'Black Panther' may be helmed by Ryan Coogler of 'Fruitvale Station' and 'Creed'. The 29-year old filmmaker has been eyed to direct the live-action adaptation of the Marvel character's standalone film. Actor Anthony Mackie, who plays Falcon in the MCU, insisted that the director for the film doesn't have to be African-American.
According to Cinema Blend, the latest Marvel standalone film may have Ryan Coogler in the helm. The 29-year old filmmaker and screenwriter has won the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award for U.S. Dramatic film at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival for his big-screen directorial debut 'Fruitvale Station'. He has also worked on the upcoming 2015 sports drama film 'Creed' starring Aaron Covington and Sylvester Stallone.
It is unclear whether a negotiation is in the works as of the present. 'Selma' director Ava DuVernay was previously attached to the project but backed out citing difficulties with creative control. F. Gary Grey of 'Straight Outta Compton' was also speculated to direct but he is now involved with the planned 'Fast & Furious 8'.
According to Polygon, sources said that Marvel Studios is actively pursuing Coogler for the director's role even though no deals have been officially made. Joe Robert Cole of 'American Crime Story' is reportedly in negotiations to write the screenplay.
Anthony Mackie, Marvel's current actor for the franchise's Falcon, admitted that he didn't feel the need for an African-American director to helm 'Black Panther'. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor expressed that one's race didn't affect his ability to "tell a story". He said, "You know, they didn't get a horse to direct Seabiscuit!... I think it's all about the director's ability to be able to relate to that story and do it justice. I think men can direct women, and two of my greatest work experiences were with female directors. So I think it all depends."
'Black Panther' is an upcoming film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It is the sixth installment in MCU's Phase Three. The film, starring Chadwick Boseman as the titular superhero, is scheduled to be released on February 16, 2018.
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