Director Ryan Coogler is taking on the biggest job of his career, as he’s been confirmed to be directing the upcoming Marvel Black Panther movie after speculation towards the end of last year that he was in talks to take it on. Previously, Selma architect Ava DuVernay and Straight Outta Compton director F. Gary Gray were in consideration, but ultimately were not confirmed.
Moviefone reports:
It’s been rumored for weeks, and now it’s official: Ryan Coogler will direct Marvel’s upcoming ‘Black Panther.’ Coogler, who also helmed this year’s ‘Rocky’ spinoff, ‘Creed,’ was confirmed for the job by Marvel head honcho Kevin Feige, who discussed the director in a new interview with Empire magazine (as transcribed by Polygon). Coogler has been in the Oscar conversation this year for his work on ‘Creed,’ and also won an Independent Spirit Award for his debut drama, ‘Fruitvale Station.’ It made sense to attract a director of his caliber, Feige told Empire.
The film stars Chadwick Boseman and will hit theaters on February 16, 2018. Feige told Empire:
This one is important … 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 … The movie is a big geopolitical action adventure that focuses on the family and royal struggle of T’Challa in Wakanda and what it means to be a king.
