Marvel’s Black Panther was released three years ago today, on February 16, 2018. Today Marvel fans are caught in the bittersweet nexus of both happily celebrating the milestone cultural phenomenon that was Black Panther’s theatrical release and mourning the loss of franchise stars Chadwick Boseman. Boseman passed away last fall due to colon cancer, which the actor had been battling in secret. As we come to this 3rd anniversary of Black Panther becoming a live-action mainstream hit, Marvel Studios is re-investing heavily in the franchise.
Videos by ComicBook.com
Black Panther II will start shooting soon, with a story that will advance things without replacing Chadwick Boseman in the role of T’Challa. Black Panther director Ryan Coogler is also working on a spinoff series for Disney+, entitled Kingdom of Wakanda.
Scroll below to see the mix of joy and pain that Marvel fans are sharing on Black Panther‘s 3rd anniversary.
The First Omen
3 years ago on this very date, โBlack Pantherโ was released and history was made. pic.twitter.com/ST9HzeHM3k
โ Shon (@gayblackvet) February 16, 2021
Even beforeย Black Pantherย hit theaters, this trailer made Marvel fans (and the world) realize that Ryan Coogler was bringing something different: The World of Wakanda.ย
A Hero Like Us
3 years ago Black Panther was released to the world and it remains one of the best CBMs of all time. Not only that, it also gave a lot of young kids in the black community some one to look up to and they finally saw someone in a CBM that looked like them. pic.twitter.com/OH7my4Q8vD
โ T’Challa Stan #TeamKong (@KhameekJ03) February 16, 2021
Black Panther wasn’t just a big Marvel movie: it was a sign that there are so many people around the world who have been waiting to see themselves represented in the heroes we watch on the big screen. $1.3 billion dollar box office later, Hollywood gets the point.ย
All The Stars Shining
Black Panther came out 3 years ago today, Iโll never forget the impact and hype this movie had worldwide for its release. One of the biggest and most successful movies of all time. pic.twitter.com/wPSkPpZ0h5
โ ๐ (@kingbackpackii) February 16, 2021
Black Pantherย also gave an ensemble of tremendously talented (largely black) actors the big breakthrough they deserved. Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Daniel Kaluuya… That’s not even counting the Oscar-level heavy-hitters like Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Lupita Nyong’o who helped anchor things.ย
The Imagery
happy 3 years to black panther pic.twitter.com/aw8t5437aI
โ f. (@avatartaste) February 16, 2021
Even in fictional form, Ryan Coogler managed to capture the beauty and grandeur of Africa’s history, culture, and style. He also nailed quite a few gorgeous and breathtaking superhero action shots along the way. The imagery ofย Black Panther still resonates just as strong, 3 years later.ย
And That Soundtrack…
3 years of black panther, never will get over All the stars by Kendrick Lamar & SZA pic.twitter.com/Eo47ooMvpB
โ kunta (@i4ops) February 9, 2021
The songs of theย Black Pantherย soundtrack are almost as famous as the movie itself. With good reason.ย
The Best Moments
3 years since black panther was released in theatres <3 pic.twitter.com/RZyXvVkzNI
โ tabitha (@filmmaddens) February 16, 2021
We couldn’t truly appreciate at the time that these ads were giving us a collection of some of Black Panther‘s greatest highlight moments.ย
R.I.P. Chadwick
3 years ago today, Black Panther was released in movie theaters. RIP Chadwick Boseman ๐๐ฝ pic.twitter.com/HrjSlfnLb5
โ Nasty_CSA (@mevpromotions) February 16, 2021
The pain of his loss is still so fresh for millions of fans all over the world.ย
Hail to the King
3 years ago today, one of my all time favorite movies premiered in theaters. stream โblack pantherโ today & honor the legend chadwick boseman. #BlackPanther #ChadwickBoseman pic.twitter.com/Nazi5Hlz3G
โ sam แข wv spoilers! (@wandadominance) February 16, 2021
You can streamย Black Pantherย today on Disney+, and bask in the glory of Chadwick Boseman’s presence again.ย
Don’t Mind Our Tears
Donโt mind me. Just crying thinking that Chadwick Boseman will never be the Black Panther again.
โ jamโก๏ธ (@Jamisurious) February 16, 2021
We are all crying a little bit inside today. Rest In Power King. The world is a little bit dimmer without you.ย
Wakanda Forever
Snapchat flashbacks just reminded me that on this day 3 years ago, I was getting ready to go see Black Panther at midnight. I miss the greatness of @chadwickboseman and am so grateful for the legacy he left behind. ๐ฅบ pic.twitter.com/ZITb6lzGha
โ Courtney Allen (@CourtTh3Dork) February 15, 2021
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Black Panther IIย is scheduled to hit theaters on July 8, 2022.ย
