As initial reactions to Black Panther begin to surface online, it appears that 2018’s first Marvel Cinematic Universe installment is a more than worthy predecessor to Avengers: Infinity War.
The movie is set to roll into theaters in about two weeks, but a world premiere took place in Los Angeles on January 29. Surprisingly, Disney and Marvel allowed media representatives who attended to immediately share brief, spoiler-free social media posts about the movie.
Of course, initial reaction is not always an indication of critical or box office success. Justice League’s positive first reviews soon gave way to a less than impressive 40 percent Rotten Tomatoes approval rating. The early reactions to Black Panther are much more to the point than Justice League’s.
Original reaction to the Zack Snyder flick indicated that it was a fun movie. On the other hand, Black Panther is being described as great fun, and some critics are saying that it’s the best MCU installment to date. They’re raving about the plot, theme, and visuals. Very few had anything negative to say.
Critics loved Wonder Woman, Thor: Ragnarok, and other superhero movies, but virtually all of them had inadequate villains. Based on initial critical reaction, Black Panther apparently avoided that issue. Michael B. Jordan recently commented that he was hoping to rectify the issues of Fantastic Four in the February 16, 2018 release. If the critics are right about Black Panther, he did just that, because a number of media representatives singled out his character, Erik Killmonger, for praise.
Along with the women in his life, the King of Wakanda (Chadwick Boseman) learns about love in Black Panther. In addition, his younger sister Shuri (Letitia Wright) has been described as a scene stealer.
Check out what these media reps had to say about Black Panther:
Saw #BlackPanther tonight at long last, and was so impressed by the characters and world building that Ryan Coogler brought to the MCU. This movie asks the right questions and challenges the right themes, while creating one of the most impactful villains to date with Killmonger. pic.twitter.com/6tBus6KZ2I
"” Terri Schwartz (@Terri_Schwartz) January 30, 2018
Chadwick Boseman brings an entirely new dimension to T'Challa, and grounds the entire story with necessary weight, but it's the new characters who shine. Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong'o, and scene stealer Letitia Wright are so, so good, and their fight scenes are AMAZING.
"” Terri Schwartz (@Terri_Schwartz) January 30, 2018
#BlackPanther: I never wanted this movie to end, and as soon as it did, I wanted to go back. Solid action, smart story, tons of personality. Shuri is my new fave, Nakia is everything, Killmonger is incredible, T’Challa deserves to rule the MCU. Coogler has done it again. ??? pic.twitter.com/t9gG3DLuCL
"” Angie J. Han (@ajhan) January 30, 2018
Soooo I went to an early screening, and #BlackPanther IS A MASTERPIECE. Period. End of story. Excuse me while I gather my thoughts and feelings… ?????? pic.twitter.com/BNRccAh1HZ
"” Natasha Alford ?? (@NatashaSAlford) January 30, 2018
If you don't understand the power of representation, imagine growing up never seeing a superhero who looks like you. When American Girl dolls came out, I always picked Addy, who had to escape slavery. But now, kids have #BlackPanther's Nakia, Shuri, and Okoye. Dope on many levels.
"” Natasha Alford ?? (@NatashaSAlford) January 30, 2018
#BlackPanther is hands down my FAVORITE @Marvel movie so far! Also, the women in this movie KICK ASS!!! Freaking spectacular! pic.twitter.com/0So83tUt1z
"” Jenna Busch (@JennaBusch) January 30, 2018
One more thing about #BlackPanther: The fight scenes are mind-blowing! @letitiawright @DanaiGurira and @Lupita_Nyongo are incredible!!!!
"” Jenna Busch (@JennaBusch) January 30, 2018
Marvel Studios continues their streak (and then some) with #BlackPanther. One of their best looking and sounding films. Oh, and this is 110 percent a Ryan Coogler film. pic.twitter.com/25tEYgrRq7
"” Shawn Madden (@shawnxmadden) January 30, 2018
#BlackPanther is unlike any other Marvel Studios film. Seriously. When I call this one “fresh”, I mean it in so many ways.
"” Shawn Madden (@shawnxmadden) January 30, 2018
Michael B. Jordan kills it as Killmonger. Pun intended. Shuri is going to be a fan-favorite character. That soundtrack…Wow. #BlackPanther
"” Shawn Madden (@shawnxmadden) January 30, 2018
BLACK PANTHER is exactly what you’d expect from Ryan Coogler: a better-than-average superhero movie. I dug the music, the costumes, the gadgets, and the intimacy. It’s about the fight for the future of Wakanda, and thus the fate of the world. The LADIES rule – Lupita, Letitia, and Danai.
"” Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) January 30, 2018
#BlackPanther is simply awesome. Extremely bold, and as touching as it is thrilling, it boasts GOT-style intrigue, crazy innovative action, and a deep bench of memorable characters. Top 5 all-time Marvel movie, easy. More later. pic.twitter.com/mmz8Nuf1sy
"” Brian Truitt (@briantruitt) January 30, 2018
(Also, sorry, Loki, Rocket, Groot, et al. Letitia Wright's Shuri is gonna be everybody's new favorite Marvel scene-stealer.) pic.twitter.com/XZZpSPqMch
"” Brian Truitt (@briantruitt) January 30, 2018
#BlackPanther: In a word, wow.
"” Borys Kit (@Borys_Kit) January 30, 2018
BLACK PANTHER is not screwing around. By far the most political Marvel chapter, to the point I had to remind myself this is a Marvel movie. BLACK PANTHER is a movie with a lot to say.
Also, Michael B. Jordan…damn.
"” Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) January 30, 2018
#BlackPanther is exceptional – the James Bond of the MCU. You’ve seen nothing like this in a superhero movie – it’s bold, beautiful, and intense. But there’s a depth and spiritualness that is unlike anything Marvel has ever done. It’s 100% African, and it is dope af. pic.twitter.com/Z77IjnIjf2
"” ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) January 30, 2018
The best part of #BlackPanther is how it unravels this deeply emotional and complex story about family ties and protecting your tribe. While lots will tout Michael B. Jordan as the standout, my favs were Danai Gurira and especially BP’s lil sis, Letitia Wright. pic.twitter.com/VSEwa98BnI
"” ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) January 30, 2018
Lastly, #BlackPanther is an audience movie. See it with a crowd, cause they’ll be loud. It is a very proud movie, and a female first movie, and I hope it crushes at the box office, paving the way for a future full of much greater representation. pic.twitter.com/OBAmAt8eZL
"” ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) January 30, 2018
Y’all. Y’ALL. Y’ALL. #BlackPanther is everything I wanted, and so much more. Ryan Coogler has changed the game for the MCU. My God. pic.twitter.com/12dfz0xKkk
"” ReBecca Theodore-Vachon (@FilmFatale_NYC) January 30, 2018
Shuri, played by @letitiawright, is absolutely delightful. I love that Shuri is so at ease with her brilliance and genius. And her scenes with T’Challa are so funny! #BlackPanther pic.twitter.com/Rch7LfSlqM
"” ReBecca Theodore-Vachon (@FilmFatale_NYC) January 30, 2018
Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurai bring the heat in #BlackPanther. Their action scenes had the audience cheering and clapping. I loved every second. pic.twitter.com/tmHcWMTnW6
"” ReBecca Theodore-Vachon (@FilmFatale_NYC) January 30, 2018
Yes, Michael B. Jordan delivers as Killmonger. Menacing and charming. He says something at the end of the movie that effed me up. I wasn’t ready. #BlackPanther pic.twitter.com/G373JdwojX
"” ReBecca Theodore-Vachon (@FilmFatale_NYC) January 30, 2018
Black Panther looks, feels, and sounds unlike any Marvel film to date. A visual feast. Wakanda is amazingly realized, the antagonist actually has an arc with emotional motivations. Marvel’s most political movie. So good. #BlackPanther
"” Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) January 30, 2018
Ryan Coogler knocked it out of the park, some great sequences presented in a "single take/shot." If this movie isn't nominated for costume, art, and production design awards next year, I would be seriously shocked. #blackpanther
"” Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) January 30, 2018
I saw #BlackPanther tonight. It was great fun. Cool world-building, fine performances, and a sweet step forward for the MCU! Cool action set-pieces, and the Wakanda stuff is awesome. Very moving at times, and Shuri is a scene-stealer. pic.twitter.com/EWsUEhGEo4
"” Jim Vejvoda (@JimVejvoda) January 30, 2018
#marvel does it again with Black Panther. Very impressed with the story and filmmaking. @michaelb4jordan absolutely kills it as the villain, and is the best one since Loki. Also, @DanaiGurira kicks so much ass, and I loved every second of it. Going to make serious $. pic.twitter.com/YBrg2x3Nnz
"” Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) January 30, 2018
Something else I love about Black Panther is that Ryan Coogler found an organic way to talk about important real world issues without it feeling preachy or fake. That’s hard to do in any movie, but to make it work in a big #Marvel movie is even more impressive. #LongLiveTheking pic.twitter.com/lHHicc1Mxw
"” Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) January 30, 2018
BLACK PANTHER is just astonishing. Ryan Coogler has harnessed the superhero movie "” and a really fun one! "” to explore profound ideas and create vivid images of black excellence that so rarely ever make it into a giant Hollywood movie. Wow wow wow!
"” Adam B. Vary (@adambvary) January 30, 2018
Oh, and Danai Gurira needs to headline her own action franchise RIGHT NOW. #BlackPanther
"” Adam B. Vary (@adambvary) January 30, 2018
You guys aren't ready for #BlackPanther. It may be the strongest film in the MCU since The Winter Soldier. Ryan Coogler has made something so firmly fresh and new within the confines of the Marvel Universe. Boseman and Jordan are just phenomenal, and I need more Wakanda now. pic.twitter.com/Xj8gJGdMUU
"” Patrick “PJ” Campbell (@pj_campbell) January 30, 2018
I still can't believe this movie exists. Coogler did something so unique, different, and important for not only the MCU, but superhero films in general. Also, the action is just outstanding. I'm just floored by what was accomplished here. This is a cultural event. #BlackPanther
"” Patrick “PJ” Campbell (@pj_campbell) January 30, 2018
#BlackPanther is so kick ass. The female characters in it are amazing. Both physical forces and intellectual badasses. Yes!
"” Rebecca Ford (@Beccamford) January 30, 2018
Coogler does it again! 3 for 3 #blackpanther is thrilling, emotional, and has one of the best villains in the MCU. Every character has purpose, and it's a pure ride from start to finish. Great movie.
"” Kristian Harloff (@KristianHarloff) January 30, 2018
OH MY GOD YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO #BlackPanther IT’S SURREAL HOW AMAZING this film is !!!
"” Jay Washington (@MrJayWashington) January 30, 2018
Like OMG, I’m in tears from the beauty, the music, the score. This is an EVENT. Go see #BlackPanther WHEN IT HITS THEATERS. I watched GROWN MEN go in tears.
"” Jay Washington (@MrJayWashington) January 30, 2018
The fact that @MrJayWashington isn't verified is a travesty and shame upon our great nation.
"” Sawyer Johnson (@Sawyer8901) January 30, 2018
BLACK WOMEN SHINE in #BlackPanther. SISTAS STAND OUT STRONG. #MyMelaninIsPoppin
"” Jay Washington (@MrJayWashington) January 30, 2018
BLACK PANTHER is incredible, kinetic, purposeful. A superhero movie about why representation and identity matter, and how tragic it is when those things are denied to people. The first MCU movie about something real; Michael B. Jordan's Killmonger had me weeping, and he's the VILLAIN.
"” jen yamato (@jenyamato) January 30, 2018
Black Panther is one of Marvel's most ambitious works. It includes, in Michael B. Jordan's Erik Killmonger, a top-tier villain for Marvel or otherwise. He owns every scene he's in, and the film is everything it's been billed as. Long may it reign. pic.twitter.com/KajWk3PNRm
"” Frank Pallotta (@frankpallotta) January 30, 2018
Black Panther is the best Marvel Film ever made. Nothing compares to it. Michael B. Jordan and Letitia Wright steal the show. The visuals are incredible. Go see it.
"” Nate Brail (@NateBrail) January 30, 2018
Ladies and gentlemen, we have an AMAZING villain. #BlackPanther was so good, I can't breathe. AND DANAI GURIRA HOLY F@$&?!?!? I LOVE this movie. pic.twitter.com/eMOZTdIMQv
"” Ash Crossan (@AshCrossan) January 30, 2018
#BlackPanther is black, beautiful and proud. A gorgeously shot film with heart, action, and a message that is so needed today. The women shine bright, bold, and strong, and are everything women of color have been denied…until now. #RyanCoogler is a genius. LONG LIVE THE KING!! pic.twitter.com/oYHxk0qg4G
"” Yolanda Machado (@SassyMamainLA) January 30, 2018
Black Panther is the best MCU movie ever. I was blown away from start to finish, and I'm not even being biased. This was by far the best Marvel movie to date. Thank you, Ryan Coogler! #BlackPanther pic.twitter.com/8Qh0hlOYAb
"” Geeks of Color (@GeeksOfColor) January 30, 2018
Don't ask me anything about anything. Those Marvel snipers you hear the actors talking about are real fam.
"” Geeks of Color (@GeeksOfColor) January 30, 2018
BLACK PANTHER is black as fuck, and I love it for it. Y’all don’t understand how good it feels to see. I want to live in Wakanda. #BlackPanther #BlackPantherSoLit pic.twitter.com/mRCblLq8cj
"” Brandon Norwood (@bwood0824) January 30, 2018
Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger is the MCU’s best villain thus far. His comments on colonialism, as well as his motivations defined on imperialism…yo… #BlackPanther #BlackPantherSoLit
"” Brandon Norwood (@bwood0824) January 30, 2018
Letitia Wright as Shuri is gonna be everyone’s favorite character. I need her and the Dora Milaje in an A-FORCE movie (female Avengers) with She-Hulk, Black Widow, and Captain Marvel ASAP. #BlackPanther #BlackPantherSoLit
"” Brandon Norwood (@bwood0824) January 30, 2018
The MVP of #BlackPanther is Letitia Wright’s hilarious, ebullient Shuri. I want a Shuri supercut, I want a Shuri spinoff, I want a capsule collection of Shuri sportswear at Opening Ceremony, and I want these things now!
"” Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) January 30, 2018
Has January already given us an Oscar frontrunner? Because good luck to anyone who tries to take the trophy from BLACK PANTHER costume designer Ruth Carter. The Dora Milaje would like a word.
"” Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) January 30, 2018
I’m coming out of watching #BlackPanther, thinking that it may be the best #Marvel movie yet. Wow!!
"” Luis Lecca (@NukeTheFridge) January 30, 2018
Wow. Black Panther is the best MCU movie ever. I'm not even being biased. This was by far the best Marvel movie to date. #BlackPanther
"” Dorian Parks (@DorianParksnRec) January 30, 2018
Can't say too much about #BlackPanther. What I will say is its action and adventure is nothing compared to its story and soul. I loved it. Can't wait to see again. pic.twitter.com/TGFKqNGo9N
"” Chris E. Hayner (@ChrisHayner) January 30, 2018
Also, Shuri is the best. Period. #BlackPanther pic.twitter.com/NfHlZsYR4X
"” Chris E. Hayner (@ChrisHayner) January 30, 2018
And kudos to @michaelb4jordan for Killmonger. This is a villain that my heart broke for so many times. Marvel's greatest narrative weakness has always been the baddies. That is not the case with #BlackPanther. pic.twitter.com/1ATz87SL0J
"” Chris E. Hayner (@ChrisHayner) January 30, 2018
Black Panther is crazy impressive. Little slow at first, but fantastic world building, great performances. Best standalone Marvel movie since first Guardians. More a drama than an action movie, which is a good thing.
"” GregoryEllwood – 4 Quadrant on iTunes (@TheGregoryE) January 30, 2018
Letitia Wright is the huge surprise in #BlackPanther. She steals every scene she's in.
"” GregoryEllwood – 4 Quadrant on iTunes (@TheGregoryE) January 30, 2018
Also, great speech from T'Challa that talks about building bridges and not walls (or something like that). Subtle jab at Trump. #BlackPanther
"” GregoryEllwood – 4 Quadrant on iTunes (@TheGregoryE) January 30, 2018
Ok, 1 am. Social Embargo lifted. Oh,??My ??Fuckin’ ??God. ??#BlackPanther was fantastic. Believe the hype. #carryon. pic.twitter.com/7cBfsmCTUi
"” Kneel DeGrasse Tyson (@JLBarrow) January 30, 2018
BLACK PANTHER is like a Marvel movie, but better. The action is predictably awful, but this is the first MCU film that has an actual sense of identity and history and musicality. Wakanda is alive. Whole cast is great, but the women (and the war rhinos) steal the show "” Danai Gurira!
"” david ehrlich (@davidehrlich) January 30, 2018
Also, check out this new Black Panther clip. It’s just as loaded with really cool action as the first one!
Share your thoughts on these Black Panther posts via comments, and stay tuned for the latest updates!
