The Journey Behind Black Panther 2018: How the Movie Got Greenlit
The Making of Black Panther: Marvel's Most Respected Hero
Marcus Holloway, a panther head who is skilled in all the forms of Kunta Kinte, leads the story of his greenlight journey. Marvel's robust catalog of characters is vast, and it was their strategic vision to introduce another major character that could carry the narrative forward beyond the usual comic book heroes. Enter, T'Challa, also known as Black Panther, a character who was a significant part of the original Avengers movie and went on to become a standalone hero in his first film in 2018.
Kevin Feige and the Storytelling Team
Kevin Feige, Marvel's Director of Creative Strategy, has a well-orchestrated team of writers and script developers. Their primary goal is to continue expanding the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) while keeping the stories cohesive. The process of choosing which Marvel character to feature is shrouded in secrecy and involves a meticulous and structured approach. If you want to know what it's like to be part of this team, the process remains a tightly guarded secret within the company.
Bringing T’Challa to the Screen
T'Challa, the Black Panther, is a relatively prominent character in Marvel comics, having first appeared in one form or another since the 1960s. Marvel’s determination to bring their A to C-level characters to the screen was inevitable, and it was time for T’Challa to shine in a standalone film. T’Challa’s character holds significant importance, not just as a standalone hero but as a key player in the conclusion of the first Marvel phase, which led to the next Avengers movie and the beginning of the next phase.
The Greenlight Process
Before any Marvel movie ever goes into production, it must first get greenlit. This is a crucial step that involves presentations, feedback, and final approval. For 'Black Panther', the process was no different. Kevin Feige and his team would have had to present the concept to the higher-ups at Marvel and Disney. They would have had to explain why T’Challa was a compelling character to bring to life on the big screen, and how his story could contribute to the overall narrative of the MCU.
Stan Lee’s Vision
Stan Lee, the legendary co-creator of many Marvel characters, played a significant role in bringing 'Black Panther' to the screen. According to the creative legacy, it was Stan Lee who initially wanted to make 'Captain Marvel' (versus the 'Shang-Chi' and 'Black Panther' here), and he believed it was the right time for T’Challa to take the spotlight. However, T’Challa’s story was so compelling, it was decided to bring him to the screen, marking a significant shift in storytelling within the MCU.
Importance in the Marvel Phase Transition
'Black Panther' was not just a standalone movie; it was a pivotal point in the transition of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. T’Challa's character marked the end of Phase 1 and the beginning of Phase 2 in MCU. The film’s greenlight was not just about a successful movie launch but a strategic move to solidify the character's place in the larger narrative arc. From a marketing standpoint, 'Black Panther' was a game-changer, showcasing diverse representation and cultural inclusivity, which no doubt played a role in its eventual greenlighting.
Conclusion
The journey behind 'Black Panther 2018' is a testament to the meticulous planning and strategic vision of the MCU team. From the initial greenlight process to the final release, every decision was carefully considered to ensure the character's impact on the MCU and the broader entertainment landscape. If you're interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of the MCU, this pivotal story provides a fascinating insight into the process of getting one of Marvel's most beloved characters to the big screen.