Black Panther: The Unlikely Blockbuster
Ah, Black Panther. The film that made us all question whether we’ve been watching too much Marvel, or if Marvel had been watching far too much of us! Released in 2018, it did the unimaginable: it smashed through the billion-dollar box office barrier like it was a piñata at a children’s birthday party. And let’s be real, we all love cake!
Starring the late, great Chadwick Boseman, Black Panther wasn’t just a movie; it was a cultural movement. It’s hard to imagine that there was a time when the executives were sweating bullets and biting their nails, worrying whether this film featuring a predominantly black cast would perform. They feared it might sink faster than a poorly crafted German U-boat in a 1940s war film! But Lupita Nyong’o, a true queen in every sense, recently revealed just how much trepidation was in the air pre-release.
The Executive Sweat Session
In a candid chat with The Hollywood Reporter, Nyong’o spilled the beans, saying, “There was a lot of fear, especially on the part of the executives. Marvel was really worried, and so were we.” Honestly, the only thing scarier than those Marvel execs on premiere night would be finding out your mother-in-law is visiting for the holidays!
But as the film hit screens around the world, it turned the tide quicker than you can say “Wakanda Forever!” In fact, it shattered stereotypes and decimated the outdated belief that “black doesn’t sell.” If only they’d thought of it sooner—just imagine: “Hey, let’s cast everyone who’s actually good at acting—genius!”
Wakanda’s Ongoing Success
Now, could the sequel even come close to that monumental success? Well, Wakanda Forever graced us with its presence, raking in an impressive $852 million globally. Not quite a billion, but what a stellar performance it delivered—landing itself as the sixth most successful film of 2022 like it was strutting down the Cannes red carpet!
While it didn’t reach the groundbreaking heights of its predecessor, it still firmly planted itself in the box office hall of fame. If the original Black Panther was the electrifying debut party, the sequel was more like that spirited reunion where everyone still has a blast, but the cakes are gone and so is the DJ who played that one banger! Still great, though!
Conclusion
As we eagerly anticipate Marvel’s next moves, let’s not forget the impact of Black Panther. It’s a reminder that cinema is not just about dollars and cents; it’s about representation, storytelling, and, let’s be honest—escaping the dullness of everyday life. So, until the next billion-dollar adventure, put on your fancier superhero suit, grab some popcorn, and keep your eyes peeled for the next groundbreaking Marvel film—because who doesn’t love seeing their wildest dreams on screen, usually while wearing spandex?
So, here’s to Lupita Nyong’o, Chadwick Boseman, and all the heroes (and villains) who brought Wakanda to life! You all deserve an Oscar, a cupcake, and maybe even a holiday! Until next time, folks—stay fabulous and slightly absurd!
Despite initial fears, Black Panther became a thunderous success for Marvel Studios, surpassing the billion-dollar barrier at the box office after its release in 2018. The film, starring Chadwick Boseman, is today one of the studio’s most successful. However, according to actress Lupita Nyong’o, there was a lot of uncertainty before its release.
In an exclusive interview with the American media The Hollywood Reporterthe actress Lupita Nyong’owho became the new Black Panther in Wakanda Foreverremember that Marvel Studios was enormously afraid of the film’s failure, but everything changed once it was released around the world.
“There was a lot of fear, especially on the part of the executives. Marvel was really worried, and so were we. We felt like we only had one chance to get it right,” Nyong’o said. Shortly after, the actress expressed her satisfaction at seeing that the film broke stereotypes and debunked the myth that “black doesn’t sell.”
Although the second installment did not have the same success as the first film, the income was quite high, as it reached a whopping amount of $852 million at the global box office and became the sixth most successful film of all of 2022.
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