Director Ryan Coogler has been on a creative and critically acclaimed winning streak with the one-tw0 punch of Fruitvale Station and Creed, so it’s no surprise that his name is one that is being bandied about for a variety of hot new projects. The biggest title in the crowd is Marvel’s upcoming Black Panther, and there has been a swirl of rumors that Coogler is in talks with Marvel to direct the Wakandan king T’Challah’s first solo outing.
While Complex reported that Coogler was attached to the project, Marvel has yet to make an official statement. At this point, it’s best to take all these reports with a grain of salt and wait and see what pans out. Still, if these rumors prove to be true, Black Panther will have even greater potential to become unlike anything that the MCU has done so far. At least Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige seems to realize the importance of getting this story right, telling Polygon:
“This one is important,” Feige said. “Not only do you get an unbelievable lead character, but you also get all of Wakanda which is a whole new setting and culture to explore.”
Black Panther is said to be a critical part of the upcoming Infinity War films, so a great director is needed to bridge the gap between his introduction in Captain America: Civil War and the Avengers two-parter. Honestly, Coogler would be a great choice, so hopefully more concrete news will be announced soon.
(Via Complex, Comics Alliance)
