Black Panther, the eighteenth movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is coming out February 15 and the fever has already begun.
Directed by Creed’s Ryan Coogler, the film already has a high amount of praise in just about everything. From its effects, to the gorgeous all-star cast, to the music, Black Panther is certain to break box office records for both the month of February and the year.
The soundtrack, according to Billboard, is set to top the charts of the 200 list that will be released on Feb. 18 and features a troop of some of the hip-hop world’s biggest names under the production of Grammy Award-winner Krendrick Lamar.
The obvious thing that makes Black Panther such a film to buzz about grinds down to the premise: T’Challa (played by Chadwick Boseman), is king of the fictional futuristic African nation of Wakanda and must team up with the Wakandian special forces known as the Dora Milaje – an all-female squad led by Okoye (played by Danai Gurira) – to prevent a global catastrophe following the events of Captain America: Civil War.
This is the first time since Wesley Snipe’s Blade from 1998 that a black Marvel character showcased in their own film, and that is something to celebrate.
There are free screenings happening in communities for children to experience the phenomenon firsthand and feel inspired by finally being able to see a superhero movie starring someone who looks just like them.
The time could not be better, especially after the release of Black Lightning on the CW, which features another Black superhero (played by Cress Williams) who is a titular part of his community and has a family that is as super as he is. Nafessa Williams’s character, Annisa Pierce (daughter of Black Lightning’s alter ego, Jefferson Pierce) is already a fan favorite, as she is the first Black lesbian superhero ever featured on television.
This is the representation the world needs and even as people continue to be bitter or hateful or threatening to post bad reviews so the Rotten Tomato score can go down, this is a defining moment that will mark a generation.
Check out the trailers and the comics to warm up before seeing the film!
(And don’t forget to stay after the credits.)