'Black Panther': 'Creed's' Ryan Coogler Confirmed to Direct
By Justin Kroll
Creed helmer Ryan Coogler is directing Marvel’s Black Panther, the studio officially announced Monday following months of rumors that he would board the superhero film.
Kevin 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.
Joe Robert Cole is penning the script. Variety previously reported in December that Coogler was in talks for the gig. Selma director Ava DuVernay’s name was also tossed into the mix over the summer, but she put an end to those rumors in July, saying she and Marvel “had different ideas about what the story would be.”
The film will hit theaters on Feb. 16, 2018.
“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.”
Creed has been a box office champ so far, grossing $103 million, with awards pundits seeing Oscar potential following Sylvester Stallone’s win Sunday night at the Golden Globes for best supporting actor.
Coogler first broke out on to the scene with the Sundance hit Fruitvale Station, which also had a hand in launching Creed star Michael B. Jordan’s career.
Coogler is repped by WME.
(Photo: Gregory Pace/BEI/Shutterstock)
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