Release Date: February 16th, 2018
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, Michael B. Jordan, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, Andy Serkis, Martin Freeman
Director: Ryan Coogler (Creed)
Pre-Trailer Thoughts: When Black Panther was first announced to have a smaller (but substantial) role in Captain America: Civil War, I was intrigued. Not just for the fact that Marvel was taking new chances on even less well known characters, but also to see how T’Challa would work in the MCU. Chadwick Boseman did a phenomenal job as the character and after that, I was all in for a Black Panther movie, which we knew we were inevitably getting. -LJF
Pre-Trailer Thoughts: By bringing in Creed director Ryan Coogler, Marvel is showing that they are not taking any chances with Black Panther. Coogler is a steady and confident director whose hard-hitting style should serve the fighting style of the King of Wakanda well. – JTM
Rate the Trailer: 4 out of 5. Except for that “rough” CGI flip at the end of the trailer, this first set of footage is straight fire. The music and mood all make for a compelling initial look at the movie, and I’m loving the look of Wakanda. Plus, the cast for this project is fantastic. We don’t really know much of what is going on, but I enjoy that, as many trailers give far too much away in what they show. I know we will get a second trailer and maybe even a third, but I’m good with this one. -LJF
Rate the Trailer: 4 out of 5. Using Run the Jewels in your trailer is a good way to win brownie points with me. The pulse pounding track helps add to my hype for this, and if the whole film is Black Panther beating people up to the soundtrack of Killer Mike and El-P I would not be disappointed. The mix of future-tech and classic African architecture and design makes Wakanda one of the most unique setting the MCU has featured yet. Coogler’s mesmerizing visual style for Creed shows up again here and shows that the MCU is finally embracing directors with more unique visual styles. – JTM
Theater, Rent, No Thanks, Undecided? Theater. I don’t know if this will be opening weekend fare due to timing of release (girlfriend’s birthday), but I am definitely making this a theater viewing one way or another. -LJF
Theater, Rent, No Thanks, Undecided? Theater. Between this and Thor: Ragnarok, the Marvel Cinematic Universe looks like it might finally be embracing the idea of letting directors direct without too much industry meddling. I’ll definitely be attending an opening weekend showing. – JTM
