Creating a movie within the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a unique endeavor. While each movie is made no differently than any other, they also have to fit within the greater universe that the previous films have created. Many view this is as a significant challenge to filmmakers. Do they have the freedom to create their own vision as a director with Marvel Studios watching what they’re doing at all times? Black Panther director Ryan Coogler doesn’t seem to be concerned. He says his new superhero movie can be part of the MCU, while also being the most personal movie he’s ever made.
Speaking with Fast Company, the director of Creed says that the challenge for him as the director for Black Panther is to make a personal film, while still making the Marvel film that both fans and the studio expect. The good news is that making a Black Panther movie is already somewhat personal, as he says he’s currently obsessed by the project.
It’s going to be my most personal movie to date, which is crazy to say, but it’s completely the case. I’m obsessed with [Black Panther] and this story right now, and I think it’s going to be very unique and still fit into the overall narrative that they’re establishing.
Ryan Coogler seems to understand himself that the idea of a Marvel movie being a personal project doesn't make a lot sense. How can something that’s part of the giant Marvel machine actually be personal? Still, he seems to know what he’s talking about. Coogler himself knows comics, so he’s familiar with how the crossovers take place there. He compares the situation to Wolverine comics, which are more brutal than the X-Men titles, but still fit within that universe. It appears the director is planning to take a similar strategy with Black Panther, making the movie something unique within the MCU, thus having the freedom to do something on his own, while still making sure that it fits within the larger movie context.
Between fans first exposure to the Black Panther character in Captain America: Civil War, and the recent casting announcements and rumors, interest in the Black Panther movie is higher than it’s ever been. Fans seem to be very excited to see what will come from Ryan Coogler and Chadwick Boseman, especially with the likes of Michael B. Jordan and Lupita Nyong’o in supporting roles.
How much are you looking forward to the Black Panther solo film? Let us know in the comments. Black Panther is set for release in February of 2018.
