It’s looking very, very good.
Ever since Marvel turned to Jon Favreau to direct Iron Man in 2008, the studio has been very clever with their choices of directors. For example, The Russo Brothers (Community), James Gunn (Slither), Taika Waititi (Hunt for the Wilderpeople), and Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) weren’t obvious choices for their respective films, but Marvel knew exactly what they were doing.
The aforementioned directors are just some of the very clever appointments that the studio has made, but with Black Panther, they turned to one of the most gifted prodigies in Hollywood.
After dazzling critics with his heartbreaking debut, Fruitvale Station, Ryan Coogler backed up his promise by making the incredibly enjoyable Creed.
Despite the fact that he’s just 31, Coogler’s take on Black Panther has been a massive commercial and critical success.
At present, T’Challa’s standalone film has a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 87% on the more reliable Metacritic. What’s even more impressive is the audience reaction because analysts are predicting that the latest entry in the MCU could earn about $145 million domestically in its opening weekend.
To put that figure into perspective, Black Panther is on course to be the biggest February opening in history, toppling Deadpool.
Naturally, Disney and Marvel are very interested in keeping Coogler on board for any future films and in an interview with Variety, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige said that the studio has plans for the franchise and the gifted director.
“We always say we work on one movie at a time. If you have any good ideas, put it in the movie you’re making. If you don’t, you might not be able to make another one. That said, Panther has been around for more than half a century in the comic books and there are many, many stories to tell,” he said.
With regards Ryan Coogler returning behind the lens, Feige said, “I hope so.” Then to the followup question, Feige says he “absolutely” wants Coogler back.
As for the character of Black Panther, film fans will be seeing plenty more of T’Challa and Wakanda in Avengers: Infinity War. We can’t wait!
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