Kevin Feige Explains Why Marvel Studios Went With Ryan Coogler to Direct ‘Black Panther’

At this point, it’s difficult to even picture someone other than Ryan Coogler directing Black Panther or its sequel, whenever that may come. It’s a reflection on how great of a decision Marvel Studios made by choosing Coogler to helm the groundbreaking project. Following the critical acclaim of Fruitvale Station and the commercial success of Creed, Coogler didn’t come across as a huge risk, but for a studio that tends to stick to a formula, the 32-year-old filmmaker was a step in a different direction. 

In an interview with Variety’s Playback Podcast, Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige reveals that it was these differences that ultimately compelled them to have Coogler direct Black Panther. “With what Ryan was doing, what he had to say, and vouching for crew members that we had not worked with before but that he believed in — he came in and blew us away with initial sort of presentations to get the job,” Feige said, per Comic Book. 

“For them to have stepped up and knocked it out of the park the way they did is incredible,” Feige added. “It comes down to a filmmaker who has such a deft hand at being able to balance something that is going to have entertainment value with being true to his soul and being true to the questions he had growing up.” Black Panther was the highest-grossing domestic film last year, grossing over $700,000 million, and the incredible ride may not be done yet. Maybe we will hear about some Oscar nominations coming their way this week.