‘Black Panther’ Makes History: Michelle Obama, Barry Jenkins, Viola Davis, and More Celebrate
Zack Sharf
When box office tracking was first reported for “Black Panther” about a month ago, industry experts had the Ryan Coogler-directed Marvel film heading for $120 million over the four day President’s Day weekend. To say the film has surpassed expectations would be the understatement of the year. “Black Panther” is heading to a four-day opening total in the $230 million range, making it one of the most successful Marvel films to date and one of the top five openers in film history.
“Black Panther’s” success has resulted in big kudos and celebrations from Oscar-winning directors and actors alike. Even former First Lady Michelle Obama has weighed in on the Marvel tentpole’s groundbreaking debut.
“Congrats to the entire #BlackPanther team!” Obama tweeted on President’s Day. “Because of you, young people will finally see superheroes that look like them on the big screen. I loved this movie and I know it will inspire people of all backgrounds to dig deep and find the courage to be heroes of their own stories.”
“Moonlight” Oscar winner Barry Jenkins also shared his excitement for the film on Twitter. Jenkins was particularly impressed by the film’s social consciousness, praising the final line recited by Michael B. Jordan’s villain that references slavery.
“It’s a Marvel movie, sure. And a blockbuster, absolutely, covers those bases and covers them well. But a film that features that vegetarian bit? Or Kilmonger’s last line? Ryan’s made two movies at once. And he crushed them both,” Jenkins wrote.
Other celebrities bowing down to “Black Panther” after its historic opening weekend include Viola Davis. The film is now playing in theaters nationwide.
Congrats to the entire #blackpanther team! Because of you, young people will finally see superheroes that look like them on the big screen. I loved this movie and I know it will inspire people of all backgrounds to dig deep and find the courage to be heroes of their own stories.
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) February 19, 2018
BLACK PANTHER is PEAK double consciousness. It’s a Marvel movie, sure. And a blockbuster, absolutely, covers those bases and covers them well. But a film that features that vegetarian bit? Or Kilmonger’s last line? Ryan’s made two movies at once. And he crushed them both 🙌🏿
— Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) February 18, 2018
#WakandaForever!!!! #IWantToShaveMyHeadAndKickSomeAss #MyPeopleAreBeautiful #Inclusion #RyanCooglerIsGenius #WeHaveBoxOfficePower!!!!! Wooooohooooo!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤ pic.twitter.com/gCL2H0GnQQ
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) February 19, 2018
Deeply moving. Gorgeously executed. Joyously fun. #BlackPanther is everything
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) February 18, 2018
Wow! This is major !! Congrats to all #BlackPanther filmmakers!🌟 #RyanCoogler 🌟 https://t.co/kpJNuk8CZG
— Reese Witherspoon (@RWitherspoon) February 19, 2018
Many years ago, I modeled for this swimsuit campaign in Israel. The weather and styling was 🔥. I saw someone post this photo celebrating #BlackPanther. I was awestruck by the film in so many wondrous ways. Go see it. I guarantee it is unlike ANY film you have EVER seen. #Wakanda pic.twitter.com/Ms7IKcORJC
— Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) February 19, 2018
My parents are almost 80. And even they went to see #BlackPanther this weekend. Wakanda, y’all. Wakanda.
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) February 18, 2018
