
Your August 2023 Horoscopes Are All About Release & Ushering Love Into The Forefront

August is impactful. This is a month where it’s all or nothing, and a lot is changing and coming to fruition right now. Focus on the energy you are giving out and the energy you are receiving, and work with the divine alchemy in your life to manifest. Powerful things can happen to you this month, and this is the time to set your intentions for them. The month begins in Leo Season and with Venus making its retrograde transit through this bright fire sign. Under this influence, love is a big factor in the changes that are occurring right now, and new energy is being created here. August, overall, is an important time of the year when a new page is being turned.
August 2023 Horoscopes
On the first day of the month, there is a Supermoon in Aquarius. This is the Sturgeon Moon of 2023, and this time is all about connection. Emotionally rejuvenate, let go of separation, and allow yourself to connect deeper to others and the world on another level. Focus on what brings YOU closer to others and your dreams rather than apart from them. On August 16th, there is a New Moon in Leo, and this New Moon is bringing in some happiness, some creativity, and a whole lot of love. This New Moon is all about having confidence in yourself and showing up. Don’t count yourself out right now, and be a little more courageous with your dreams and with how you can express yourself.
Virgo Season begins on August 23rd, and in true Virgo fashion, we are forced with some hard truths on the same day, as Mercury goes retrograde in Virgo as well. Virgo Season altogether is an opportunity to straighten things out, organize the details, and connect to your higher self. Virgo doesn’t put up with what doesn’t feel right, and Virgo Season is often a time when people are cleaning house. With Mercury retrograde in this earth sign in the midst of it all until September 15th, there could be a sense of feeling more pressure to have it all together.
Remember, it’s about progress and not perfection right now, and sometimes just the clarity needs to be enough until you can do more.
On August 27th, Mars enters Libra, and new connections are being built. With the Sun in Virgo and Mars in Libra, two very selfless signs, there is a lot of love and support flowing through the world. Mars in Libra is a reminder to have balance in life and love and to prioritize what and who is important to you. Uranus goes retrograde in Taurus this month from the 28th until January 27, 2024, and Uranus retrograde brings the shock factor. This rebel planet makes changes in the spur of the moment, and in Taurus, a lot of these surprises come to be financial. Uranus in Taurus isn’t afraid to take risks, but Uranus retrograde in Taurus is a reminder to be careful with financial impulses and to make sure you will still have stability through any unexpected changes that may arise.
What’s interesting about August 2023 is that two Full Moons are happening this month. The second one is a Full Moon in Pisces, on August 30th. This Full Moon is the Blue Moon of 2023 and is another Supermoon. With all of this powerful energy moving through the cosmos this month, at the end of August, some major closures are presenting themselves, ones that provide more space emotionally to receive greater blessings. The Blue Moon is about trusting the guidance of your soul.
As the month comes to an end, August is a great month to look back on when it comes to when things started making sense and when things changed for the better.
August 2023 Horoscopes For Every Zodiac Sign
ARIES
This month is all about getting out of your comfort zone, Aries. You have been through a time of rejuvenation and contemplation and may have even been secluding yourself from others altogether. In August, you are ready to spread your wings and fly. With a Full Moon happening in your friendship sector on August 1st, right as the month begins, it’s time to close that chapter of your life of feeling like you had to do it all on your own and open up to the community and support around you.
There is a New Moon in a fellow fire sign, Leo, on the 16th, and this New Moon will be highlighting the happy areas of your life. Write a list of gratitude and set your intentions for passion projects you want to see through over the next month, and also what new beginnings you are looking for in love right now. Before the month ends, Mars enters your 7th house of partnership, and you are motivated to connect. The main theme for you this month is working together with others.
TAURUS
You are free, Taurus. August is reminding you of this truth. This month is about releasing yourself from the restrictions you have been feeling in your life and healing the mind. Overthinking has been making things stagnant in your life, and you are ready to break free from this energy this month. The Full Moon at the beginning of the month on the 1st will help your confidence renew and will be reminding you of the accomplishments you have already made.
On August 23rd, Mercury goes retrograde in fellow earth sign Virgo and will be retrograde in your 5th house of romance, hobbies, passion, creativity, and happiness. Over the next few weeks, you are on a journey of finding your happiness in a new way and connecting to the heart space. The old ways of relating and connecting to your passions may not be resonating right now, and this is your opportunity to redefine what lights you up and then move more toward that energy.
GEMINI
August is about moving on, Gemini. You have been through a lot emotionally, and you are ready to let this heaviness go. The month begins with a Full Moon in your 9th house of adventure, and right as you enter the month, you have your eyes set on the horizon. You are feeling inspired, but it’s okay to take things at the pace you are comfortable with right now, as it’s been a difficult start. Remind yourself this month, deep breaths in, deep breaths out.
Mid-month, there is a New Moon in Leo that will be moving through your 3rd house of communication. Expect some important conversations to be had this month and the revelations to be plentiful. Mid-August is a good time to set your intentions for how you want to move through the world, express yourself, and who you want to connect with. Before August comes to a close, your ruling planet Mercury goes retrograde, and over the next few weeks, you will be going over some things when it comes to your home life, family, and foundations.
CANCER
This month is a time of making things happen for yourself, Cancer. You have your eyes set on the path ahead, and you have a lot of energy with you in August. With the Sun in your 2nd house of income, investments, and value systems right now, you are making important plans and are working on your long-term goals. This is the month to be fearless, powerful, and be you, Cancer.
On August 16th, a New Moon is happening in the same area the Sun and Venus retrograde currently are in your chart. You are using your time and energy wisely as you have been realizing, now more than ever, how valuable they are. Focus on new beginnings financially, set your intentions for abundance, and pay attention to what your intuition is telling you. Mercury goes retrograde in your 3rd house of communication a week later, and you could be feeling more misunderstood over the next few weeks. This is happening for you to gain more clarity on who you are and to have the confidence to express that more freely.
LEO
August is a powerful month for you, Leo. You are walking into the month with Leo Season in full swing and so much to learn. The culminations and insights you have been looking for are coming through for you, but they may not be as glamorous as expected. Take your time with what is being revealed to you, as it will all make sense the further you go into the month. On August 1st, the Full Moon in your 7th house of love will be inspiring you to build deeper connections and to cross that bridge.
The New Moon happening this month will be in your sign on the 16th. This New Moon is all about you, and the Moon is shining its healing power on your lioness self. This New Moon, you are seeing things differently, including yourself, and are focused on bringing more love into your life. On August 23rd, Leo Season comes to a close, and Mercury goes retrograde. This Mercury retrograde for you is a time to plan wisely, handle your finances, and go over the details thoroughly. Mercury will be retrograde in a financial zone of your chart, and these matters should be examined during this time.
VIRGO
You can do this, Virgo. August is about creating breakthroughs in your life, and you are doing so. You are overcoming the roadblocks that have been placed in front of you and are claiming your blessings right now. Mars is in your sign for most of this month, and you are passionate about your personal progress. A lot is happening for you in August, as this is when Virgo Season begins, and you are stepping up to the plate and telling the universe that you are ready.
On August 16th, there is a New Moon in your 12th house of closure, and this is when you are really starting to see the past behind you and the new even closer than before. You have healed, you have learned, and you are ready to be free. On August 23rd, Virgo Season begins, and it’s your time to shine. This Virgo Season will be a little different, though, as Mercury will go retrograde in Virgo on the same day. Mercury retrograde for you will be about getting to know yourself better, and self-love is the priority right now.
LIBRA
Perspective is everything in August, Libra. There is a lot of emotional energy you are moving through this month, and as a more mental sign, this can feel like a lot for you. If you can focus more on the gifts in your world rather than what feels like it’s falling apart, you can rebuild more than what you feel has been lost. The Full Moon happening on August 1st will be in a fellow air sign, and you will be given an opportunity to flow with more synergy, let go of past hurts, and honor your happiness.
On August 16th, there is a New Moon in your house of friendships, and you are feeling more connected, loved, and in tune with your people mid-month. You are turning the page on disappointment and are ready to capture more of the joy others are bringing into your life right now. Before the month ends, Mars enters your sign on the 27th, and with Mars in your sign, you will have the passion, vigor, and energy to see things through that you once felt were weighing you down. A shift of power is happening for you this month, and it’s allowing you more freedom to be, to love, and to be happy most of all.
