The star and the director of “Sinners” have risen in parallel since first working together over a decade ago. In a joint interview, they explain their connection.

Over the years, Coogler has watched Jordan grow up on screen. While he may have started as the young man being mentored in his films, on “Sinners" he saw Jordan become “the elder statesmen” on camera and off taking newcomers like Miles Caton under his wing.