13. >> I was 13. Yeah. >> You guys grew up together. >> You grew up together. I think it's so. amazing when you talk about all the. stuff that you make. Um, you talk about. the people that you make it with, which. >> in my opinion, um, >> like really, >> I don't know. I.

>> I so respect artists who remind people. that what they make is a communal. effort. >> Oh, yeah. >> But people don't always want to do that, right? Like they don't want they. sometimes they that's just not their. first instinct. And it really is. And I. know. >> Zindy makes your films with you. And how. important is she uh in terms of like. your process? How how do you guys work. together? >> We just like since we so so so we. started dating in high school. We broke. up for a little bit and then um. >> what happened there? >> I mean, you know, [laughter] that's not.

for the podcast, but. >> Okay. OKAY. >> High school Um but but but but we. got back together right before we went. to college. >> Yeah. >> And and what we would do like that. summer before we before we left cuz we. was both on scholarship. She went to. Fresno State. I went to um St. Mary's. like I mentioned in there Sacramento. State. But what we would do is we would. just work out together um to get ready. for college and we go to the movies like. that was it like we was either we was. either on the track working out in the.

weight room lifting weights or we was. you know we was uh uh at at the movies. you know in Emeryville and Richmond in. Oakland. Um, and for us, we got really. uh used to just pushing each other, you. know, and supporting each other, you. know, >> um, being at each other's meets, her. being at my at my football games. >> She's incredibly shy, but like at my at. my games, I could hear her voice, you. know, while I was out there trying to. trying to catch touchdowns and. everything. I try to do the same for her. to track me. Um and and and when I got. interested in film making, um you know,

she she was just really supportive, you. know, like like I was writing. screenplays and in Microsoft Word. >> and kind of like venting to her like, >> man, if if one day I I got the software. that cost 300 bucks. >> um called Final Draft and you know, maybe one day I could get that, you. know, in the meantime I got adjusted the. margins and all of that. >> Yeah. >> Um and then she, you know, she set her. over money, got that from me. Um and it. wasn't just like here baby, here goes. the draft. She was like, "Yo, where's. that script at?" You know, [laughter]. "Where's that thing you working on?". >> Um, you know, that athletic mindset. Uh,

so so how it works is, >> you know, I always talk to her about. what I'm thinking about working on, and. she'll I kind of hone my pitch with her. >> Yeah. >> Um, she'll be the first person to read, you know, what I what I write, give me. feedback. Um, so my scripts always going. out really really hone at the the early. stages in my career. And, um, the film. school, she was with me um, you know, all the time. shoot down a classes with. me ass work on work on the sets, you. know, um producing and sometimes.

operating the camera, you know, um if I. had to jump in um you know, so so it was. that kind of support and it just it just. kind of stayed that way um through. Fruitville when we shot at home. That. was when we first moved in and started. living together. >> Wow. >> She was on say even though she had a day. job, she would just come like get off. right, come straight. >> How many days did you shoot Fruitville. station in? Um. >> 20 days. >> 20. Yeah.

[applause]. >> What I'm learning or what I feel like I. know about you, Ryan, is like you're. super collaborative and also you know. what you want. Like those two things are. so important I think for any real. leader, especially on set. But I don't. think enough people know that a set is. like a little town. Like totally. >> it's like so many people working. >> No. Totally. Totally. And your parents. was were school teachers. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So like you you you get it like. like like the um like like that you know. that blue collar mindset um you know the.

communal the communal mindset the need. for communication. And for me it really. is I think that's why movies work when. they when they work you know um because. you're talking about like like mass. entertainment you know what I mean? like. a lot of people go in and go engage with. the. >> But that's why you're such a genius is. because it's it's. it's hard to make it's hard to make a. movie. Number one, just hard to make a. movie. Then it's hard to make a good. movie. Then it's hard to make a good. movie that people enjoy making with you. They walk away and go that was a good.

experience. Then it's hard to make a. good movie that was enjoyable to make. that people go and see. >> Yeah. >> Those things are really hard to make and. you've done it over and over and over. again. And you've done it again with. sinners. So incredible. Thank you. >> Like and I picture you going to your. team and being like, I have an idea. [clears throat]. >> And they were like, >> what was their first instinct was? >> So So I went to Zenzi first. >> Yeah. >> Um and and it wasn't fully baked and she. was like, "Man, that ain't ready yet.".

