Ryan Coogler expresses gratitude for success of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Filmmaker Ryan Coogler who wrote and directed Marvel's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which opened to positive reception, has penned a thank you note, expressing his gratitude for the reception received for his film.

Ryan, who also directed the first part, wrote in his note, "Gratitude. That is the only word that comes to mind for your support of our work on the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. I am filled with it. Thank yiu 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 two. To those who organised youth screenings and afterparties, who bought out theatres for communities and friends. To all of you who watched multiple times and encouraged other folks to check it out."

Noting how his film is over 2.5 hours long, has six languages being spoken and that it deals with inescapable human emotion of grief, Ryan extended his thanks for opening up to the emotional journey of the film.

"We made something to honour 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. This medium wouldn't exist without an audience and I thank you for giving me professional purpose and an emotional outlet," Ryan wrote.

Starring Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Florence Kasumba, Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Alex Livinali, among others, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the 30th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and sequel to Black Panther (2018), which featured late actor Chadwick Boseman. However in the sequel, due to the passing of the actor, the makers decided not to recast the character.