Register

    Reunions make Marvel’s “Black Panther” especially personal

    By SHOOTUpdated:No Comments1768 Views
    In this Nov. 11, 2015 file photo, actor Michael B. Jordan, right, and writer-director Ryan Coogler pose for a portrait in Los Angeles. The pair, who have worked together on "Creed," and "Fruitvale Station," are reuniting once again for "Black Panther." (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP, File)

    By Ryan Pearson, Entertainment Writer

    SAN DIEGO (AP) --

     Two reunions make "Black Panther" an especially personal chapter in the Marvel cinematic universe.

    The movie, set to begin filming in January, will mark the third time director Ryan Coogler has worked with actor Michael B. Jordan. They teamed up previously on "Creed" and "Fruitvale Station."

    They're joined by Lupita Nyong'o and Danai Gurira, the star and writer, respectively, of the Tony-nominated play "Eclipsed," which concluded its run on Broadway last month. Chadwick Boseman stars as T'Challa, also known as Black Panther.

    "They've been doing a really good job of keeping this a secret – even from the cast," Jordan said after his role was revealed to fans at Comic-Con over the weekend. "I'm really excited to get back to working with Ryan Coogler."

    Jordan plays the villain in the movie, set in the fictional African nation of Wakanda.

    "I'm really, really curious to start diving into a side of my personality that a lot of people don't get a chance to see. It's always cool to show a different side," the 29-year-old actor said.

    Coogler, 30, is still polishing the script for the movie, which features the first black superhero in comics, at a time of turmoil in the U.S. over police killings of black men.

    "I feel fortunate and excited to be making a film like this. No time better than now," he said.

    Though best known for her role in "The Walking Dead," Gurira's "Eclipsed," about five women caught in Liberia's civil war, garnered six Tony nominations. She grew up in Zimbabwe.

    "To see an epic story like this told with the Marvel engine, the Marvel abilities – through the personhood, really, of African people – is really, really thrilling," she said. "It's a dream come true for a little African girl who spends her life watching other folks do those types of stories – and gets to see Africans do that story. I mean, that's pretty amazing."

    The Oscar-winning Nyong'o credited "God's good grace" with reuniting her with Gurira, "because I had no say in the matter."

    "We did a secret jump up-and-down while we were working on 'Eclipsed,'" she said. "I don't mind carrying on the rest of my life with her."

    "Black Panther" is set for release in 2018.

    Tags:Black PantherMarvelRyan Coogler



    DirecTV calls off acquisition of rival Dish, possibly ending a yearslong pursuit

    Friday, November 22, 2024
    Dish Network satellite dishes are shown at an apartment complex in Palo Alto, Calif., Feb. 23, 2011. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)

    DirecTV is calling off its planned acquisition of rival Dish after the offer was rejected by bond holders at that company.

    The deal was reliant on Dish bond holders agreeing to trade in the debt they held for debt in the new company, a swap that would have cost them about $1.6 billion, collectively.

    The retreat by DirecTV this week may end a years-long effort by the company to acquire both Dish and Sling after it announced the bid in September.

    DirecTV was looking to acquire Dish TV and Sling TV from its owner EchoStar in a debt exchange transaction that included a payment of $1, plus the assumption of approximately $9.8 billion in debt. The deal was contingent on several factors, including regulatory approvals and bondholders writing off debt related to Dish.

    "While we believed a combination of DirecTV and Dish would have benefited all stakeholders, we have terminated the transaction because the proposed exchange terms were necessary to protect DirecTV's balance sheet and our operational flexibility," DirecTV CEO Bill Morrow said in a statement.

    The prospect of a DirecTV-Dish combo has long been rumored, and reported talks resurfaced over the years. And the two almost merged more than two decades ago — but the Federal Communications Commission blocked the deal valued at the time at $18.5 billion deal, citing antitrust concerns.

    The pay-for-TV market has shifted significantly since. As more and more consumers tune into online streaming platforms, demand for more traditional satellite entertainment continues to shrink.

    DirecTV says that it will continue to invest in next-generation streaming platforms and offer new packaging options while integrating content from live TV alongside direct-to-consumer... Read More

    MySHOOT Profiles


    Add A Comment