You know, keep thinking on that. >> So So I thought I bought her some more. >> Yeah. >> I think I went back I think I went to. her like three times before she was. like, "Okay, that makes sense." you. know, um, and and it was better for and. then it goes to Sean, um, who who who, you know, we we're the. three founders of Proximity. >> Um, we got a co-founder in Louis and. this is a it's a music based film. So, we brought Lou again crazy. Yeah, exactly. Before that was a script. >> Um, you know, while it was just all. idea. >> Oh, that's so interesting that living. So, um, uh, were you always thinking.

about Michael B. Jordan from that? You. were always thinking about using him as. the twins and the twins was always an. early like that was. >> why why why twins? It's hard to shoot. >> I know. [laughter]. >> Yeah. >> Like this extra work. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. No. No. For sure. I. mean look like it was a hook for me. It. was so sticky, right? like um. >> um and in this day and age you need uh I. think you need multiple reasons to like. lean in,

>> you know, like like when there's so many. great things available, >> you know, like I was in the white room. I'm watching you and I'm watching you. and Julie Drifus talk and it's so. entertaining like it's an hour it's an. hour of like two really entertaining. people being intimate and talk, you. know, that's just on my phone for me to. click, you know, there so many ways to. spend time. So for me, like I think that. I'm a firm believer in like things. having multiple hooks, you know, you. know what I mean? And and and it's a. hook for me because um I I have twins in. my family,

>> but I and I love them and I I got a lot. of homies as twins, but I'm also also. have a crippling fear of doppelgangers, >> like a strike phobia. You know what I. mean? >> No, I don't. What do you mean? >> Yeah. Um. >> what are you afraid of? [laughter]. >> That you're going to run across your. own? Yeah, I've had nightmares like. that. >> Yeah. But but also like [laughter]. >> because I know what you mean because no. offense to twins, but twins, the idea of. twins in general is a little creepy. >> A little creepy. Yeah. >> It's great. It's just creepy enough.

>> Yeah. Like like so so I think. >> someone who was in the womb with you. >> Well, yeah. That's that's fascinating to. me. Like and and. >> we dug deep with Mike. Like I got two. buddies um who are filmmakers, Noah and. Logan Miller. Um they actually wrote the. script G20 that um Violet was in which. she was the president like doing action. >> Yeah. Yeah. But. >> they from Northern California, a little. bit further north than than where I'm. from and and um. >> and you know I actually asked them if. they would be open to being consultants.

on the movie like to work with me and. Mike on developing the characters. And. we dug so deep into like the into like. the mindset and the dynamics of of of. what it's like to have. >> Yeah. you know, um, you know, essentially a copy of yourself next to. you all the time, you know. Um, but. Michael, Michael B, he just like he just. knocked he just knocked knock knock. knock knock knock knock knock knock. knock knock knock knock knock knock. knock knock knock knock knock knock. knock knock knock knock knock knock. knock knock knock knock knock knock. knock knock knock knock knock knock. knock knock knock knocked me back by his. brilliance and um and how he portrayed. these characters. >> where did you first see Michael did you. see him before you knew him did you see. his did you see did you watch the wire.

>> I did. >> so good in that. >> yeah he was heartbreaking. >> heartbreaking yeah heartbreaking. >> I knew a lot of kids like that you know. um both you know friends of mine and. also when I was working with my Mhm. >> You know, um so yeah, like he it was a. brilliant a brilliant portrayal and um. you know, kudos to to Mike for his. performance and David Simon for for you. know, for writing the character. >> and HBO for having the show, you know. what I mean? >> That that show was a next level.

