It’s transcended the status of being a humble blockbuster, and has become a phenomenon. Following its release just over a month ago, Black Panther has revolutionised the way people look at comic book films, as well as Hollywood itself. It’s not only become an overnight success story for Marvel Studios, but it’s also become a cultural benchmark – a moment of change in the way that people of colour are represented in the film industry.
It’s popularity is so great that the film, directed by Ryan Coogler, has now smashed another record – one that’s sure to cement its path to world domination. Black Panther has become the highest grossing superhero ever in the USA, with profits in excess of $630 million (£445.6 million), outstripping the original Avengers movie which conquered cinema in 2012. Black Panther has earned over $1.2 billion (£848.8 million) worldwide so far.
Black Panther reached $630 million (£445.6 million) in earnings on Saturday, flying past the $623.4 million (£440.9 million) earned by first outing of Tony Stark and pals to become the highest grossing superhero movie ever in the country. Black Panther's Lupita Nyong'o would say 'yes' to standalone Nakia movie in a heartbeat Black Panther is now only the seventh film to ever earn more than $600 million (£424.4 million) at the North American box office.
It is currently the sixth highest grossing movie of all time.
Black Panther has earned over $1.2 billion (£848.8 million) worldwide so far. By the end of the weekend, it is expected to surpass Iron Man 3, which earned $1.214 billion (£858.7 million), to become the third highest grossing comic book adaptation of all time globally, behind only The Avengers, which earned $1.5 billion (£1.06 billion), and Avengers: Age of Ultron, which came close behind that with earnings of $1.4 billion (£990.3 million). Having been made with just a $200 million (£141.4 million) production budget, the film is now ranking as one of Marvel’s most profitable ever.
