We already know that Cornell Young IV serves it up oh so fine and gets hearts racing on A Different World. But this Halloween, he had us seeing double with a look perfectly pulled off with help from his twin brother, David. The pair recreated Smoke and Stack, the brothers famously played by Oscar winner Michael B. Jordan in Sinners. With a real twin stepping into the other role, this costume practically picked itself.
In a joint three-part Instagram post, Cornell plays Elias “Stack” Moore, while David takes on Elijah “Smoke” Moore. The brothers recreate the characters’ introduction, right down to pretending to light a cigarette, and quote some of their memorable lines.
Cornell has racked up a following since making his debut as Shaquille Johnson on Netflix’s A Different World, and the reactions to the posts capture the overwhelming admiration for the rising star. “So my costume should’ve been a toothpick,” wrote @socialitebjanay.
Meet His Twin Brother, David
David is Cornell’s fraternal twin. The brothers, whose family also includes four sisters, stepped out together at the A Different World premiere. David, a rapper and artist, has been cheering on Cornell’s acting career, with Extra introducing him as his brother’s biggest fan during an interview in October. David noted how Cornell wears his heart on his sleeve and is “a pure soul.”
A rapper and artist, David released his self-titled mixtape in December 2025. He features his brother on track 8, “Love & Romance.”
Brotherly Love
Taking on Smoke and Stack is more than recreating a vampire story. Sinners is a story about family, loyalty and protecting our own.
Ryan Coogler’s film, released in 2025, won four Oscars at the 98th Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Jordan. The movie’s celebration of Black music, community and ownership helped make it a cultural conversation that continued well beyond the theater.
The film’s Mississippi juke joint offered space for Black people to gather, create and find joy, while its blues performances connect generations of Black artistry. With Cornell helping carry forward another beloved piece of Black culture through A Different World, he and his brother’s tribute is perfectly aligned.
And if they happen to give the aunties a little Halloween treat along the way, who are we to complain?
Watch A Different World on Netflix. See Sinners on HBO.