>> Yeah. And he was he was great Friday. Night Lights. >> That's right. And did you um like do you. think it's important for directors? A. lot of directors have. >> an actor that they get to kind of you've. had a few, but like an actor that you. get to kind of keep working with and. working stuff out with. Why is that. helpful to work with the same person. >> more than once? >> Yeah. I mean, I think it's it's great, man. Like when I It's funny cuz it. actually comes back to football for me. cuz I play I play receiver and I I play. with a lot of different quarterbacks,

you know, especially in college. And it. was tough cuz I never felt like I found. my rhythm with one with one person, you. know. Um and and and that's so important. like I think uh finding a rhythm is is. like a. >> um it's like fundamental to to I think. to achieving greatness, you Yeah. >> Um, so it's phenomenal to have to have. um found a actor um who's so who's so. talented, you know, gifted um uh uh.

ambitious, you know, cuz Mike is. constantly trying to push himself and. get better at his craft. >> He's professional, >> but he's also like a good person, you. know, like like he's like when you doing. a movie with him, >> if he's number one on your car you. know that you going to have a safe set. for people, you know? um he going to be. able to do. >> great work without making people's lives. miserable. He going to treat people with. kindness. Um he got nothing to prove. So. he he learns the PA's name. He learns. the camera operator's name the same way. he'll know the producers names, you. know. >> Um and and that.

>> that is something that I think permeates. the set like at a at a foundational. level. I've been very blessed in that. Well, one could argue too that you you. you um that's also what you transmit, give off. That's your station. Like your. channel is attuned to that so people. take their cue from you. >> I try to, >> you know, >> but it's great to have Mike there to. amplify it, you know, cuz that's who he. is, you know. >> Um and he's ridiculously talented. Like. it's he's he was doing work that. required a lot of focus, you know, like. he was.

>> he was still generous to people even. though he'll come to sell in a day where. he's got to be, >> you know, two different people, you. know. Was it fun to call him up and be. like, "You're going to be a vampire.". [laughter]. >> What's crazy is. >> because I would be psyched if someone. >> was Hey, we might have to make the call. [laughter] at some point, man. We might. have to figure it out. But but but for. for me, um what it what it was was how. it ended up working. I was trying to get. the screenplay together. >> cuz Mike's busy, you know.

>> Um and and and I didn't want to I didn't. want to say, "Hey, I got a thing.". >> Yeah. and then have me waiting for, you. know, for for a script. I didn't need. him blowing my phone like I wear a. shirt. Um, but what ended up happening. was he called me and pitched me. something. >> while I was working on this for him. Um, and then and I was like, at first I was. like, Mike, I can't, you know, I can't. work on that right now. And he got upset. like, "Hey, man. What's [laughter]. >> Hey, what's going on, man? Like, you. know, I want I want to get this going.". >> Like, it's something you're not telling. me. So, I'm like, "Look, I'm working on. a thing.". >> Oh, it's interesting. You're like, "I. have a secret, but I'm not ready. I'm.

bringing this to you. >> This is what it is. his his his twins, you know, his his period, his vampires. And I remember how he how he reacted cuz. he just got quiet for it for before for. a long [laughter] time. And I was like I was like, "Oh did. I lose him?" [laughter] You know, and. he's like, "Uh, he's like, "Man, you. know what? That sound pretty. interesting, man." [laughter]. He's like, "Okay, okay. When when you. want to do it and and so I got the. script done and got it to him and then. he was he was in." I mean, I there's a. lot I'm not a big uh horror I I I get.

kind of scared at movies and um I'm not. really a big horror fan, >> but what's so cool about vampires is. vampires are sexy. >> Exactly. >> Zombies are not. >> Zombies not sexy. No, >> vampires are sexy. There's [laughter]. >> It's true. And and your film has a like. there's so much going on. Sinners is so. amazing and original IP and like. beautifully written and beautifully. acted and shot and incredible cast. The. chemistry between the characters in your.

film is so real. >> and the way in which you basically. create uh in the midst of horror. [laughter] like like love and romance. and sex. It's like you do a lot of. things in this movie really really well. And I would just like to say the most of. of the many things in the film that I. loved. >> Can I just get small for a second to. talk about the scene, the dancing scene. in the film? >> Um, uh, Autumn, your incredible DP,

first female DP to shoot in this IMAX. format. Arauta. >> Yeah. And, and Autumn, but how did you. guys approach the scene? And there's. that beautiful scene where everyone's. dancing and kind of enjoying themselves. before the horror starts and their. ancestors kind of they join them. >> How did that scene look on the page? >> Yeah, I could tell you um it cuz I had. outlined the script before getting into. final draft and writing it.

