“Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler penned an emotional letter thanking fans for coming out to watch and support the new Marvel movie, which has shattered multiple box office records.
“Deep down we all hoped that people would come to see a film about a fictional country on the continent of Africa, made up of a cast of people of African descent,” the director wrote. “Never in a million years did we imagine that you all would come out this strong.”
He continued, “It still humbles me to think that people care enough to spend their money and time watching our film. But to see people of all backgrounds wearing clothing that celebrates their heritage, taking pictures next to our posters with their friends and family, and sometimes dancing in the lobbies of theaters — often moved me and my wife to tears.”
With its record-obliterating $242 million President’s Day opening weekend and $426 million global launch, “Black Panther” is all but guaranteed to surpass $1 billion at the worldwide box office.
Down the road, “Black Panther” could soon leave several major releases in the dust. A $100 million second weekend is a possible feat for this film, as this weekend’s releases, “Game Night” and “Annihilation,” aren’t expected to open to more than $25 million. At that pace, “Black Panther” could pass the domestic run for “Thor: Ragnarok” as early as this coming Sunday and pass the domestic run for “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” the week after.
Additionally, “Black Panther” is all people have been talking about for weeks. The film holds a score of 96 percent fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and has since received an A+ CinemaScore.
“Black Panther” stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Andy Serkis, Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Letitia Wright, Martin Freeman and Daniel Kaluuya.
“Thank you for giving our team of filmmakers the greatest gift,” he concluded. “The opportunity to share this film, that we poured our hearts and soul into, with you.”
What's Next for the Cast of 'Black Panther' (Photos)
"Black Panther" is a blockbuster watershed moment, smashing both box office records and expectations for what a majority African American film can do, and launching its brilliant cast to super-stardom. Here are the next projects the film's stars have lined up.
Marvel Studios
1. Chadwick Boseman (T'Challa/Black Panther) Boseman will next be seen reprising the role of "Black Panther" in Marvel Studios upcoming "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Untitled Avengers Part 4."
Marvel Studios
2. Michael B. Jordan (Erik "Killmonger" Stevens) Jordan, who brought gravitas and serious political significance to the role of villain Killmonger, will next make his second appearance as boxer Adonis Johnson in "Creed 2."
Marvel Studios
3. Daniel Kaluuya (W'Kabi) Kaluuya, already a Best Actor Oscar nominee for his breakout role in "Get Out," will next be seen in Steve McQueen's "Widows."
Universal
4. Lupita Nyong'o (Nakia) Oscar winner Nyong'o will next be seen opposite Josh Gad in the zombie horror-comedy "Little Monsters," and is attached to the upcoming "Charlie's Angels" reboot.
Marvel Studios
5. Danai Gurira (Okoye) Gurira practically steals the film as the head of the Dora Milaje, Wakanda's special forces. She'll be back in the role for "Avengers: Infinity War," opening in May. Until then, fans can still watch her in her breakthrough role as Michonne on AMC's "The Walking Dead."
Marvel Studios
6. Letitia Wright (Shuri) Another "Black Panther" co-star who practically stole the film, Wright will next been seen in Steven Spielberg's "Ready Player One," which hits theaters March 29. And yes, she'll also be back for "Avengers: Infinity War" in May.
Marvel Studios
7. Forest Whitaker (Zuri) The prolific Oscar winner has a busy slate with three more films lined up for 2018, including the thriller "How It Ends," and "LAbyrinth" about the murders of Tupac Shakur and the Notorious BIG.
Marvel Studios
8. Angela Bassett (Ramonda) Bassett won't be showing up in "Infinity War," but you can get your fix this July with "Mission: Impossible - Fallout," where Bassett stars opposite Tom Cruise and Henry Cavill.
Marvel Studios
9. Winston Duke (M'Baku) Duke, whose portrayal of the powerful Wakandan nobleman and uneasy ally of T'challa was a "Black Panther" fan favorite, will reprise the role in "Avengers: Infinity War."
Abrams Artists
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With “Black Panther” smashing through box office records, TheWrap takes a look at what’s next for the the cast of the global blockbuster
"Black Panther" is a blockbuster watershed moment, smashing both box office records and expectations for what a majority African American film can do, and launching its brilliant cast to super-stardom. Here are the next projects the film's stars have lined up.