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It’s a movie that knows no bounds. Before its release, there was slight apprehension that the movie may be limited in its appeal with its cast and featuring a hero that’s not as popular as the likes of Iron Man and Captain America. Since its release, Black Panther has proven its critic wrong, and more. Then there’s the record after record that it broke with each passing week. Best of all, it’s a movie that is genuinely enjoyable. And did we mention it’s directed by a Black director? Here’s why Black Panther is so awesome.
Crushing Stereotypes and more
Black Panther breaks the mould on race and gender stereotypes, going boldly where no previous blockbuster movie had gone before. It features an almost all-black cast, and focuses on black culture, celebrating their traditions, their tribal comraderies and of course, their amazing costumes. In short, the movie is an expression of Afrofuturism, fusing African mythologies, science fiction and technology to clap back at the stereotyping of black people. The movie isn’t just about a fictional African country, but it represents what it means to be black in the modern world, and touches on issues that affect Black people and their way of living. Director Ryan Coogler broaches the topic with earnestness and honesty that ends up drawing people into this social issue rather than repel.
Top 10 Movies of All Time
Black Panther has earned a staggering USD 1.344 billion in box office takings globally. It now sits at the 9th spot in the list of The Biggest Box Office Hits of all time, ranking above hits like Frozen.
Highest-grossing Movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe So Far
With 20 movies released so far, Black Panther can call itself the highest grossing MCU film. Wakanda Forever indeed. Coming in second place is Avengers: Infinity War and third place is Marvel's The Avengers (2012).
Best-rated Superhero Movie
On Rotten Tomatoes, Black Panther enjoys a 97% rating, making it the highest-ranked Marvel movie so far. Iron Man (2008) currently sits in second place with 94% while The Avengers, Thor: Ragnarok and Spiderman: Homecoming tie in fourth place with 92%.
Highest Opening for a Black Director
It’s a record worth celebrating. The previous Black director with the highest grossing weekend opening is F. Gary Gray for Fast & Furious 8 (2017), which got an impressive USD 98 million on its opening weekend. Ryan Coogler crushed this record with an astounding USD 242 million!
A film director, producer, and screenwriter, Coogler first rose to prominence at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, where his first feature film, Fruitvale Station, won the top audience and grand jury awards in the U.S. dramatic competition. The movie showcases the last 24 hours of the life of Oscar Grant, who was fatally shot to death by a police officer in 2009 in Oakland. The story gained nationwide attention due to police brutality, caught on various security cameras around the area where Grant was shot. Following its release, Coogler was invited to direct Creed (2015), which was widely praised.
After Black Panther, Coogler will next take on Wrong Answer, based on the real story of a math teacher in Atlanta who’s scandalized when he tries to get funding for his school by altering his students' test scores.
Will he return for Black Panther 2? According to Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, “We definitely want Ryan to come back and that’s actively being worked out right now. When will it be? A lot of it will be when Ryan wants to and not rushing anything.”
