HOLLYWOOD FOREVER CEMETERY – In an interview during a special screening of his globally successful horror film, “Sinners,” Ryan Coogler revealed the deep personal motivation driving his upcoming project: the reboot of the classic series “The X-Files.”

Just as his career became entwined with “Rocky” thanks to his father, Ira’s, love for the franchise, the “The X-Files” project is a tribute to his mother, Joselyn.

“Like my relationship with ‘Rocky’ with my dad, ‘The X-Files’ is one of those things with my mom,” Coogler shared on Friday at the Cinespia screening of “Sinners” held at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. “My mom means the world to me—she’s actually here tonight—so this is a big one for me. I want to do right by her and the fans.” Coogler enthusiastically confirmed that his mother has read some of what he wrote for the project and “She’s fired up.”

Regarding the swirling casting speculation, Coogler remained tight-lipped. When asked about Danielle Deadwyler potentially joining the new cast, as well as the possible return of original stars Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny, he simply laughed mysteriously and replied: “I can neither confirm nor deny.”

Coogler’s latest film, “Sinners,” was the hot topic of the night—marking the first time a movie has been screened at the Cinespia event in the same year it was released.

“This is a dream come true,” Coogler said of the iconic and singular Los Angeles event.

The vampire horror film, set in the post-World War I era, stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as the twin brothers Smoke and Stack. The work has cemented its commercial standing, grossing $367 million worldwide since its release in April.

Alongside the box office success, Jordan’s dual performance has fueled Oscar buzz. Coogler, who has helped Jordan garner critical praise in the past, believes this time Jordan surpassed even himself.

“I do think he stepped it up to another level on this,” the director affirmed. “We asked him to do this difficult thing technically, playing two different characters… To see him recognized by his peers and other folks in the industry, I know that would mean a lot to him.”

Coogler also addressed the rapper Machine Gun Kelly, who revealed over the summer that he backed out of the audition for the movie because he was uncomfortable saying a sensitive word.

“That’s understandable,” the filmmaker said. “I get it. I know he has a Black daughter and acting is acting, but you have to be comfortable with whatever it is.”

“Sinners” is being specially re-released for Halloween from October 30 to November 5 in select IMAX theaters, along with an official line of “Sinners” costumes available at Spirit Halloween stores.