DDG says ex-girlfriend Halle Bailey was perfect for role in new Sinners movie

DDG’s Wanted Halle Bailey To Star In Ryan Coogler’s Sinners Movie

One of 2025’s most buzzed-about films, Sinners Movie 2025, has captivated audiences with its haunting blend of horror, blues, and historical drama. Directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan in dual roles, the film set in 1932 Mississippi Delta has earned critical acclaim. Yet, amidst its star-studded cast, rapper and YouTuber DDG believes one name was missing: his ex-girlfriend Halle Bailey.
In a a recent livestream, DDG praised Bailey’s vocal talent and her role in The Color Purple, suggesting she would have been a perfect fit for the Sinners Movie 2025 storyline. Fans are now debating whether this was a genuine compliment or a hint that DDG misses Bailey after their 2024 breakup. This article explores DDG’s comments, Bailey’s career, and the film’s context, addressing user curiosity about their relationship and the casting buzz.

DDG: From YouTube to Rap Stardom

DDG, born Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr. on October 10, 1997, is an American YouTuber and rapper who rose to fame through his online content. Starting in 2014, DDG expanded into vlogs after graduating high school, briefly attending Central Michigan University before dropping out to focus on YouTube. His 2020 single “Moonwalking in Calabasas” hit the Billboard Hot 100, earning double platinum status. DDG signed with Epic Records in 2018 and co-founded Zooted Music in 2020. His discography includes EPs like Take Me Serious (2018) and albums like Valedictorian (2019) and It’s Not Me It’s You (2022), featuring artists like Gunna and Polo G.
DDG’s personal life has also drawn attention, particularly his relationship with Halle Bailey. The couple began dating in 2022, welcomed their son Halo in December 2023, and announced their breakup in October 2024. During a livestream, DDG expressed admiration for Bailey’s talent, saying, “When I was watching Sinners I was like, damn, man… she would be good in this movie”. Referencing her singing and role as young Nettie in The Color Purple, he felt her skills matched the film’s musical and dramatic elements. This sparked fan speculation on X, with some calling it “poetic” and others questioning if DDG was projecting personal feelings.

Halle Bailey: A Rising Star in Music and Film

Halle Bailey, born March 27, 2000, is a singer-songwriter and actress known for her work with Chloe x Halle and her solo career. With her sister Chloe, she released albums like The Kids Are Alright (2018) and Ungodly Hour (2020), earning five Grammy nominations. Bailey’s solo single “Angel” (2023) was nominated for Best R&B Song at the 2024 Grammys.
Her acting credits include Grown-ish (2018–2022), The Little Mermaid (2023), where she starred as Ariel, and The Color Purple (2023), where her performance as Nettie earned ensemble awards and an Oscar-shortlisted song, “Keep It Movin’.”
Bailey’s vocal prowess and emotional depth made her a standout in The Color Purple, aligning with the blues-infused, spiritual tone of Sinners Movie 2025. DDG’s comments highlighted her singing, noting the film’s musical sequences, like Sammie Moore’s guitar performances, could have showcased her talents. Fans on X echoed this, with one user stating, “Halle’s voice and acting chops would’ve killed it in Sinners”. However, some wondered if DDG’s praise reflected unresolved feelings post-breakup, given their public split and co-parenting dynamic.

Sinners Movie: A Cultural Phenomenon

Sinners Movie, directed by Ryan Coogler, is a genre-bending horror film set in 1932 Mississippi Delta. It follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack, played by Michael B. Jordan, who return from Chicago to open a juke joint, only to face supernatural evil, including vampires and Klan threats. The cast includes Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Wunmi Mosaku, and Delroy Lindo, with Ludwig Göransson’s score earning praise for its blues fusion. Released on April 18, 2025, after a premiere on April 3, the film grossed $87 million and holds a 98% Rotten Tomatoes score, lauded for Coogler’s direction and Jordan’s dual performance.
The film’s musical elements, like Sammie’s transcendent blues performances, tie into its themes of Black resilience and spiritual freedom. DDG’s suggestion that Halle Bailey could have fit this narrative stems from her proven ability to blend music and drama, as seen in her Color Purple role. However, the casting process, finalized in April 2024, prioritized actors like Steinfeld and Caton for specific roles, with no public indication Bailey auditioned. Fans are intrigued by how Bailey’s vocal and acting range could have enhanced characters like Pearline, a singer in the juke joint.

