In this Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016 file photo, director Ryan Coogler attends The National Board of Review Gala, honoring the 2015 award winners, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)
LOS ANGELES (AP) --
"Creed" helmer Ryan Coogler is set to direct Marvel and Disney's "Black Panther" movie, the studio announced on Monday.
Chadwick Boseman has already been cast as the lead character, who will make his first appearance in May's "Captain America: Civil War." The "Black Panther" film, set for a release in February 2018, marks the first time a major Marvel Studios film will focus primarily on a black superhero.
There was much speculation surrounding who would take on the directing job. Ava DuVernay earlier this year passed on the film. Coogler was another favorite choice among fans.
The 29-year-old director gained widespread recognition for his Sundance breakout "Fruitvale Station" and this year has been making waves with "Creed," a continuation of the Rocky Balboa franchise focused on Apollo Creed's son.
Pepsi soft drinks in plastic bottles are on sale at a grocery store in New York on Weds., Nov. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)
PepsiCo confirmed Friday that it's ending some of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, even as rival Coca-Cola voiced support for its own inclusion efforts.
In a memo sent to employees, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said the company will no longer set goals for minority representation in its managerial roles or supplier base. The company will also align its sponsorships to events and groups that promote business growth, he said.
Laguarta wrote that inclusion remains important to PepsiCo, whose brands include Gatorade, Lay's potato chips, Doritos, Mountain Dew as well as Pepsi. The Purchase, New York-based company's chief diversity officer will transition to a broader role focused on employee engagement, leadership development and ensuring an inclusive culture, he said.
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House last month, U.S. government agencies, companies and schools have rushed to reevaluate policies and programs they adopted with the goal of reducing discrimination against members of minority groups, women and LGBTQ+ people.
Trump ended DEI programs within the federal government and has warned schools to end DEI programs or risk losing federal money.
PepsiCo's rollback came as Coca-Cola reaffirmed support for its DEI efforts.
In its annual report, Atlanta-based Coke warned that its business could be negatively affected if it is unable to attract employees that reflect its broad range of customers.
"Failure to maintain a corporate culture that fosters innovation, collaboration and inclusion โฆ could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our business and our future success," the company said.
Coca-Cola has set a goal of having women in 50% of its senior leadership roles by... Read More