SCORPIO
August is an enlightening month for you, Scorpio. You are reaching new heights, inspiring others, and your spirit is moving through a renewal. There are a lot of exciting moments happening for you this month, and one good thing is leading into another. The Full Moon happening on August 1st will allow you to close a chapter when it comes to finding your ground, growing new roots, and emotionally regulating. You are walking into the month with less emotional baggage and more creative freedom.
Mercury goes retrograde this month on the 23rd and will be retrograde in an area of your chart having to do with your aspirations, dreams, friendships, and community. You could be feeling like your dreams are being put on the back burner for the time being or like you have to rethink some of them. Once Mercury goes direct, you will have a better idea of what you want and how to get there. Uranus goes retrograde this month as well and in your partnership sector, so it’s best to flow with change when it comes to others rather than fight it. You are discovering new truths in August.
SAGITTARIUS
You are feeling things through this month, Sagittarius. August is an emotional time for you, and one where you are feeling more nostalgic than usual but also feeling more excited than what’s been as well. You are someone who typically focuses on either the future or the present, but right now, you are honoring the past you have been through to be here. On the first day of this month, there is a Full Moon, and this Full Moon will give you that clarity and divine insight you have been looking for.
The New Moon on the 16th is happening in fellow fire sign Leo, and this is the time of the month when you are feeling more adventurous and spontaneous. This is a good time to travel or set your intentions for travel plans as you discover some new inspirations right now. The second Full Moon of the month is on August 30th, and this Full Moon will allow you to find stability within what you were communicating at the beginning of the month and the declarations you have been making altogether.
CAPRICORN
The world is yours, Capricorn. New opportunities are coming into your life, and you are feeling more inspired than ever. This is an exciting time for you and one when you are unfolding the magic in your life. As you move into the month, ask yourself, “How good could it really get for me right now?” The New Moon happening on the 16th is a door opening into the divine, spiritual, and emotionally transforming experiences that can lead you to your manifestations.
On August 23rd, Mercury goes retrograde in Virgo and does so in your 9th house of travel, adventure, education, and the higher mind. Take this time to develop your mind, learn something new, connect with different types of people, and think about the big picture. If you plan on traveling over the next few weeks, look things over thoroughly, and most importantly, have patience. There is a Full Moon happening on the 30th before the month ends, and this will bring things into perspective before moving forward again.
AQUARIUS
The seeds you have been planting are showing fruition, Aquarius. You have had to have a lot of patience with what you are bringing to life right now, and this month is a reminder that it was all worth it. The month starts with a Full Moon in your sign, and you are emotionally feeling like a different person than you were a year ago. You are wrapping up a major cycle in your life this month and are preparing for a rebirth. August is giving you many gifts, clarity on thy self, the most important one.
On August 16th, there is a New Moon in your sister sign, Leo, and this New Moon is opening up new doors for you in love. Set your intentions for your relationships during this New Moon, and make love the focus right now. Mars moves into Libra before the month ends and enters your house of adventure. This month has been a lot about patience and perseverance, and when Mars makes this transit on the 28th, you feel creative, inspired, and courageous.
PISCES
August is a game of balance, Pisces. There are things you are letting go of, and new beginnings you are walking into as well. There is so much to see, so many places to be, and love to be felt, and you are doing it all this month. On August 1st, the Full Moon will be allowing you to let go of what’s been keeping you away from you, and you are honoring what you have learned in the process. You are walking into this month ready for whatever comes your way.
Mercury goes retrograde in your opposite sign, Virgo, on the 23rd, and this retrograde will be about love. You are learning more about yourself through your relationships with others and may be going through some growth spurts in love. Open communication will heal, and the bonds that are meant for you will only strengthen at the end of this transit. Before the month ends, there is a Full Moon in your sign, and you are walking away from what no longer serves you. You have learned a lot about yourself, and nothing is stopping you from being the person you want to be.