>> Yeah. >> And I I didn't have I didn't have that. that um um surreal like element to it. It was it was just going to be that that. that you know preacher boy sings and. people like it, you know. Um. >> that's what it said in the script. >> No, no, no, no. That's what it said in. the outline. >> Okay. The outline. >> In the outline. When I got to it in the. script, >> like I I got I felt strange cuz I had. fallen in love with all these all these. characters. I didn't want them to die. You know what I mean? Like like that was. I realized in this movie I got I got to.

like. >> get bit in the neck and and check out. You know what I'm saying? [laughter]. Um, and and and I felt I felt bad and I. and I and I realized that this scene was. the midpoint and. it dawned on me that like these these. people uh the real people not in my. script but the real people that that. they based on um these these black folks. in 1930s who were like of age to be in. this juke joint. um you know they they. were they were living in uh in in in.

Clarksdale during Jim Crow. They all. were they all were sharecroppers um. because it was there was nothing else. that the society allowed them to be. Their grandparents were enslaved. Um. they their children and their children's. children would still be sharecroppers. Um but somehow they they um invented, you know, probably the most impactful. American contribution, the global. popular culture, and they invented it. just because they wanted to feel alive. for a few hours, you know, Friday and.

Saturday night, you know. Um and and and. and they had no I don't think they had. any idea that the music that they listen. to. >> would change the world, you know, like. like um so so so I thought I thought. about that. And I say, man, I'm about to. I'm about to like kill him by vampires, you know, like I got to have something. else in the movie that that that that is. like some type of some type of victory. moment, you know? Um and that was. [clears throat] where that was where the. idea the idea of um um of of depicting. just how how powerful and transcendent.

Sammy's voice um um is. If it could call. a vampire, you know, maybe it could call. the these people's ancestors and and. descendants, too. So So that was So I. wrote the script. I wrote it all in in. italics. [laughter]. >> I clicked the italics on and and I kept. it all in one chunk. Wow. >> You know, um like like almost like a. stream of consciousness and left it like. that in the script for when for when you. know for when my my partners read it and. everybody read it to know that to to to. really you know um you know read that.

read that differently, you know. >> Yeah. It was so powerful and and thank. you for putting that putting that giving. that context to it because that's what. it felt like. It felt like you were you. were loving those characters in real. time. That's what it felt like. It felt. like a loving gesture in real. [clears throat] and and we felt that. when we saw it was so so beautiful and. so beautifully shot just the way the. camera moves. >> I mean it was everybody working like in. concert with each other. Um we we we.

brought in Akaman Jones who's who's a. choreographer works a lot with Usher. Raymond. >> um to choreograph like Pitch Perfect and. he did all the Panther films. I actually. met him through Chav Boseman. Um rest in. peace. >> and and and uh you know every department. was in on that like from Hannah Bler to. our visual effects supervisors Michael. and James Alexander um all them they're. all ARA cinematographer obviously we had. a brilliant steady cam. >> Yeah the steady cam work was incredible. There's a kid named Renie. Um, Haitian.

American kid, ex football player. >> Um, I think he played niu. Yeah, he used. to be strong strong d and sharp, >> you know. Um, and everybody had to, you. know, everybody had to work together. actors, the the incredible dancers. >> um you know, Ruth Carter with our. costumes and beautiful. >> and it was it was like that was the most. team effort. >> uh of everything that we that we did. that that that scene as well as it's is. uh I used to call like the twin. counterpart which is the the step. dancing scene that happens Yeah.

>> that happens a little bit later in the. film. >> Yeah. It's so beautiful. And um I I I. want to say you you you talk about your. work on Black Panther and Chadwick. You. gave a beautiful speech recently um at. the Hollywood Walk of Fame about. Chadwick, which is beautiful. And I. don't think people ask you enough or I. don't hear enough like what did you guys. laugh about when you would work together. on Black Panther? You know what? Me, [cough]. >> what did you what when when you think. about the times where you. >> have you seen Have you seen Chad on SNL?

