Remember back in 2003 when Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King was released? Fans often discussed how the movie seemed to have multiple endings, with Jackson adding new epilogues and wrap-up scenes when they thought it was over. Ryan Coogler’s expansive, delightfully chaotic 1930s-era vampire film Sinners mirrors this approach in a "just when you thought it was safe to head to the restroom…" manner. Important note: do not bolt for the bathroom the second the credits roll. Stay for at least the mid-credits scene. It’s more than just a simple tease or joke; it’s practically an extension of the movie. Spoilers ahead.
Does Sinners have a mid-credits scene?
Absolutely, and it’s quite extensive and detailed. By this point, the film has given us the grand finale where young blues singer Sammie "Preacher Boy" Moore (portrayed by R&B/gospel singer Miles Caton) and local gangster legend Smoke (Michael B. Jordan) confront a vampire horde led by the deranged mass murderer Remmick (Jack O’Connell). Following that, there’s another intense showdown as Smoke returns to a doomed juke joint he established with his brother Stack (also Michael B. Jordan), facing a mob of Ku Klux Klan members bent on killing him, and instead, he takes them down.
In an epic gunfight, Stack is shot and sees a vision of his wife Annie (Wunmi Mosaku) cradling their deceased child, beckoning him from the other side. But he rallies back to life momentarily for one last stand, killing a Klansman before he succumbs to his vision, adding a third ending to the film with almost comedic timing.
Afterward, as the credits begin, Coogler transitions to 1992 Chicago, where a frail, elderly Sammie (played by the legendary Buddy Guy) is performing with his band. His successful career is evident with his album covers adorning the walls. At the bar post-show, the entrance of Stack and his white-passing girlfriend Mary (Hailee Steinfeld) spurs intrigue. They survived the 1932 vampire massacre and now present as vampires dressed in bold ’90s fashion. Stack talks about a promise made to Smoke not to harm Sammie, suggesting immortality as a vampire, an offer Sammie declines. Instead, Sammie picks up his guitar and soulfully performs “Travelin’,” after which Stack applauds and bids farewell.
Does Sinners have a post-credits scene?
Indeed, it does, offering one more finale, though this time it’s less connected to the plot. It’s unclear whether the scene is canon or simply a performance outtake. In it, Sammie is seen alone in his father’s church, energetically singing the 1920s gospel classic "This Little Light of Mine." The temporal placement of this scene is ambiguous, potentially representing a joyful moment from Sammie’s past before the film’s events, as his stern preacher father, Jedidiah (Saul Williams), would likely not tolerate such a display. Alternatively, this moment might just capture Caton’s captivating vocal talent in the church’s resonant acoustics, serving as a musical farewell. Regardless of its placement, it fittingly offers one last, satisfying encore for a film that consistently grants its characters additional poignant moments.
