Ryan Coogler & Gina Prince-Bythewood | Directors on Directors

Gina Prince-Bythewood and Ryan Coogler sit down for a conversation about Hollywood, 'The Woman King', and creating art. The two directors trade war stories and examine how their movies, both of which unfold in African kingdoms (one imagined and one reclaimed), manage to walk the line between art and populism.
Variety Directors on Directors presented by MGM Studios and United Artists Releasing
bit.ly/VarietySubscribe
/ variety
/ variety
/ variety

[@jcanthony16]

Whoever came up with these combinations of actors and directors for these interviews this year, deserves a raise. These have been so great to watch

[@Ayommari]

Agreed

[@phunchurchgirl]

I was watching a movie and saw this interview and stopped the other thing just to watch. Plus the topics they're discussing are so much more detailed and compelling

[@ajharris4861]

I came here to say the same thing! What genius decided on this concept? I love hearing them discuss the journey and concepts they wanted to convey. As an educator, I was thinking how this rich exchange would be great for students. World building is a term I’d never heard (not from the film world) and adds to my amazement of how movies are birthed.

[@galaxylucia1898]

Yes!! Learning so much about their work!

[@andrewreed4924]

Fire whoever put Taylor Swift with Martin McDonagh.

[@Chuuzus]

Ryan Coogler, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Jordan Peele and Kunle Afolayan are the black film directors that inspire me as a future film maker. the way they tell their stories is phenomenal

[@jakestroll6518]

I haven’t heard of Afolayan, I’ll look them up. Sad that Steve McQueen isn’t on your list.

[@AverysCinemaReview]

Absolutely! All 4 of them are trailblazers, for sure. 🙌🏿🎬

[@violetsunset555]

And Barry Jenkins

[@loveablej2]

Add Ava Duvernay and we got ourselves a great list!

[@taylormademosley]

We look forward to what you have to say

[@rednaxelaaj13]

I've never seen Ryan so comfortable and almost giddy to talk. He's usually more reserved in interviews. This was such a great paring!

[@variety]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@leeyah3696]

It’s true

[@ajharris4861]

I noticed that too. The brother is brilliant! I love to hear his perspective on his creative process and what motivates him. The stories behind the stories he tells is just as fascinating.

[@JJAY66]

I have 😈😈😈😈

[@filmladyproduction]

Inspired by each other's work. Creative minds. Great interview.

[@young_pootie]

i need another 30 minutes this conversation was too good

[@rednaxelaaj13]

My thoughts exactly!

[@variety]

Same.

[@Ayommari]

That is exactly what I said when it ended. I need the unedited version. 😭😂

[@ishmoose1]

Right

[@speakupken]

Agreed

[@jakestroll6518]

Coogler is such a nice guy. Like an actual good human. I like how his mind works but his heart makes it even easier to root for him.

[@Ayommari]

I love him as a young director.

[@sharb2919]

Well said !!!

[@filmladyproduction]

Would love to see him in action behind the scenes.. he is no nonsense and serious when needed. Gina Prince too, brave souls, fighters, determination and push. Not easy to convince industry. But, we now see 2 Epic films not just 1.

[@LadyAstarionAncunin]

I like how real he is. He seems like someone who'd be nice to work with. I've heard similar things about what it's like working with Coogler that I've heard about working with Jordan Peele. They're both collaborators, which I'd appreciate.

[@thecontinent9192]

Yes 100%. How he Carrie’s himself is a huge reason why he’s my favorite filmmaker. His authenticity.

[@gemelwalters2942]

Always happy to see more black creators. We need to see more films like these just telling stories, not just about the struggles. That is important too but we had decades of slave movies and civil rights movies. We need to get to the point where we are just telling stories whether it's sci-fi, fantasy whatever where the color of the characters skin isn't a plot point. So kudos to these two creators and hope to see more from them.

[@LadyAstarionAncunin]

1,000% YES!!!!

[@YoungBlackFly]

10,000% agree

[@khaliasacko6228]

Yes.

[@youtubeisdead8153]

stories about horrible slavers made into heroes ? do you understand there is not small possibility that some enslaved ancestors which end up in US was sold by these people/tribe .... im up for good stories but not changing/lying about history to make horrible people look like heroes .....

[@gemelwalters2942]

@@youtubeisdead8153 That's a rather ignorant response. Did you complain about Gladiator having white slaves and white masters? or 300 knowing that the Spartans also had slaves, raped and pillaged? That is just nonsense. Every race on this planet enslaved their own race at some point. There's an entire beloved show called Spartacus about a white slave with a white slave owner and an entire sport where they fight each other in a colosseum to death. Having the same skin color doesn't make someone "your people". These were warring tribes. Yes some of them traded slaves who were prisoners of war....like every other civilization on earth. Europeans took advantage, fueled those wars so that you either traded with them or you would lose the war and be wiped out. There is no excuse for ignorance when the internet exists, spend less time on feigned internet outrage and more reading about history, wars and why certain things happened.

[@Clouden3]

I love that the last line of this video is "Lashana killed it. " yes she freaking did. Please give this woman her Oscar nomination!

[@lauraramirez3448]

So crazy and amazing how Letitia & John talked about their parts of their movies and now the directors are talking about the production and process is so interesting and impressive. Love these sit down talks man ❤

[@johnwebb2442]

Exactly.

[@j.cutrone]

Yes, Variety! Thank you for putting these two together.

[@variety]

Our pleasure!

[@juicyfruit7974]

You can tell they greatly admire each other and are true fans of each other’s work.

[@fierceandfreern5445]

I am about 6 minutes into the interview and I love the flow of it. They are pouring into each other and giving so much insight. I love both of their works.

[@deliberatedmind]

One of the best pairings yet!!! Two grounded amazing human beings who unquestionably apparent by their own words, ideas, spoken values, perspective, ambitions are not just filmmakers, they are human beings in search of life’s truth for their own lives and family first and foremost, and determined to integrate truth into every aspect of their work and art. A powerful informative inspirational useful conversation!!!!! Wish more of the other conversations were as well.

[@maceharris7656]

This was a perfect Director on Director match up. Watching the amazing and legendary Gina Prince Blythewood passing that decades of filmmaking experience to the young up and coming Ryan Coogler, who is a creative genius in his own right, is so inspiring. I love watching this!! Boss move VARIETY!! Thank you for this. #BLACKEXCELLENCE #WAKANDAFOREVER #THEWOMANKING

[@factthatdude4059]

The woman king isn’t black excellence

[@johnwebb2442]

Love it

[@jhohadli]

This needed to be longer. Was loving seeing and listening to them vibe off of each other.

[@iammattlaw]

Coogler the Genius and Gina the Legend

[@maceharris7656]

💯💯😀👍

[@johnwebb2442]

True.

[@TJMasie44]

I love how soft spoken they both are, so soothing ❤❤ no wonder actors and actresses trust them 🥰🥰

[@LiLiWhittWhitt]

Amazing interview. All I can think about is how BLESSED we are to witness and experience their art. Thank you for this pairing. The tour inside their mind is incredible. The way they think and the way they handle Black culture- I am so THANKFUL. Especially as a Black woman. 🙌🏾

[@brina4sultana807]

2 directors of 2 beautiful movies, it's so inspiring to listen to them talking about their process. Ps: The necklace of Ryan stole my heart 🖤

[@mattpiers4589]

Cinema is in great hands with these two 🙌🏾 always look forward to whatever they put out into the world

[@rkms5606]

Indeed

[@AA-qb7ni]

I love that Variety is doing a directors version!!!! Ryan should be so proud of Black Panther.

[@eme.261]

Variety, you are killing these pairings-- another spectacular discourse between two amazing directors. Thank you!

[@jasmineisntblue]

“You’re not rooting for anybody. You’re actually rooting for it to stop.” 20:41 So true!

[@judycarrasco74]

What a great interview, inspiring. I could listen to Ryan Coogler all day. He seems like such a humble, good guy, as well as a master storyteller.

[@eskayh7734]

I hadn't been in a movie theatre since 2019 and these two coming out with theirs less than two months apart in the same year? It's been a great time for me. They've made each viewing worth it.

[@inesrodriguez876]

Some personal values and humanity from these Directors are so much perceptible in this interview. It makes understanding on how beautiful, impactful and trascendental are their films. ✨💎✨💎✨. Thanks Variety for posting this interview !!🌸🥰

[@AverysCinemaReview]

2 of my favorite directors. Trailblazers; Innovators. 💪🏿🎬

[@lindamalote1719]

That was a great conversation. Coogler asked some super interesting questions, I liked that it came from a fan perspective, but in a industry educated sort of way. I was really getting into it, wish it was longer but grateful for this 🙏🏽 MORE black directors, and generally people of colour please! 😁

[@colstonlchinese]

I appreciate seeing this exchange about their craft and collaborative process with the actors and crew from these two fire film directors. I equally value their primary motivations for showing our complex humanity as Black people on the big screen. The world stage is big enough for both of their cinematic storytelling to co-exist and be celebrated. Thanks for sharing this dialogue!

[@kimsjohnson]

In love with both of these directors and their work. I really appreciate being able to hear about the process and thinking behind their genius.

[@Actlikemjsmith]

As an actor from a small market these are the directors I aspire to work with someday. In some ways, I feel closer to that dream watching this. I'm just hoping someday my work will pay off and we'll be able to tell a story together. I never stop getting inspired by seeing black people create. Thank you Ryan and Gina! Yall make me feel like I belong and I'm on the right journey 🙌🏾

[@derrionbrown3923]

I stopped everything I was doing for this one 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@joeycrack1213]

She must be talking about lashana lynch in the bond movie when she was talking about “not being able to see her “

[@eskayh7734]

Same thing I was thinking. I'm still annoyed. They didn't give her enough to do on top of that and shafted Naomie as well. Cary should be ashamed.

[@Queenb2001]

I was wondering what movie she was talking about.

[@Greenz1100]

I am mesmerized by this series. Never in my day would I ever would have thought that I would see a true reflection of me and my siblings in such roles as Directors. Seriously well done to them both and their teams. Great interview in fact it is an education.

[@JesusNoland]

Great sit down conversation. I have so much respect for these two directors.

[@JensDean23]

whaaat... she both wrote and directed Love & Basketball?? that is one of my favourite movies. I really lost the ball on this one.. (pun intented)

[@KelliShepp]

This was such a beautiful conversation between creative minds who are successfully bringing forth stories about Black and Brown people. “…an appetite for something that’s been denied…” that explains it exactly.

[@toonmili03]

That's so true. In Wakanda Forever you're rooting for them to stop fighting. That's sooooo true.

[@christopheryoung6047]

Gina and Ryan please make something together...Bashenga Disney plus with the Woman King actors!!!! Some of my favorite films have been directed by these two geniuses!

[@mox9076]

I've never clicked on a video so fast. These two are a treasure. Protect them at all cost.

[@rebeccanascimento8234]

I am beyooond thrillhed to hear this conversation.Both movies brought me the best experiences I had in the cinema this year. Both show an incredibly diverse group of women of color that were sooo well fleshed out! All different types of strenghts, intelligence and wisdom. We have matriarchs, warriors,teachers, mothers, scientists, lesbians, heteros, queens and commoners. Its bind blowing to me. Thank you thank you thank you11

[@mrscarnegie]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 yesssssss. And vibes.

[@SoFlyGemini]

Before there was Ava... Gina was giving us all blk everything in the 90/00s movies!! Love & Basketball will always my favorite!! 🙌🏾👑 Can we plzzzzzzz get Old Guard 2

[@rkms5606]

👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 indeed.

[@bklyngirl913]

This conversation was way too short. I could listen to them for hours. Two directors that are fans for each others work, yet speaking as equals in this industry. Understanding the difficulties of being creators of color with a responsibility to the culture and the craft, which is a conversation that needs to be had more often. Thank You Variety

[@inesrodriguez876]

Both, Ryan and Gina are such a passionate and High level film Directors!!!✨💎✨💎✨!!!

[@Chuuzus]

Ryan Coogler is so fineeee

[@tiastime1170]

Thank You I thought it was just me! 😫

[@HysteriCool]

giving a thumbs up before i even watch because I know this is going to be GREAT!

[@Rosewtr_]

My faves! Thank you!

[@thereelpineapple]

Two of the best in the game, LFG! 😊

[@lilmilontiktok]

🧢

[@johnwebb2442]

Love this conversion, two great talented black film directors.

[@susiq1121]

Both are too cool for school...two artists edifying one another, great to witness

[@Mrs.FillUp]

What an incredible collaboration. I was engaged from the introduction. This mash up is absolutely necessary. Please continue to bring more diverse people in the arts to tell their story. I can watch with interview several times.

[@Cauldron6]

Love seeing these incredible creatives speak about their craft.

[@mrswagg2ful]

The Hollywood Reporter better step up their game, Variety’s been eating with these director collabs

[@charleshenry8194]

Great people, great interview. This is great. I didn’t know she directed Love and Basketball that is so cool. Great to see the honor, reverence and appreciation they have for each other.

[@user-zg8rp8uw6p]

oooohh this combination is crazy

[@jordy407]

This is so special. Thank you for this.

[@acmanda07]

Super cool ! Love this series as well as the actors on actors series

[@erickaj.1693]

Thank you for providing space for this conversation

[@domoniquep2176]

I love seeing the discourse between these Black, talented directors!!!!! Ryan Coogler is really fine, as well.

[@crystalsherman8896]

These two are some of my favorite directors

[@dreamidani]

love the way ryan speaks!!

[@rashadabruce3310]

I love that Ryan is himself, he uses real words. He could inspire through just being present in rooms.

[@RCJonieB]

I could watch another 25 minutes of this conversation

[@tree3302]

This was sooo good!

[@mamaluvs2dance]

ok, I haven't even watched this yet, I'm in awe of the fact that 2 of my all time favorite "kinfolk" are together like this! 😍 let me pop some popcorn and crack open some vino!

[@taccara]

“Woman king” is a great movie I remember going to see it in theaters, very moving!! Love and basketball is one of my top favorite movies and Ryan is an overall great director!

[@lenny_skywalker]

Love this interview, but yo y'all ARE KILLING IT THIS YEAR WITH THE COMBINATIONS FOR REALZ lol 🔥 thanks Variety 🤩😁

[@eminosose]

08:54 "Quick as Ryan is distracted, now is the time to sit on the throne and take picture"

[@nicward6418]

Loved this! 👏🏾

[@jenniferariesta6464]

A three way convo between Coogler, Blythewood and Peele - what can we do to have THAT?!

[@blkluvchnl]

Ryan was so excited to talk to Gina lol

[@Lee1Min-Ji]

First shout-out to Spike Lee and John Singleton for being way-finders for these two directors to now come through and tell stories about us that now go beyond the limits they had. This was a great conversation!!!😊

[@aminadoctrove3738]

I love the fact she said she wanted to make historical epic with us in it! That’s why all the online fake outrage of the film didn’t bother me. I’ve watched so many old school epic films with my mom (Ben-Hur, Cleopatra, The Ten Commandments) so to see a film on that scale with almost all Black people and mostly Black women was so fucking awesome! I do wanna see Ryan Coolgar move a way from Marvel to do some more indie films in the future. And I didn’t know Gina-Prince Bythewood had such a varied film history! Watching Woman King you could tell it was such a labor of love.

[@ToniStrayhorn-eg4ld]

This interview was Everything!!!!!✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿

[@thecircleclub_]

Imagine being in charge of Marvel and not giving Coogler the keys to their next huge Avengers movie…would be a massive mistake.

[@kentekuzan]

yeah that man took an impossibly sad and just plain impossible situation and made it amazing

[@AndreaAthos]

this! he could literally save this mess they are in right now.

[@annabel1grace]

This interview warmed my heart. 🖤

[@JCARTHRON]

Thank you 🎉

[@roxxxyjoseph688]

❤❤❤Love, Love this Conversation with Gina Prince Bythewood and Ryan Coogler!

[@Danny-fs1hk]

I love these 2 directors. 👍🏾

[@maceharris7656]

Thanks!

[@abernard3294]

Great convo

[@filmladyproduction]

Do these more often. 2 favorite Directors.

[@KAM-rl6tz]

I am still waiting for Old Guard 2. 🤔 I still haven’t seen Fruitvale Station. I can’t do it. 💔

[@RodneyLBrooks]

This is excellent.

[@AndreaAthos]

Ryan is the best director in the MCU and the only one right now who still gets and loves the characters. I hope they continue to give him this freedom.

[@riahbee323]

awesome interview:)

[@aprillewis8601]

Wow. There were so many beautiful things that was said. I enjoyed this Director on Director. 👍👍

[@kellychery8367]

Love this! I enjoy the Actors, but I needed the Directors take

[@frowhatitsworth]

This was a great pairing!

[@rogerlid2118]

Great interview, Ryan Google.

[@justinmitchell8343]

Oooh this is a good one this is a good one!!

[@MayaTable]

Loved this

[@leronnspaternalpresencepod5247]

Great Conversation by great Directors about Great Films!

[@Hamlikebam44]

These two people are needed for the culture!!! Love for real

[@whitneymoore4507]

Love this!

[@GrandPrizeFitnesAJAY]

I love Ryan. He's an inspiration.

[@GustavoGonzalez-hs5yj]

This was a dope interview! Also, need the info on Ryan's sweater! Cleannn

[@kincamell]

Stellar. Gratitude.

[@Splurge24]

I **LOVE** that Ryan is so clearly A FAN of Gina. I can feel his excitement. Gina asks him a question, and he immediately is like "... yea, but this is what YOUR movies make me think about vision!"

[@Gertrude-Intrudes]

Literally my two favorite movies ❤

[@ndo533]

Love this