Marvel Finally Confirms Ryan Coogler As Black Panther DirectorPosted by Wilson Morales
January 11, 2016
After months of everyone else saying it’s a done deal, Marvel Studios has confirmed that “Fruitvale Stattion” and “Creed” director Ryan Coogler will helm “Black Panther.”
Although Empire magazine had stated last December that Marvel president Kevin Fiege had told them that Coogler had the job, there was never an official quote. Now, it’s done.
According to Variety, Feige is producing the movie, which stars Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, the prince of the African nation of Wakanda, who must take over the mantel after his father’s murder.
“We are fortunate to have such an esteemed filmmaker join the Marvel family,” said Feige in a statement. “The talents Ryan showcased in his first two films easily made him our top choice to direct ‘Black Panther.’ Many fans have waited a long time to see Black Panther in his own film, and with Ryan we know we’ve found the perfect director to bring T’Challa’s story to life.”
Before Coogler, there were other names in the mix for the job such as Ava DuVernay, Rick Fuyimaya and F. Gary Gray.
Coogler first came to attention when he won the HBO Short Film Award for “Fig.” He then went on to win the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for U.S. dramatic film at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival for his feature debut, “Fruitvale Station,” which starred Michael B. Jordan.
Coogler and Jordan collaborated again on his current “Creed,” a spinoff to the Rocky franchise co-starring Sylvester Stallone. The film has grossed over $100M and amassed critical acclaim and a recent Golden Globe win for Stallone.
In an interview with Empire Magazine, Feige said that the main reason they decided to bring the story of Black Panther forward was because of how influential his character would be on the upcoming Avengers films, Infinity War — Part 1 and Infinity War — Part 2.
