Black Panther: Wakanda Forever director Ryan Coogler has responded to the movie's success with a heartfelt letter to fans.
The Marvel sequel hit screens nearly two weeks ago, and has already made over half a billion dollars in that time, while its $180 million opening weekend gross is the highest in the US of any November movie historically.
The film has also drawn acclaim from critics, and in a letter shared by Black Panther and Marvel's official Instagram accounts, Coogler expressed his "gratitude".
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"That is the only word that comes to mind for your support of our work in the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. I am filled with it," he began.
"Thank you. Thank you to the people who bought their tickets early and camped out opening weekend. Thank you to those of you [who] took their families out – young ones and elders in tow. To those who organized youth screenings and afterparties, who bought out theaters for communities and friends. To all of you who watched multiple times, and encouraged other folks to check it out.
"Our film is over two and a half hours long, so thank you for holding those bathroom breaks. Our film has 6 languages spoken in it. Thank you for bearing with the subtitles."
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The director went on to touch upon the death of Chadwick Boseman, noting that the movie "deals with the inescapable emotion of human grief" as he thanked fans "for opening yourself up to the emotional journey of this film".
"We made something to honor our friend, who was a giant in our industry, and we also made something to be enjoyed in a theatrical setting with friends, family, and strangers," he added. "Something to be quoted and discussed. To be debated. Something to make people both physically and emotionally feel seen.
"This medium wouldn't exist without an audience, and I thank you for giving me professional purpose, and an emotional outlet. I look forward to bringing you more stories in the future. Sincerely, Ryan Coogler. Liik'k Talokan, Wakanda Forever, Chadwick Forever, Long Live T'Challa."
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is now playing in cinemas worldwide. The first movie is streaming on Disney+.
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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
