Only die-hard Marvel fans have probably much knowledge about the character Black Panther in movies. For others, it is only until when Panther’s claws made permanent scratches on Captain America’s shield that they became fond of him.
Black Panther is probably the next big thing for Marvel Studios. The movie is an embodiment of a solo character film destined to reveal a whole new world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. According to early pre-release surveys, Black Panther is projected to open to a stunning $ 100 million - $ 120 million at the North American box office. So before you head out to watch Black Panther, here is what you need to know.
The Man Who Made Black Panther Cool
First, one needs to ask himself/herself, “Who made Black Panther Cool?” As the leading man in the film, Chadwick Boseman is probably the right answer to this question. The first big break-through for Chadwick Boseman in the film industry can be traced back to 2013 when he assumed the role of a baseball hero Jackie Robinson in the film 42. He cemented his reputation as one of the most in-demand leading men in Hollywood after performing as James Brown, the soul music legend, in the film Get On Up.
The Man Who Changed the Game For Marvel's Universe
Film directors are easy to find. But finding the right one isn’t a walk in the park, especially when the name Marvel comes up. However, for Black Panther , the process was more clear-cut; filmmaker Ryan Coogler was making hit after hit with every film he released.
His first movie, Fruitvale Station, won the Sundance Grand Jury Price and he revived the Rocky franchise Creed which grossed $ 173 million globally. In both Creed and Fruitvale Station, Coogler has achieved something that is certainly difficult for most filmmakers: the ability to bring the world characters inhabit to life.
Where The Hell Is Wakanda?
Somewhere in Africa for sure, with cool outfits and textiles. As visualised decades ago, Jack Kirby and Stan Lee put Wakanda as the most advanced civilisation technological-wise in the whole damn world – 20-25 years ahead of the rest. I guess this makes America and its Tony Stark-led Avengers’ tech toddlers.
But what’s the secret behind Wakanda? It’s the special mineral that was useful in making the shield that belongs to Captain America and gave T’Challa his superpowers – Vaibranium – the toughest metal in the world.
Although Wakanda is a fictional place, Ryan Coogler is a realist and was determined to transform the fictional location into a more precise and realistic setting. Coogler paid a reconnaissance visit to Africa to gain a better understanding of what it’s like to be in the continent and interact with its people.
The ‘Nikitas’ of Wakanda
In Captain America: Civil War, Ayo, T’Challa’s security chief is so badass as she steals the film with one line: Move or you will be moved.
Dora Milaje (DOOR-uh mill-AH-jay) is made up of all-female super-elite force drawn from the various tribes of Wakanda and they have undergone training for the purposes of offering protection to the royal family. They are like a combined force of CIA and Secret Service. Pretty cool huh?
And to spice it up, Danai Gurira of The Walking Dead happens to be the leader of the Dora Milaje.
Black Panther to Set Up Avengers: Infinity War?
After Black Panther , Infinity War is the next Marvel’s big project to hit the cinemas and quite a lot of its setup is anticipated to feature here as the Infinity War trailer teased an all-out assault on Wakanda kingdom led by Thanos and Black Order forces.
With the release of Black Panther taking place this month, Ryan Coogler advises fans to stay put to the end credits as he states:
