After a long wait, Marvel's "Black Panther" may have found its director, "Creed" filmmaker Ryan Coogler.
"Creed" director Coogler is in talks to helm "Black Panther" for Marvel Studios and Disney, a source told The Wrap. With Joe Robert Cole on board to pen the film screenplay, it is unknown at this point whether Coogler will have an official screenplay credit.
It is said that Coogler will work with Cole and Marvel executives to craft a unified vision for the film, which is regarded as vital in Marvel's Cinematic Universe. Marvel has yet to comment on the rumor.
Coogler's name had also been linked to Marvel's "Black Panther" for weeks. In fact, the director was pursued by Marvel Studios to direct the film in October, according to Heroic Hollywood. However, the rumors cooled down, possibly because of the release of his "Rocky Balboa" spin-off, "Creed."
"Creed" proved to be a hit at the box office, along with positive feedback from critics and audiences, and this led Marvel Studios to tap Coogler again to direct the film.
Aside from "Creed," Coogler is also known for his 2013 romance biopic, "Fruitvale Station," which also had "Fantastic Four" actor Michael B. Jordan in a starring role.
Meanwhile, "42" actor Chadwick Boseman is set to play the role of Black Panther. The character's alter ego T'Challa is the prince of the African island Wakanda, which is abundant in vibranium, the mineral used to craft Captain America's shield and strengthen Ultron.
Prior to his solo film, Black Panther will debut in Joe Russo and Anthony Russo's upcoming film slate "Captain America: Civil War," in which he is set to join Iron Man, along with Black Widow, War Machine, and Vision. They will clash against Captain America's team, which includes Hawkeye, The Winter Soldier, Falcon, and Ant-Man.
Marvel's "Black Panther" is slated to premiere in theaters in the United States on Feb. 16, 2018. The Russos' "Captain America: Civil War" premieres on May 6, 2016 while Coogler's "Creed" is still showing in theaters.