‘Black Panther’ Director Ryan Coogler Pens an Emotional Thank You Letter to Fans

Black Panther is a box office behemoth. In its four-day opening weekend, Black Panther shattered box office records, taking in $242 million domestically and $427 million worldwide. That’s the highest opening of all time for a film in February. That’s the fifth-highest opening for a film ever.

People are coming out in droves to see the newest Marvel Studios film — not simply because it’s the studio’s first solo black superhero film, but because it’s that damn good. And while the filmmakers could easily get swollen egos from the critical acclaim and box office success, director Ryan Coogler is humbly thanking the people who made this possible: the fans.

In the wake of the outpouring of support for Black Panther, Coogler posted a letter on the Marvel Studios Twitter thanking the crew and the fans.

“Deep down we all hoped that people would come see a film about a fictional country on the continent of Africa, made up of people of African descent,” Coogler wrote in the emotional letter. “Never in a million years did we imagine that you all would come out this strong.”

#WakandaForever pic.twitter.com/CmJySoHFjB

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) February 21, 2018

You can read the full letter below.

I am struggling to find the words to express my gratitude at this moment but I will try.

Filmmaking is a team sport. And our team was made up amazing people from all over the world who believed in this story. Deep down we all hoped that people would come see a film about a fictional country on the continent of Africa, made up of people of African descent.

Never in a million years did we imagine that you all would come out this strong. It still humbles me to think that people care enough to spend their money and time watching our film — but to see people of all backgrounds wearing clothing that celebrates their heritage, taking pictures next to our posters with their friends and family, and sometimes dancing in the lobbies of theaters — moved me and my wife to tears.

For all the people who bought out theaters, who posted on social about how lit the film would be, bragged about our awesome cast, picked out outfits to wear, and who stood in line in theaters all over the world — all before even seeing the film…

To the press who wrote about the film for the folks who hadn’t seen it, and encouraged audiences to come out…

And to the young ones who came out with their parents, with their mentors, and with their friends…

Thank you for giving our team of filmmakers the greatest gift: The opportunity to share this film, that we poured our hearts and souls into, with you.

Sincerely,

Ryan Coogler.

Black Panther is currently playing in theaters.

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