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Tayler Barakat is a Mystic who has studied Astrology for over a decade. She does intuitive astrology and tarot readings for people all over the world, and her work focuses on healing and empowering individuals. Follow her on Instagram @taylerbarakat_ and check out her website www.listentothevirgo.com.
Your February 2025 Horoscopes Are All About Self-Love & Soulful Alignment
Explore your sign’s 2025 horoscope predictions to learn what is in store for you this year in love, career, and more. Check out the love compatibility of each sign to learn more about zodiac pairings and all things compatibility.
February is a coming together, as a culmination of community and abundance is evident. Some significant planets go direct this month after being retrograde since this past year, and we can finally take a deep breath. We walk into the month in Aquarius season, and the focus during this time is on coming together with the people you resonate with on a soul level, opening your heart to love, and gaining perspective in the process. When the Sun is in Aquarius, everything feels more electrified and inspiring, and this is one of the best months of the year to manifest and set your intentions.On Feb. 4, Venus enters Aries, Jupiter goes direct in Gemini, and the energy and passion return. Venus in Aries is fiery, dynamic, and puts self-love first. While Venus is in Aries for the entire month, February is all about going after the things you want in love, and trusting that you will be supported here. Jupiter goes direct on the same day after being retrograde since Oct. 9, and we can see our blessings manifest more effortlessly now, especially regarding communication matters, networking, short travels, education, and the mind. Jupiter finishes its Gemini transit on Jun. 9, so over the next few months, this is a good time to expand your mind and your vision, get creative, and meet new people.
What February 2025 Has In Store For Your Zodiac Sign
The Full Moon of February occurs in Leo on the 12th, and this is the Snow Moon of the year. This Full Moon brings emotions to the surface and creates self-clarity and honesty in the process. This Full Moon is a time to let go of old versions or ideas of yourself that don’t align with who you are today and to focus on what feels authentic and empowering for you right now.
On Valentine's Day, Mercury enters Pisces until Mar. 3, and the mind is on love right now.
While Mercury is in Pisces, we speak in words of poetry and spirituality, and mental connections turn into romantic ones. This is a beautiful energy to walk into on the day of love, signifying an urge to be around people who truly understand you right now.
Pisces season begins on Feb. 18, and we move into a time of closure, healing, creativity, and introspection. On Feb. 23, Mars goes direct in Cancer after being retrograde here since Jan. 6, and being retrograde in general since Dec. 6. With Mars now direct, there is more energy and direction at our disposal, and less confusion on where to go from here. Mars will be direct in Cancer until Apr. 18, and there is a lot of love, support, and intuition to be felt right now. Mars in Cancer supports others while also cherishing boundaries, and this is a good time to feel more stability in matters of the home and heart.
We end the month with a New Moon in Pisces on Feb. 27, and this is a time of magic, dreams coming to fruition, and romance in the air.
A New Moon in Pisces reminds us that what has been lost always comes back around in a new form, and helps us see what our heart is grateful for right now. This is a great New Moon to set your intentions for the future and to dream the dream. Overall, February is an inspiring and enlightening month, and your heart is the one leading the way right now.
Read for your Sun and Rising Sign below to see what February has in store for you.
ARIES
February is all about love for you, Aries. You are thriving within relationship matters as Venus is in your sign for most of this month. Venus moves into Aries on Feb. 4 and will be here until Mar. 27, however, Venus will be going retrograde in your sign on Mar. 1. So, use February to walk into some new beginnings in love, but remember to take your time with things here as well. You are overall feeling more reciprocity, support, and positive recognition now, and self-love is key this month.
On Feb. 12, we have a Full Moon in fellow fire sign Leo, and this Full Moon occurs in your 5th house of romance.
This is a beautiful Full Moon for seeing love bloom and for experiencing a sense of fulfillment that brings you closer to another. Before the month ends, Mars goes direct after being retrograde in an area of your life having to do with the home, family, close loved ones, and emotional stability. With Mars now direct here, new foundations can be built in your world, and you feel more supported and secure as you end the month.
