Machine Gun Kelly, also known as MGK, recently disclosed that he passed down an audition for Ryan Coogler's critically praised horror film Sinners due to a certain passage in the screenplay. The rapper and actor declined the opportunity because of his refusal to use a racial slur. This choice has triggered debates about creative integrity, social responsibility, and the future of MGK's acting career.
What happened during the 'Sinners' audition?
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, MGK talked about his desire for additional film parts and how he believed he was "supposed to be in" specific movies. He then especially referenced Sinners, a picture that has received critical acclaim since its debut.
MGK claimed that he was scheduled to audition for a vampire character. "The vampire, they had me set up to do the audition — he's the one that lives in the house, so he's the second vampire, the one who comes and consumes the family. He has to speak the 'n-word' during the audition, which I would not do."
MGK's Rationale for Refusing the N-Word
The core of MGK's decision was his refusal to include the N-word as part of the screenplay. This principled stance highlights a rising debate in Hollywood concerning the usage of foul language and an actor's individual limitations. His statement was straightforward and clear:
I would not say the N-word.
This decision, taken even for a role in a high-profile picture by a recognized director like Ryan Coogler, reflects MGK's personal principles and vision for his public character. He also discussed his acting goals, saying, "There's been plenty of movies that have come out that I was like, ah, I was supposed to be in that."
Who is 'Bert'? The Character MGK Almost Played
The character MGK was referring to is most likely Bert, who, along with his wife Joan, is transformed into a vampire by Remmick, an Irish vampire. Bert is presented as a member of the KKK in the film, which explains why the racist slur appears in his discourse.
Peter Dreimanis was ultimately cast as Bert. Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles, Hailee Steinfeld, and Miles Caton.
Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' is a box office hit.
Sinners is a supernatural horror film directed by Ryan Coogler that takes place in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta. The plot revolves around twin brothers Smoke and Stack Moore, played by Michael B. Jordan, who return to their birthplace to build a juke bar, only to face a supernatural evil including vampires and hoodoo.
Warner Bros. Pictures released the picture in theaters on April 18, 2025, following its world premiere on April 3, 2025. Sinners garnered positive reviews, with many applauding Coogler's direction, Jordan's dual performance, and the film's combination of historical context and horror aspects. It was a box office hit, grossing over $365.9 million globally.
Critics praised the film's ability to weave vampire legends with themes of music as a barrier between worlds and social commentary applicable to the Jim Crow era South. Ludwig Göransson's music for the film was also critically lauded for its significance in the tale.
The Wider Debate: Offensive Language in Scripts
MGK's unwillingness to use the N-word in a script highlights an important ethical dilemma for actors and filmmakers. The issue of when and how to use unpleasant language in art, particularly racial slurs, is tricky. While some advocate for artistic freedom and historical truth, others highlight the social harm that such language may cause, regardless of context.
Ethical Concerns for Actors and Filmmakers
Actors may face a moral quandary while playing parts that necessitate the use of inappropriate words. It requires striking a balance between portraying a character authentically and respecting personal ideals. Filmmakers frequently use such terminology to portray the harsh realities of a specific time period or character. In the instance of Sinners, which is set in the Jim Crow South and has a KKK member, using the N-word would be historically accurate for the time period and character.
However, the dispute rests on whether historical truth justifies the use of a name with such a traumatic and murderous past. MGK's judgment implies that for some, the line is drawn when the actor must vocalize the slur, regardless of the character's background. This position has the potential to affect future scriptwriting and casting decisions, promoting a more in-depth consideration of necessity vs effect.
Machine Gun Kelly's Acting Career: The Past, Present, and Future
Colson Baker, aka Machine Gun Kelly, has steadily built an acting career alongside his music. He has appeared in a variety of films and television shows, demonstrating his versatility in numerous genres.
MGK's Previous Film and Television Roles
MGK made his acting debut in the 2014 romance drama Beyond the Lights, playing a rapper. He also appeared in the technothriller Nerve (2016), the horror picture Bird Box (2018), and the comedy Big Time Adolescence 2019. One of his most notable performances was as drummer Tommy Lee in the 2019 Mötley Crüe biopic The Dirt, which required months of drum instruction and body makeup. He also appears in Project Power (2020) and Midnight in the Switchgrass (2021), co-starring Megan Fox.
In 2022, he co-directed, wrote, produced, and starred in Good Mourning, a stoner comedy. His acting technique frequently combines his musical persona's edgy and rebellious elements with unexpected comedic timing and emotional depth, as demonstrated in his roles as Nick in Big Time Adolescence and Freddy in One Way.
His Desire for 'Universal Timing' in Hollywood
Despite passing up the Sinners part, MGK remains dedicated to his acting career. He stated a wish to continue working in cinema, especially while still young. "I'd like to be in cinema while I still look young." He also expressed his confidence in a predetermined route for his career: "I'm on global timing. It will align. "The angels will put something in motion."
His ongoing pursuit of varied parts, ranging from horror to drama and comedy, demonstrates that he is not limited to a single sort of character or genre. His most recent album, Lost Americana, was published in August 2025, indicating that he is still balancing his music and acting jobs.
Public and Industry Responses to MGK's Decision
MGK's choice to decline the Sinners audition has sparked widespread debate on social media and in the entertainment business.
Social Media Buzz: Fans Respond to MGK's Stance
Many admirers have praised MGK's stance on social media, complimenting his honesty and determination to put his personal convictions ahead of a potentially high-profile acting role. This sentiment reflects the general public's need for responsibility and ethical issues in entertainment.
The discussion around his choice also touches on public persons' duties to set examples, particularly when it comes to sensitive language. His co-host on The Pat McAfee Show, Darius Butler, offered him a fist bump for taking a position, demonstrating quick support for his decision.
The incident also emphasizes the difficulties performers confront when handling scripts with problematic elements. While some may argue that an actor's goal is to fully embody the character, regardless of dialogue, MGK's decision indicates that personal boundaries can and do influence career choices.