Ryan Coogler to direct Marvel’s Black Panther

It is now official, Ryan Coogler has officially signed on to direct Marvel’s Black Panther, according to Marvel news. Coogler, coming off of the huge success of Creed, was never confirmed by Marvel as the top choice for the position, but only acknowledged talks were occurring between their team and Coogler’s. Marvel president, Kevin Feige made an announcement in a press release that states, “Many fans have waited a long time to see Black Panther in his own film, and with Ryan we know we have found the perfect director to bring T’Challa’s story to life.” Black Panther has been a character in the Marvel universe for 50 years. In addition to serving as a member of The Avengers, he is the king of the technologically-advanced nation of Wakanda. The Black Panther film has been in the news a lot as of late due to its struggle to find a director. Selma helmer Ava Duvernay was attached at one point, but left the project due to creative differences. Marvel also approached Straight Outta Compton director F. Gary Gray, but he left to direct the eighth Fast and Furious film. The project is still not scheduled to be released until 2018, but fans will get their first glimpse of Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War this May. Black Panther will hit theatres Feb. 16, 2018.