From the very first time we met Chadwick Boseman‘s T’Challa in Captain America: Civil War we have wanted nothing more than to travel to his kingdom of Wakanda. That desire has been kicked into overdrive every single time Marvel has released an amazing new trailer, teaser, or clip for Black Panther, which looks like a superhero movie combined with a sci-fi film set in the most gorgeous place in the MCU. But while most of us still have to wait a little more than two weeks for the film’s full theatrical release on February 16th, it had its world premiere tonight in Hollywood. And based on the first reactions to the film it sounds like our long-awaited journey to Wakanda is going to do the impossible and exceed our enormous expectations.
We knew those in attendance were in for a special experience tonight when they got to walk the purple carpet–the only appropriate color when royalty will be in attendance–and were greeted by this entrance.
We’re here at the #BlackPanther purple carpet premiere in Hollywood! Watch our livestream at 6PM PT/9PM ET, presented by @MarvelChampions: https://t.co/GvY6DQP8Du pic.twitter.com/B6VAdhO5mn
— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) January 30, 2018
Daaaamn. But what about the actual movie?
I just saw Black Panther and I doubt it will disappoint you.
— Dave Schilling (@dave_schilling) January 30, 2018
Pretty good start, but how does it compare to other Marvel movies?
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
I'm coming out of watching #BlackPanther thinking that it may be the best #Marvel movie yet. Wow!!
— Luis Lecca (@NukeTheFridge) January 30, 2018
#BlackPanther is the 'Hamlet' of Marvel superhero movies. It feels groundbreaking because it is.
— Ramin Setoodeh (@RaminSetoodeh) 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% a Ryan Coogler film. pic.twitter.com/25tEYgrRq7
— Shawn Madden (@shawnxmadden) 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
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
#BlackPanther is exceptional – the James Bond of the MCU. You've seen nothing like this in a superhero movie – it's bold, beautiful & intense, but there's a depth & spiritualness that is unlike anything Marvel has ever done. It's 100% African & it is dope af. pic.twitter.com/Z77IjnIjf2
— ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) January 30, 2018
#BlackPanther is MARVEL’s The Dark Knight. The performances were INSANE. Action was flat out FANTASTIC. It kind of reminded me of the CREED action scenes. Villain wasn’t like amazing or anything like that, but the actor did an amazing job. And yes, the soundtrack RULED! 9.9/10 pic.twitter.com/6CKIF10nVZ
— WormzofDunkirk (@saltyfanboyaa) January 30, 2018
Marvel has outdone themselves, #BlackPanther is remarkable and the best #Marvel film to date. Finally, a mature superhero film that doesn’t feel like a superhero film. Prepare to have your mind blown. Black Panther has officially redefined the superhero genre as we know it. Bravo
— Scott Menzel (@TheOtherScottM) 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
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. Marvels most political movie. So good. #BlackPanther
— Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) 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… till now. #RyanCoogler is a genius. LONG LIVE THE KING!! pic.twitter.com/oYHxk0qg4G
— Yolanda Machado (@SassyMamainLA) January 30, 2018
That tingle you are feeling right now, we had it too reading those. But not every reaction was completely glowing, though you wouldn’t exactly call this a bad review.
BLACK PANTHER: Spoiler alert: IT’S A MARVEL MOVIE. Some rough patches but overall entertaining and not burdened with the larger MCU. The women steal the movie, especially Letitia Wright.
— Sean Mulvihill (@MessEnScene) January 30, 2018
And what about the cast?
Oh, and Danai Gurira needs to headline her own action franchise RIGHT NOW. #BlackPanther
— Adam B. Vary (@adambvary) January 30, 2018
The best part of #BlackPanther is how it unravels this deeply emotional & complex story about family ties & protecting your tribe. While lots will tout Michael B. Jordan as the stand-out, my favs were Danai Gurira & especially BP's lil sis, Letitia Wright pic.twitter.com/VSEwa98BnI
— ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) January 30, 2018
Of course it wouldn’t be a Marvel movie unless there was a major problem with the villain. OH WAIT.
BLACK PANTHER is incredible, kinetic, purposeful. A superhero movie about why representation & identity matters, and how tragic it is when those things are denied to people. The 1st MCU movie about something real; Michael B. Jordan’s Killmonger had me weeping and he’s the VILLAIN
— jen yamato (@jenyamato) January 30, 2018
Give Michael B Jordan an Oscar. #BlackPanther
— Phil "2018 Will Be Worse" Owen (@philrowen) 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
“Black Panther†is one of Marvel’s most ambitious works and 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
Okay, there’s clearly some obvious bad news here: the rest of us still have to wait to go to Wakanda. But at least it sounds like the wait will be worth it.
What do you think of these initial reactions? Do they have you more hyped to see the movie? What were you most excited to hear? Share your thoughts to these first reactions in our comments section below.
Featured Image: Marvel
