The wait is finally over! “Black Panther” is now playing in a theater near you. After much anticipation, the Disney and Marvel Studios film was released Friday, Feb. 16. Over the course of the Presidents’ Day weekend, “Black Panther” was nothing short of success. According to “The Hollywood Reporter,” the movie had the best February opening weekend of all time, as well as the fifth-largest three-day opening weekend in box-office history with just under $202 million.
The film, directed by Ryan Coogler, also became the top-grossing film in history by a black director featuring a largely black cast. Ryan Noble, Spring Hill faculty member in Digital Video Production, says he is impressed with Marvel’s ability to transcend racial demographics for the film. Noble said, “Most films with predominantly black casts and black directors are specifically targeting a black audience and rarely are they marketed to a more general audience.” Noble also mentioned the critical and financial success of films, such as “Moonlight” and renowned filmmakers, like Spike Lee. Noble notes, however, that no film on this categorization “has approached the level of financial success that “Black Panther” has already achieved and will ultimately achieve.”
This is a proud moment for the movie’s cast and crew. The film stars Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, son of the late King T’Chaka. The film follows T’Challa (a.k.a. the Black Panther) as he returns home to Wakanda, a hidden, technologically advanced African nation that is rich in a precious, versatile metal known as vibranium. After returning to Wakanda and being crowned king, T’Challa must protect the fate of his home nation and the world from Erik Killmonger, portrayed by Michael B. Jordan. Other cast members include Academy Award winners Lupita Nyong’o and Forest Whitaker and Academy Award nominee Angela Bassett.
There is no better time for the film’s release than during Black History Month. The commitment to authenticity regarding African culture and traditions is shown throughout the film. The time and effort put into the visuals, costume design and choreography becomes blatantly apparent. At several “Black Panther” showings, fans dressed in traditional and modern African styles. The film serves as an opportunity for African Americans to celebrate culture and diversity, and that is exactly what moviegoers are doing.
Accompanying a star-studded film, “Black Panther: The Soundtrack” features songs from some of today’s most popular artists. Eleven-time Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar helped curate and produce the album, alongside Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith. Like the film, the soundtrack has also been widely successful. With the help of featured artists, such as SZA, The Weeknd, and Khalid, the soundtrack debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
In just a matter of days, “Black Panther” has made an outstanding impact. The film is proof that a superhero movie is not required to have two hours of constant fighting scenes to achieve success. Noble believes the success could be fueled by “the share of the black movie-going audience that may not typically go to superhero movies but have found something very attractive in this film.” According to Comscore, the audience was 37 percent African American, 35 percent Caucasian and 18 percent Hispanic. Noble also adds, “The white movie-going audience doesn’t seem to be uninterested in a film with a mostly-black cast, black director and set in Africa.” Instead, the film’s message about the importance of unity and representation is the biggest takeaway for moviegoers. Just as blacks and communities are uplifted, the film places several women in empowering positions. Female characters, such as Shuri, T’Challa’s sister, serve as great role models for young children.
The film release is setting the bar high for 2018, as viewers are already deeming it “Movie of the Year.” “Black Panther” is awaiting release in other countries. Until then, it is expected that the Disney and Marvel Studios film will continue to thrive in theaters and inspire individuals and communities around the world.
