Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1538452
22 PROP CULTURE I FALL 2025 I weaponry such as Stack's trench knife and German Luger, but they all culminate in the final shoot-out scene at the end of the film. Coogler always knew he wanted a Tommy gun for that final scene, so Ware set Jordan up with a weapons specialist from Independent Studio Services to teach him all the ins and outs of the weapons. Jordan practiced quickly loading, firing, and reloading both the Tommy gun and the Browning BAR for a few weeks leading up to filming. The work clearly paid off because the authenticity of this moment, which was filmed in slow motion, looked incredible on screen. But one of Ware's favorite props was the trunk that the brothers shared during their time in the war. The script mentioned the trunk and that Smoke opens it, but it didn't specifically mention anything inside, so it was up to the Property Department to build it out. Ware said that, "We thought about what else would be in there. Smoke and Stack shared the box so there were personal items in there for both brothers. Two helmets. Two wool Army blankets. Two bayonets. Basic stuff. But then we added a stack of mail. A photo of the 369th Infantry. A locket with a picture of their mother. There was a World War 1 victory medal, as well as a 1914 Christmas box. We wanted to show the brothers may have traded items with other soldiers. Although we don't see these things clearly, just knowing we gave it history is rewarding." Those sorts of memory boxes that hold growth and love from a character's past that don't necessarily make it onto the screen but provide the actor with a sense of personal history are often the most satisfying sorts of props to make. In my opinion, Sinners is one of the most satisfying films of 2025. It not only created a world surrounding Southern culture during a time of true development, but just for fun, it threw in vampires. The work that Douglas Ware and his team did on this film is absolutely beautiful. The time and care they put into the props is clear and their contribution to world building should not go unnoticed. If you have not had a chance to see this unique film yet, I encourage you to do so. You won't be disappointed. R-L: Madison Aucoin (white sleeve), Melissa Waltrip above Property Master Douglas Ware, Drew Guajardo, Jasmine Hall.