After appearing to have some difficulty finding a helmer for 2018’s Marvel Cinematic Universe movie, Black Panther, Marvel Studios has finally found the man for the job. After the enormous success of his award-winning sports drama, Creed since late last year (we also wrote a glowing review for the movie!), Ryan Coogler has officially been signed to direct Black Panther, after entering talks last month!
Not much information is known about Black Panther at this point, though the movie has been set up in the Marvel Cinematic Universe already. The arch-nemesis of the title character, Ulysses Klaw, played a small part in last year’s blockbuster movie, Avengers: Age of Ultron, where he was portrayed by Andy Serkis. It’s presumed that Serkis will return for Black Panther, likely as the main antagonist. Avengers: Age of Ultron also featured the first mention of Black Panther’s fictional home African nation, Wakanda, which he rules under his civilian identity, T’Challa. Finally, Black Panther himself, who will be portrayed by 42 star, Chadwick Boseman, is set to be introduced in a supporting role during this May’s Marvel Studios movie, Captain America: Civil War.
Black Panther was first introduced into Marvel Comics lore during Fantastic Four #52 in 1966. He is a political genius and strategist, possesses Olympic-class athleticism, is a master martial artist, and has honed his senses to superhuman levels through rigorous training. While he doesn’t possess any proper superpowers, Black Panther also wears a costume forged from fictional metal, Vibranium, a hyper-resilient metal that can absorb vibrations, which Wakanda is extremely rich in. Captain America’s shield is also forged from Vibranium throughout Marvel media, and in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, major A.I. villain, Ultron also possessed a body that was made of Vibranium. In Marvel Comics lore, Ultron is made of Adamantium, the nigh-indestructible fictional metal that Wolverine’s claws are made of, though the reason for Ultron’s altered composition in his big screen incarnation comes from 20th Century Fox owning the film rights to Adamantium, as its connection to Wolverine makes it fall under the X-Men film rights that still sit with Fox.
Black Panther is set to hit theatres on February 16th, 2018.
Keep leaping to Eggplante for all news and updates on Black Panther, and other big developments for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.