Ryan Coogler: Crafting a Visionary Film

Ryan Coogler, born May 23, 1986, is a celebrated filmmaker known for Fruitvale Station (2013), Creed (2015), and Black Panther (2018). His first original film, Sinners Movie, blends horror, history, and music, drawing on his love for genre films and Mississippi blues. Coogler’s collaboration with Michael B. Jordan, spanning five films, showcases their creative synergy, with Jordan’s dual roles as Smoke and Stack earning critical acclaim. Coogler’s casting choices, like newcomer Miles Caton as Sammie, reflect his knack for discovering talent, raising questions about why Bailey wasn’t considered.
Coogler’s focus on authentic storytelling and cultural depth made Sinners a standout, but DDG’s comments suggest Bailey’s unique talents could have added another layer. On X, fans debated potential roles, with one user noting, “Halle as a blues singer fighting vampires? Iconic”. While Coogler’s vision was complete without Bailey, DDG’s praise highlights her growing influence in Hollywood.

Michael B. Jordan: Leading the Cast

Michael B. Jordan, born February 9, 1987, is a powerhouse actor whose work with Coogler includes Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther. In Sinners Movie, he plays twin brothers Smoke and Stack, delivering distinct performances that anchor the film’s emotional and action-driven arcs. His charisma drew 47% of moviegoers, per exit polls, contributing to the film’s $61 million global opening. Jordan’s preparation, advised by twin consultants, ensured authenticity in his dual roles.
DDG’s suggestion that Halle Bailey could have joined this ensemble underscores her rising star power, comparable to Jordan’s. Fans on X speculated about chemistry between Bailey and Jordan. With one post stating, “Halle and MBJ in a Coogler film? Box office gold”. While no casting controversy emerged, DDG’s comments fueled discussions. Especially, about missed opportunities for Bailey to shine alongside Jordan.

DDG and Halle Bailey: Compliment or Nostalgia?

The buzz around DDG’s comments centers on his intentions. After their October 2024 breakup, DDG and Halle Bailey committed to co-parenting Halo. However, public moments like DDG’s livestream have kept fans guessing. Some see his praise as genuine, noting his history of defending Bailey. Others view it as bittersweet. With one X user joking, “DDG hyping Halle for Sinners is him confessing he’s still in love”.
DDG’s reference to Bailey’s Color Purple role was specific, tying her musical and acting skills to Sinners’ juke joint setting. However, without evidence of Bailey seeking a role, his comments remain speculative. The lack of a casting controversy—unlike Bailey’s Little Mermaid backlash—keeps the focus on fan enthusiasm rather than debate.

The Bigger Picture: Representation and Opportunity

DDG’s endorsement of Halle Bailey for Sinners Movie highlights broader themes of representation and opportunity in Hollywood. Bailey’s casting in The Little Mermaid faced backlash, yet her performance silenced critics, proving her versatility. Sinners’ diverse cast, including Black, biracial, and Asian actors, reflects Coogler’s commitment to inclusivity, making Bailey a plausible fit. DDG’s comments, while personal, spark discussion about ensuring Black women like Bailey get high-profile roles in genre films.

Final Thoughts: A Compliment That Resonates

DDG’s assertion that Halle Bailey deserved a role in Sinners Movie has ignited fan excitement, blending admiration for her talent with curiosity about their past. Ryan Coogler’s visionary film, led by Michael B. Jordan, set a high bar, but Bailey’s vocal and acting gifts could have elevated its musical heart. Whether a heartfelt compliment or a nostalgic nod, DDG’s words keep Bailey’s star power in the spotlight. For updates on Bailey’s next roles or DDG’s music, follow X, where fans are buzzing with theories and support.