Black Panther is upon us.
As this is Friday, February 16th, Marvel and Ryan Coogler’s buzzworthy standalone pic is now beginning to roll out across North America for what looks set to be a truly historic theatrical run. Indeed, box office projections have been off the charts, with the more optimistic, high-end estimations indicating that Black Panther could reach almost $200 million in its opening weekend.
That eye-watering debut would be enough to unseat Deadpool as February’s highest-grossing debut ($132 million), and it would take something truly special to supersede the Afrocentric blockbuster when all is said and done. Of course, it’s still early days, as industry analysts are just now beginning to collaborate Black Panther‘s performance in Thursday previews ($22 million is the early result), and to offer budding viewers one final teaser, Marvel Studios has today shared a raft of new high-res images that welcome you into Wakanda.
From the Dora Milaje to T’Challa’s deadly kinetic energy, this is arguably our best look at Black Panther yet, and it arrives just in time for the film’s release in North America. You’ll also get a glimpse of Chadwick Boseman’s protagonist as he battles Erik Killmonger, his long-time adversary played with real gusto by Michael B. Jordan, who is hoping to make amends for his last foray in the superhero genre. Here’s looking at you, Fantastic Four (2015).
Wakanda forever! Black Panther is officially screening across North America, and if it’s more coverage you’re after, look no further than our detailed review. We’ve also uncovered most, if not all of the film’s Easter eggs, while Marvel boss Kevin Feige appears to be keen on a sequel – a sequel he wants Ryan Coogler to direct.