>> Oh, yeah. Yeah, he's hilarious. He is. hilarious. Like, you know, he played. James Brown. He could do anything. >> Yeah. No, but he but his his natural his. natural way of being I think. >> Would he Did Would he Does he like to. tease. >> all the time? >> That's the thing. >> Yeah. No, no, no. He he was. >> No, he he would do it in action, which. is what [laughter]. was crazy about him on set. Yeah. He was. very disciplined. So, so he's he's. constantly in accent. Yeah. and and just. being and just being like like you know. it'll be ridiculous like in between. takes in between you know like like um.

>> like I'm trying to I'm trying to think. of like. >> like do you guys did you guys goof. around when you were I mean it's you're. working hard [laughter] I was I was. ridiculously stressed out. >> you know like like like unbelievably. stressed out. >> and um and and we know we know now what. all Chad was dealing with you know. >> um but he was he was incredible man like. and like deeply. >> deeply funny you know deeply funny man. like he would he He would tease with. with uh with Lupita and Deny. >> Um you know uh constantly constantly.

cracking jokes, man. Like like in in um. you know we would laugh [laughter]. >> we would [clears throat] laugh most. about the costumes, you know, like like. just just how how. >> and I bet it must be fun to like. introduce a new costume. >> Oh yeah. Oh yeah, man. Like like like um. >> uh Yeah. But but like we like the like. like some of the props too, man. Like we. would joke, we would joke and say that. he was we was going to give him. [laughter] like it was a walking scene. and we would joke and say we was going. to give him the um like the the that the.

giraffe tail that he can like that he. can like swipe like swipe flies away. while he was walking with while he was. walking with Lu Pizza and he would he he. was he was a martial artist. So he took. that he took the he took the uh the. little thing was. >> Yeah. He had like the ability to like. clown. He was so talented. So talented. >> Yeah. He was gifted, man. Like like um. but but had a you know had a great sense. of humor. >> I feel like comedy sometimes is where we. stay connected sometimes with the people. that have passed like. >> like thinking about the times we laughed. with them.

>> 100%. >> And they I feel sometimes like they make. us laugh. >> Yeah. >> We we see something that makes us laugh. that makes us think of us laughing with. them. I don't know. I just think that. like it's fun sometimes to think about. those times. >> No, for sure, man. like um and and I. think uh for for me. when I when I look when I look back on. my my relationship with him, man, it it. it it taught me it taught me so much. But the biggest thing is like to not.

take things for granted, you know, like. even even all of this, shammy, like like. um. >> the success of the film. >> um being invited to do podcast with you. uh uh um doing um um awards press with. my cast. Yeah. like be before losing. him, you know, I would be um not present. in those in those moments, you know, like I would be overwhelmed or or be. considering it to be work or or uh. dealing with like imposter syndrome or. what have you. >> Um but but but since since losing him.

because he would be the one to to like. snap me out of that, >> you know, like when I would be stressed. on on Panther, I would say, "Man, I got. to hurry up and do this or I'm going to. get fired." M you know and he would say. hey man stop saying that. He actually. pulled me to the side. He was like yo. stop saying that you know and I'm like. no I truly believe that. He was like yo. I'm not going to let anything happened. to you. He told me I'm not letting. nobody fire you bro like me. [clears throat] like so so please stop. you know please stop saying that. Relax, man. You know do your work. Enjoy it. You know.

>> um and and. >> that that very act of being present. He. was so he was so. >> good at that. >> So I think about that all the time like. like even walking in here with you. I'm. like, man, I'm really I'm really here. Like, I just seen it set on the podcast. and I'm here talking. I seen you perform. and and watch all your movies and your. shows and it's like it's like, damn. Like, I'm I'm being invited to come sit. in this in the same in the same spot. Just be just being present. I literally. learned that from him, you know? >> It's a. that lesson is like I feel like the. lesson we just have to keep remembering.

and being reminded of over and over. again. Like, be where you are. >> Be where where your feet are. Be where. you are. It's hard. It's not easy, but. you're right. It's a gift every time. you're reminded of it. So, are you. getting to enjoy the fact that you have. a gigantic. successful movie that's. >> like being rewarded and will be awarded. and you're with these people that you've. worked with now for a really long? It's. awesome. >> Yeah, I'm having time in my life. >> And so, we do this thing on the show.

where we talk to people who know our. guests. We kind of talk well behind. their back before we get before we talk. to them. And we talked to Ludvig today. >> Okay. [laughter] Oh man, that's crazy. >> Okay. And first of all, so Swedish. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> My brother lives in Sweden, so I tried. to talk a little Swedish to him. >> How'd it go? >> It didn't go well. [laughter]. >> He talked back to you in English. >> No, he talked back to me in Swedish and. I panicked. Like I totally panicked. [laughter]. >> Well, you got through the first thing. >> Like I said like two words and then he. answered me and I. >> usually usually when I try to speak.

another language of people who native. speakers, they just talk back to me in. English and be like, "Hey y'all, stop. it." [laughter] You know what I'm. saying? >> Oh, I know that. There's nothing sadder. than when they than when they talk back. to you in English and they're like. whatever we don't [laughter] they're. like what are we trying to do here? >> Yeah. So you got Swedish back. >> So I did get Thank you. You're right. Maybe I should look at it as a win. So I. got the first base. You know what I. mean? [laughter]. >> Exactly. He definitely he was humoring. me. Um, and he's so Oh my I mean what an. incredible talent and the music it it's.

so interesting to me that you brought. him in so early because you can tell. that I mean this is a movie about the. power of music too and. >> you know you have buddy guy be like the. embodiment of kind of like the before. and now you know is like a living. person. >> Totally. and and in many ways. >> almost feels like a vampire [laughter]. >> in the way that like. >> feels like he's still here and was there.

then. >> was there then yeah. >> it's so cool. >> but it wasn't that long ago. >> that's like kind of like what the what. the what the movie is. >> saying. >> right and Right and a very good reminder. >> it's actually like it's actually like I. cheated him for younger cuz like. >> if if the character would have actually. been Buddy's age it would have put the. movie into the 2000s Right. >> Put it in in 2002 as opposed to 92. >> which would have put the fashion. >> like it is today. So it would have. probably confused. >> Oh right. Yeah. Because you right. You.

need a little bit. >> confused audience. >> Well that's really interesting. And you. and Ludvig you know he he's talked about. where how amazing it is to work with you. how collaborative it is to work with. you. He also said like, you know, there. were a bunch of different versions vers. versions of sinners that before the. final version and working on that. together and figuring out what that was. >> and um and how his dad and your family. like the blues be were brought us.

together. It did. How did it bring it. bring you guys together? Well, um yeah, like so so the the history of the how. how the blues kind of um became this. this instrument of like global cultural. change was was um really interesting. like. um the Delta Blues. when the record industry came, they made. those records race records and this was. a time where where where um you know the.

country was segregated and and and the. record industry was was was was a. product of that. So they would they. would kind of put race records over. here. Anything made by a black person, the same record might, you know, made by. a white made by a white person, they. call that maybe rock and roll or blueg. grass or country. And um and black. musicians when the record industry was. burgeoning, they couldn't tour, >> you know. Um but but uh their records. would would would travel you know um. overseas.

and and a lot of a lot of you know uh. bands in Europe kind of fell in love. with the music. >> um like maybe most famously the Rolling. Stones for instance or the Beatles. [clears throat]. Um and and and then those those guys. would come to the to the states and seek. out these musicians. >> and and then take them on their European. tours, you know, as opening as opening. acts. >> Um and in Sweden, Louik's father. >> uh saw I believe John Lee Hooker um and.

Albert King. Yeah. Yeah. And and and was. was so inspired by seeing him that he. decided that he wanted to become a Bulls. guitarist and became one, you know. Um. and and when he had his when he had his. his his his first son who who was. Louvig, you know, he introduced him to. to guitar lessons, you know. Um and and. and his dad made money as a guitar. teacher. >> Wow. >> And and what's crazy is Louvig, you. know, how he tells me he was it was. something that he he liked spending time.

with his dad, >> but he wasn't necessarily crazy about. about the music that his dad was. listening to until he heard Metallica, you know, >> and then and then and then boom, he fell. in love with it. and and you know became. a became a you know a guitarist, had a. jazz cartel, all kind of different stuff. going went to music school. >> and eventually came to came to to the. states to learn how to become a film. composer and that's how we met. We met. in school. >> Yeah. >> You know, in 2008. >> Yeah. You met at a party. >> We did. >> Yeah. I mean, if you want to call it.

that. Yeah. It It was It was pretty It. was pretty uh It was pretty dead. [laughter]. >> Bunch of people sitting around. >> Yeah. It was a bunch of It was a bunch. of nerds sitting around [laughter]. and we was two of them, you know what I. mean? Thank Thank God I found him. >> Yeah. His question to you is is like a. perfect musician guitarist question, which his question that he wanted me to. ask you was, "How is your guitar playing. going?". >> Oh my god. >> He wants to know how it's going. >> So busy. [laughter]. >> Oh, okay. So maybe maybe there's one.

thing you're not great at. >> There's a lot of things I'm great at. [laughter] You should bring Zindy in. here. She'll tell you. She'll tell you. all of them. But but uh no no I'm I'm terrible. Yeah. Like it's not going well. [laughter]. >> Yeah. It's not going well. >> Good. It makes the rest of us feel a. little better that you're also not like. excellent at guitar. Blues guitar yet. >> Yeah. But you're learning. You're. trying. >> Better at typing. >> Yeah. [laughter] But but but um. [clears throat] the guitar is still. there. You know, my kids play now, you. know. Um but uh I got to get back on my. I got to get back on my lessons.

>> Yeah. He wanted to he wanted to check. in. >> It's not going well. >> Okay. We'll let him in. Um well well I. just want to say you know before we. before we wrap is that the effect that. Black Panther had on um. >> you know I I I went to the movies to see. that with my sons my teen sons. >> and to see something together a shared. experience like that together and to. kind of walk out to your point out into. the world after feeling completely. changed like this the color of the sky.

is different and the way we're talking. to each other is different and the. things we've heard is different. Like. the way in which their lives were truly. changed by that film is so special to. me. I really I thank you for it because. it's not always easy to find that. especially like. a mom and her boys and teen boys and. like to find something that you can. share in together and love equally. >> It's such an incredible piece of art. Um. they would want me to ask you.

>> if you're making another one. >> Yes. >> Okay. That's all that's all I want to. know. [laughter]. >> They like my my mom was my was my movie. buddy, you know. Um and she still is. >> Uh you know um so so yeah, I got that. that hearing that story. >> I can't tell you how many times I've. been in the car with my mom going to go. >> see a movie she was excited about. >> Um she would go when I was too young to. go to see movies. She would come back. from dates with my dad and she would if.

the movie was good, you know, she was. she would she would stand there in the. living room and act out the movie for me. like walk me through everything that. happened. That's so cool. >> Um my fondest memory was her doing that. with the fugitives. You know what. [laughter] I mean? Like she's like yeah. for jumps down the waterfall and then. Tommy Jones says I don't care. And then. like you know that was my mom. So like. like hearing that you watched it with. your boys, y'all had a yall had a nice. time that that means everything to me. Thank you. It meant a lot to me, too. I. really appreciate it. And I the the last. question I want to ask you is um your.

relationship to comedy, you have you you. you I think in all of the stuff that you. do, you you have fun. You like have fun. with the. >> the ways and again which your you don't. put boundaries on how your characters. are going to react to things. Sometimes. they're like light and comedic. You have. a you want to have fun in the stuff that. you make and you want people to have fun. when they go and see your films. Um, what what are your what were some. influential comedic films for you. growing up and what are what's making. you laugh now? How do you laugh?

>> Man, that's so funny. Um, a lot of it. for me. these days. um is coming like it's coming from the. internet. >> Yeah. >> Like like like like. big time, man. like um but coming up, you know, my like one of my favorite. movies is Coming to America. >> Oh my god. Incredible movie. >> Like like that's that's that's my you. know that's my. >> incredible. >> that's got my that's got my heart um to. this day. Um and I I love I love like.

>> I love Friday. >> Yeah. >> You know [snorts] like like that's a big. one. >> Yeah. >> Um I love I love like May's McKay's. work. Like one of my favorite movies the. other guys. >> Oh yeah. >> I think I think that gets slept on. I I. totally agree. >> That's my favorite movie of his even. though you make some some great some. great ones. >> Um. >> that is a stupid fun movie. >> Yo, [laughter] I can't like it's like. it's so it's so much it's like it's so. much Yeah, it's so much in that movie. That's that's that's that's so deeply.

hilarious. >> Um you know uh and yeah, like like. obviously SNL, you know. >> Do you watch SNL? >> Yeah, big time. >> You do? >> Yeah. Yeah, >> I got homies that's been on there and. just, you know, like like I love what. Mike did on there with the State Farm. bit, >> you know. >> Okay, let's watch that. [laughter]. >> Wait, tell me again. Explain again the. State Farm bit. >> So, so, so, so Mike is u [laughter] You. want me to? >> Yeah. Will you set it up? >> So, so, so Mike, so Mike is Jake from. State Farm and um and and it gets it it.

just goes dark like like from there it. become it becomes like a like a like a. like a like a David Lynch movie. [laughter]. But um you know. >> Oh yeah, Jake from J-pop. Okay. >> He he just totally replaces He totally. replaces his he becomes his man's worst. nightmare. [laughter]. >> Like he he replaces him. >> I can see how why you would like this. >> He's teaching his kid how to play. [laughter]. >> He's got his hand on the small of his. wife's back.

>> Yeah. Oh, he just gave him a look. [laughter]. >> Okay. So, you're you do you watch you. watch Sketch to get. >> I do. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. I do. I love it. >> I like it. I love it. Well, >> that's why I'm so excited to to be here. I mean, obviously I mean that that enjoy. from from Pixar, you know what I'm. saying? But but [laughter] all all of. the all the all of the comedy stuff, man, I'm like I'm like. >> I think it's like the highest level of. of of what we do. So, like, you [snorts].

know, any of y'all that can that can. that can kill it on multiple levels and. multiple ways, you know what I mean? live scripted or improv. It's like, you. know, but you would know that from my. work, [laughter]. >> but I'm defin I'm definitely in there. >> Yeah, I get it. And it's it's I I'm know. you're like beyond busy. It means a lot. that you came. Thank you so much for. coming. It was such a such a such a. pleasure. And um thank you to every your. incredible team of people, too, who made. it happen. So, thanks, Ryan. It means a.

lot. Thanks so much for coming. Thank you so much, Ryan. That was. awesome. And uh I learned so much about. you and about films and your love of. them. So, thanks for joining me today. And um for this Polar Plunge, as we. finish, um you know, I asked Ryan what. kind of posters were hanging on his. wall, and I thought it was only fair to. share what was hanging on my wall when I. was growing up. So, you should know that. I had a poster of the band White Snake. Okay, that's number one. Um, number two,

I think I must have had like a a movie. poster. It was probably, you know, something like Lily Tomlin and. B. Midler and like big business or. something like that. I don't remember. I. probably had an 80s motivational poster. like a cat hanging on a branch saying. hang in there. When I was really young, I used to uh look at a magazine called. Teen Beat and I would rip out posters of. Sean Cassidy.

um and put them on my wall and put um. lip balm on my lips and then kiss the. picture. [laughter]. So, um I don't know. Just felt like you guys. needed to know that. Okay, [laughter]. Ryan, thank you so much for joining us. Thanks for listening. Bye. You've been [music] listening to Good. Hang. The executive producers for this. show are Bill Simmons, Jenna Weiss. Berman, and me, Amy Polar. [music] The. show is produced by The Ringer and. Paperkite. For The Ringer, production by.

Jack Wilson, Cat Spalain, Kaia McMullen, and Alia [music] Xanerys. For Paperkite, production by Sam Green, Joel Levelvel, and Jenna Weiss Berman. Original music. by Amy Miles. really good. [music and singing] Hey.