TAURUS
This month is a time to reflect, accept, and move into your new beginning, Taurus. There is a lot to process this month, and with the Sun in your 10th house for most of February, a lot of your focus right now is on your goals, purpose, and life path. The Full Moon happening mid-month is an opportunity for you to see things clearer in the home, and to create space for more support and nourishment here. You are letting go of what is weighing you down or making your emotional world feel more difficult to process this month.
Mercury enters your 11th house of hope, community, friendship, and manifestation on Valentine’s Day this year, and you move into a time of inspiration. You are thinking of all the things that make you feel empowered, loved, and in tune, and it’s time to create more of this energy around yourself. We have a New Moon in this same area of your chart before the month ends on Feb. 27, and you are ready to look forward in life rather than at the past of what could have been.
Overall, this month is about listening to your heart and spending more time taking care of yourself.
GEMINI
February is a chance to take a break, Gemini. You need more time to process and prepare for what’s ahead of you, and you are taking the time to do so this month. February begins with Jupiter going direct in your sign after being retrograde here since Oct. 9. Jupiter, the planet of blessings, will be direct in your sign until Jun. 9, and won’t be here again for another decade. This is your opportunity to set intentions, focus on your dreams, and make some important achievements happen.
Extra good luck and support from the universe are with you now, and the key for you is to let things come to you naturally through patience and dedication.
On Feb. 12, there is a Full Moon in your 3rd house of communication, and some important culminations are coming through in matters of the mind. You are coming to some conclusions about something, and it’s changing your perspective overall. Before the month ends we have a New Moon in an area of your life having to do with your career, professional world, and reputation, and this is a good time to set your intentions for what goals you want to see through right now.
CANCER
February is a month of enlightenment, Cancer. You are aligned with the path you are walking on right now, and everything is starting to make a little more sense to your heart. This month we have a Full Moon in your 12th house of closure, and you are moving away from an emotionally heavy space. You are letting go of a lot of what has kept you conflicted, and there is a sense of peace that is being obtained in the process. This is your month of inspiring others through your resilience and gift of forgiveness.
Mars goes direct in your sign on Feb. 23 after being retrograde here since Jan. 6. With Mars retrograde in your sign since we began the year, there has been a lot for you to reflect on and emotionally process, and you are seeing yourself and your life with a new perspective and passion. Mars will be in Cancer until Apr. 18, and this is the time to take action on the things that you haven’t been ready to move forward with these past few months. On Feb. 27, we have a New Moon in Pisces, and you are leaving the month in the mood for an adventure.
This is the time to get out of your comfort zone, travel, or do something fun.
LEO
February is about protecting your energy and what you are bringing to fruition in your life, Leo. With a Full Moon in your sign mid-month, you are moving through a time of culmination, release, and inner clarity, and there is a lot to reflect on right now. You are recognizing your need to create boundaries from those who don’t serve you or your life path and are focusing on the things that feel good for you.
With the Sun in your 7th house of love for most of the month as well, you are gaining clarity on the relationships you want to move forward with, and where you need to create more space.
Venus is in Aries and in your 5th house of romance, self-expression, creativity, and joy for most of the month, and your heart is yearning for some excitement. When it comes to love in February, opportunities are coming to the surface for you to get out of your head and into your heart, heed the call. At the end of the month, Mars goes direct in your 12th house of closure, and you are moving into a breakthrough. You end February with less weight on your shoulders and more energy to just be.
VIRGO
Trust your intuition this month, Virgo. February is a month of getting organized, gaining clarity, and feeling purposeful. With Jupiter going direct in your 10th house at the start of the month, blessings follow through regarding your career and professional world. The intentions you have been setting and going over these past few months, are coming to fruition for you now, and you are being recognized and supported for your efforts here. This is a month of feeling a level up in your life, and like you are where you want to be.
Mars goes direct on Feb. 23, after being retrograde in an area of your life having to do with friendship, community, and your hopes and dreams over the past month or so. With Mars now direct in Cancer, it’s easier for you to feel hopeful and to see and experience the magic in life. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in your sister sign Pisces on Feb. 27, and love takes on a new beginning. This New Moon is one of the best of the year for you to set your intentions for love, and trust where your heart is being called to right now.
