Ryan Coogler issues thank you letter after Black Panther’s amazing opening

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

BLACK PANTHER has arrived, and it is big. Okay, it’s massive. Alright, alright, it’s an astronomical, big-ass smash. The movie had the second-largest four-day total ever with $242 million, beating some of Marvel’s other hits in a matter of days. The response has been overwhelming, most of all for director Ryan Coogler, who has issued a thank you letter for everyone out there who has embraced the movie so lovingly.

Coogler, who doesn’t have any social media accounts, wrote out a letter that thanked everyone out there who promoted the movie, bought out theaters and waited in line to see this new movie. The initial tweet via BLACK PANTHER’s Twitter is below, with the text below it so you all don’t have to squint. I’m nice like that.

#WakandaForever #BlackPanther pic.twitter.com/Qj8zrrFaFI

— Black Panther (@theblackpanther) February 21, 2018

"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 a cast 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 — often moved me and my wife to tears.

For 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 folks who hadn’t seen it yet, 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."

P.S. Wakanda Forever

Coogler has achieved so much since debuting his small film, FRUITVALE STATION, back in 2013, going on to direct CREED right after, which was also a big hit, bringing in $109 million at the domestic box office. He did an amazing job here as well, and with the help of a superb cast, and a production team that brought Wakanda to life and made it look tremendous, he has crafted a movie that will be part of the discussion for a long, long time. That, and it’s going to continue to make bank like no one’s business. Watch your ass, STAR WARS.

BLACK PANTHER is in theaters now