Wakanda forever!
In light of Black Panther‘s blistering debut ($241 million domestic for a current gross of $426 million worldwide), writer-director Ryan Coogler has posted a heartfelt message to thank fans and the film community at large for embracing his vision of Wakanda, the fictional utopia in which T’Challa’s adventure unfolds.
Initially shared via Marvel’s Twitter feed, Coogler admitted that once Black Panther began its box office climb, he was at a loss for words. And the so-hot-right-now filmmaker continues to be humbled each and every day by the infectious buzz and excitement currently swirling around his MCU passion project.
I am struggling to find the words to express my gratitude at this moment, but I will try.
Filmmaking is a team sport. And our team was made up [of] amazing people from all over the world who believed in this story. Deep down we all hoped that people would come to see a film about a fictional country on the continent of Africa, made up of a cast of people of African descent.
Never in a million years did we imagine that you all would come out this strong. It still humbles me to think that people care enough to spend their money and time watching our film – but to see people of all backgrounds wearing clothing that celebrates their heritage, taking pictures next to our posters with their friends and family, and dancing in the lobbies of theaters – often moved me and my wife to tears.
Coogler continued:
For the people who bought out theaters, who posted on social [media] about how lit the film would be, bragged about our awesome cast, picked out outfits to wear, and who stood in line in theaters all over the world – all before even seeing the film…
To the press who wrote about the film for folks who hadn’t yet seen it, and encouraged audiences to come out…and to the young ones, who came out with their parents, with their mentors, and with their friends…
Thank you for giving our team of filmmakers the greatest gift: the opportunity to share this film, that we poured our hearts and souls into, with you.
P.S. Wakanda Forever.
Black Panther is now playing across screens near and far – just don’t be fooled into thinking that we’ve seen the last of Wakanda. Between talk of a direct sequel and Avengers: Infinity War, Marvel’s fictional utopia is about to become a familiar destination for moviegoers in 2018 and beyond.