LIBRA
February is all about perspective and the intentions you are setting in your life through the thoughts you are thinking, Libra. The Sun is in your house of romance and Venus is in your house of partnership for most of the month, and there is a lot to look forward to right now. New developments are coming to fruition within your relationships, and you are reaping what you have sown, feeling grateful for what has come to fruition for you.
This is a beautiful month for travel, moving forward in your partnerships, and feeling more commitment and support in doing so.
With Jupiter also going direct this month, your home life and foundations see improvements and expansion. Anywhere you have been feeling limited here is being lifted for you now, and you are able to breathe and think bigger about what is possible for you and your sense of stability in life. The Full Moon happening on Feb. 12, is a chance for you to connect with the people who inspire you, and to let go of anything that doesn’t feel authentic to who you are today or how you feel about things.
SCORPIO
February is a month of feeling loved, Scorpio. Everything's coming together for you exactly how you have envisioned it, and with the Sun in your house of family, support, and foundations, you are feeling closer to your loved ones in the process. We have a Full Moon in your 10th house of career in mid-February, and culminations are coming through in your professional world, as recognition for your efforts and hard work are here for you now. This Full Moon is about taking the time to congratulate yourself for how far you have come and to feel gratitude for your progress in life.
On Feb. 23, Mars goes direct in fellow water sign Cancer, after being retrograde in an area of your life having to do with travel, adventure, spirituality, and education over the past month or so. With Mars now direct, travel plans follow through and it’s easier for you to see the bigger picture. The New Moon of the month takes place on Feb. 27, and this is a beautiful time for you to experience joy and pleasure. You are ending the month by making your inner child happy, showing up, and connecting with the love that surrounds you now.
SAGITTARIUS
This month is a transition month for you, Sagittarius. You are moving on from what has been, and a few of you may even be moving physically or traveling during this time. This is a month of getting into new energy and letting things go where it is needed. February begins with your ruling planet Jupiter going direct after being retrograde since last fall, and you are able to experience more of the blessings in love that you have been looking for.
Love turns a new page this month, and it’s because you are no longer settling for things that don’t align with what you want for yourself or your future.
On Feb. 12, a Full Moon is happening in an area of your life that has to do with your passion, inspiration, travel ventures, and perspective, and you are getting the full picture right now. This Full Moon is about accepting the truths that have come to the surface and following through on plans that you have had for yourself. Mars goes direct in your 8th house of transformation on Feb. 23, and you end the month experiencing a personal breakthrough. A lot is changing for you in February, and you are the one leading these efforts forward because you are owning the life you deserve.
CAPRICORN
A new month is here, and you are looking forward to all of the new experiences you are about to get into, Capricorn. February is an inspiring, passionate, and eye-opening month for you and you are making a lot of progress. With the Sun in your 2nd house of finances, values, and self-confidence for most of the month, you are spending a lot of your time developing new plans and intentions for yourself, especially financially. Mid-month we have a Full Moon in your 8th house of shared resources, and the support that you need to thrive and expand financially right now is becoming clearer to you.
Towards the end of the month, Mars goes direct in your sister sign Cancer, after being retrograde in an area of your life having to do with love, partnership, and harmony over the past month or so. With Mars moving forward again, so are you in love, and your relationship dynamics feel a little more balanced and empowered for you. On Feb. 27, we have a New Moon in Pisces to close out the month, and this New Moon for you is all about setting your intentions regarding communication, networking, and the ideas you want to build off of right now.
AQUARIUS
Your season is here, and everything is falling into place for you now, Aquarius. This is a month of feeling a positive culmination of everything you have been working towards, and seeing the rewards for your efforts. With the Sun in your sign until the 18th, all eyes are on you and you are focused on your personal goals, investments, and self-courage. Jupiter goes direct as we begin the month, turning things around for you in love and helping you see things with a new perspective here.
Blessings and understanding within relationship matters bloom for you now, and you can finally take a break from the confusion here.
With Venus in your 11th house of friendship for most of February, this is the month for connecting with the people who you resonate with on a soul level and giving your heart more time to enjoy the company. The Full Moon happening mid-month occurs in your opposite sign, highlighting your romantic life and sense of partnership. Love comes full circle as you let go of the past here and see the gifts of the partnerships you have been building in your life.
PISCES
February is your month of abundance and opportunities, Pisces. There is a lot to tend to this month, but you have the empowerment and passion to do so. Jupiter goes direct in your 4th house as the month begins, and you are feeling stronger foundations emotionally and within the home right now. Progress is being made in the spaces that are close to the heart, and you are feeling the blessings of support and stability in your life. The Full Moon happening on Feb. 12, is about letting go of unhealthy daily routines or habits and giving yourself more space to figure out what feels right for you.
On Valentine's Day this year, Mercury enters your sign, and your mind is focused on love, understanding, and connection. The conversations you are having now are fulfilling your heart and inspiring you, and you are gaining clarity in relationship matters as well. Pisces season officially begins on Feb. 18, and it’s your time to shine, to love, and to be loved in return.
Before the month ends we have a New Moon in Pisces on Feb. 27, and this is one of the best times of the year for you to set your personal intentions, manifest, and reinvent yourself.
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Scary Good: Ryan Coogler & Michael B. Jordan Are The Ultimate Dynamic Duo In 'Sinners'
Ryan Coogler is a director who just gets it. From Black Pantherto Creed, his storytelling has become iconic, bringing characters to life and jaw-dropping moments. Now, he’s back with Sinners, starring none other than Michael B. Jordan, and it’s another movie that’s bound to leave us thinking long after the credits roll.
Horror, Family, and Soul: Ryan Coogler’s Most Personal Film Yet
Sinners marks a major shift in his career, as it’s his first venture into the horror genre. But it’s not just about the scares—it’s a deeply personal project for Ryan, where he’s able to dig into his own family history.
“I had an uncle named James, who I came up with my whole life. He actually passed away while I was in a post-production on Creed. And he was from another town in Mississippi, but wouldn't really talk about Mississippi unless he was listening to the blues. I miss him profoundly, and with this film, I got a chance to dig into my own ancestral history here in the States, not dissimilar to what I was doing with the Panther films,” Ryan shares.
This film allowed him to explore generational ties, as the story touches on themes that are close to his heart. “I had a chance to really go to the South and scout and think… the film is about the music that was so special to my uncle, and I couldn’t be happier with the film that we’re going to show you in a few months.” It’s clear that Sinners is a deeply emotional project that blends his passion for storytelling with his own roots and personal history.
Bros for Life: The Unstoppable Coogler-Jordan Duo
Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan
Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan have become one of the most iconic director-actor duos in Hollywood, collaborating on five films together and pushing each other to new creative heights. Their dynamic relationship began with Fruitvale Station, where both of them were stepping into new territories—Ryan as a filmmaker and Michael as the lead in his first feature film.
Reflecting on their journey, Ryan shares, “It’s incredible. When Mike was a working actor, he had been on some incredible television shows, basically been a professional actor since he was a school-aged kid, but he hadn’t had a feature-length role where he was the lead just yet. So when we worked together on Fruitville Station, that was his first time in that lead role in a movie, and it was my first time making a movie. So in many ways, we’ve grown up together in this industry, and definitely found a kindred spirit in him.”
What’s even more impressive is the respect and admiration Ryan has for Michael, not just as an actor, but as a person. Their relationship is a true partnership built on trust and shared ambition.
“He’s somebody who’s incredibly gifted. In some ways, it’s kind of God-given—his charisma, his ability to channel empathy without even trying. But the other facets, the things under his control, his work ethic, his dedication to the craft, and his constant desire to push himself to increase his capacity to continue to stretch—those are the things that really set him apart.”
And when it comes to working with Michael, Ryan is all about the chemistry.
“Working with Mike again is always a joy. We’ve been doing this together for a long time now, and there’s a certain shorthand that we have. We can get to the emotional truth of a scene quickly because we understand each other so well.” That’s what makes their collaborations so special.
If you’re a fan of Ryan Coogler’s work (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), Sinners is a must-see when it drops in theaters on April 18th. With powerhouse performances, a gripping plot, and emotional depth that hits hard, this film is sure to be another winner in his already legendary career.
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Feature image by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival