According to Entertainment Weekly via The Hollywood Reporter, Marvel is developing a film adaptation of “The Black Panther”.
According to the sites, Marvel has hired documentarian Mark Bailey to write the screenplay for the film. While asking a documentarian to write a superhero movie is a bit out of left field, the sites state that Bailey, who worked on documentaries “Pandemic: Facing AIDS” and “Ghosts of Abu Ghraib”, will add grittiness, depth and realism that will help ground the film.
Originally, Wesley Snipes was set to star as The Black Panther (whose name is T’Challa), and Entertainment Weekly suggested Mr. Eko, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. But what about casting Djimon Hounsou? He’s already been T’Challa for the motion comic series and he’s still within the age range to play him. Will they go ahead and establish a relationship with Storm (and will Halle Berry reprise her role)? Time will surely tell.
The Black Panther is considered Marvel’s first black superhero, appearing in 1966. The character is the king of the fictional resource-rich African nation of Wakanda. His wide skill set of superpowers range from genius-level intelligence, super-agility and strength, enhanced senses, claws, and marrying Storm from the X-Men (yes, I’m calling that a superpower).
As mentioned above, the film won’t be the first time The Black Panther has made it out of the comic book world; there is The Black Panther motion comic series, written by Reginald Hudlin and starring Hounsou as the title character, along with Jill Scott, Kerry Washington, Carl Lumbly and Alfre Woodard.
