BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — For Ryan Coogler, the essence of "Black Panther" came down to one question: What does it mean to be African?

The Oakland-born filmmaker of both "Creed" and "Fruitvale Station" had been given the gargantuan task of shepherding Marvel's iconic superhero to the big screen, with a budget five times bigger than he'd ever had, Hollywood's most powerful studio behind him and the freedom to make "Black Panther" as personal as he wanted. Coogler had made his name creating films about the black experience, but both were about the black American experience. "Black Panther," which opens nationwide next week, was an African story and when Coogler signed on for the movie, he'd never been.

NEW YORK (AP) — The supposedly cosmically vast Marvel Cinematic Universe, as it's called, spans planets peppered throughout the galaxy, but Ryan Coogler's Earth-bound "Black Panther," glittering and galvanizing, stands worlds apart.

For those of us who have sometimes felt pummeled by the parade of previous Marvel movies, the sheer richness of Coogler's film is almost disorienting. Can superhero films, so often a dull mash of effects, be this dazzlingly colorful? Are genuine cultural connections allowed in modern-day comic book blockbuster-making? Is a $20 billion refund in order?

The vibrant African fashion of “Black Panther” was on display at multiplexes around the U.S. Thursday as moviegoers flocked to the first showings of Marvel’s blockbuster in traditional African shirts, dresses, head wraps and more. (Feb. 16)

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africans have cheered the local premiere of "Black Panther" and have quickly begun dissecting the way actors pronounced the local isiXhosa language used in the film's fictional kingdom of Wakanda.

Actresses Lupita Nyong'o and Danai Gurira were applauded Friday night along with the South African actors who played roles in the film and contributed to the soundtrack.

South African actress Connie Chiume told the audience before the screening in Johannesburg: "I think we will walk out of here and the world will have changed. Africa, we are here. We've arrived."

The vibrant African fashion of "Black Panther" was on display at multiplexes around the country Thursday as moviegoers flocked to the first showings of Marvel's latest superhero blockbuster in traditional African shirts, dresses, head wraps and more.

Some opted to make their own clothes to celebrate the arrival of a superhero many black moviegoers said provided an opportunity for them to celebrate their heritage in a way they haven't been able to before.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — Ryan Coogler was feeling overwhelmed by "Black Panther."

It was only his third feature film and, at just 30-years-old, he was making it with Hollywood's most powerful studio under enormous cultural expectations and with $200 million to get it right.

And he really didn't want it to "suck" (his word).

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — One year ago, most audiences didn't know the name Daniel Kaluuya.

Now, the 28-year-old British actor has a best-actor Oscar nomination for starring in one of last year's biggest films, "Get Out"; a culture-shifting blockbuster opening this week ("Black Panther"); and a Steve McQueen film on the horizon.

The Associated Press, which named Kaluuya one of its breakthrough entertainers of 2017, spoke to the actor recently about his crazy year, the life-changing nomination and his mom's practical advice on Oscar-nomination morning.

At a New York Fashion Week event for "Black Panther," stars Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira and Michael B. Jordan discuss the fans' "heartwarming" reactions to the film. (Feb. 13)

"Black Panther The Album Music From And Inspired By," Various Artists (Top Dawg/Aftermath/Interscope)

At times, the Kendrick Lamar-curated "Black Panther" album feels like a stand-alone set, only loosely related to the Marvel film for which it's named. But the album is a solid, entertaining listen that, in places, has its power.

NEW YORK (AP) — Advance ticket sales to Marvel's "Black Panther" are outpacing all superhero movies on Fandango.

The online ticket service said Wednesday that "Black Panther" is currently outselling its previous record-holder for presale, 2016's "Batman v Superman." Following gushing early reaction from Monday night's premiere, Ryan Coogler's film is the top daily ticket-seller on Fandango.

"Black Panther" doesn't open until Feb. 16, but anticipation is especially strong for the first superhero movie in years starring a black lead character. The premiere in Los Angeles was attended by the film's cast decked in regal African-themed attire.

WASHINGTON (AP) — As people gear up for the "Black Panther" movie, Ta-Nehisi Coates wants them to check out the original source, Marvel's Black Panther comic book, where he's booting up a massive outer space adventure for the king of Wakanda.

The award-winning author and journalist, in an interview with The Associated Press, predicted that the Black Panther movie would "be the best Marvel film so far."

Stars from Marvel's highly-anticipated "Black Panther" pounced on Los Angeles Monday night for its world premiere. Chadwick Boseman and the cast explain why the movie is part of a powerful cultural movement. (Jan. 30)

Bright, Africa-inspired fashion ruled the purple carpet at the "Black Panther" world premiere in Los Angeles. (Jan. 30)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — "Incredible" and "kinetic" are just a few of the loving words that people are using to describe and praise Marvel's "Black Panther."

The film from director Ryan Coogler had its first screenings Monday night and a premiere in Los Angeles. Official reviews won't go out until Feb. 6, but audiences at the select screenings were able to share non-spoiler reactions on social media.

Los Angeles Times writer Jen Yamato wrote that it is the first Marvel movie about something real.

Chadwick Boseman isn't going to be talking about the U.S. president's comments on Africa during his "Black Panther" press tour. (Feb. 2)

NEW YORK (AP) — Afrofuturism is now at New York Fashion Week.

Marvel Studios sponsored a small Black Panther-inspired presentation, "Welcome to Wakanda," on Monday featuring designs by LaQuan Smith, Chromat, Wale Oyejide of the brand Ikire Jones, Fear of God and others, including the jewelry of Douriean Fletcher in a capsule collection.

Fletcher, based in Los Angeles, said she was hired by the film's costume designer, Ruth E. Carter, to create some statement pieces for the superhero blockbuster after she met Carter through a mutual friend, actress CCH Pounder.

There's a Black Panther party going on all around the country.

Superhero fans, movie fans and especially connoisseurs of black culture — American and African — are eagerly awaiting the debut of Marvel's "Black Panther" movie starring comic books' first black superhero with an enthusiasm not often seen in American cinema.

"Black Panther" viewing parties are being scheduled around the country for its February release, smack dab in the middle of Black History Month. Clothing lines are being designed around the bright colors and Afrofuturism styles of Wakanda. And Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar was just named to produce the soundtrack.

The family and friends of Marvel's "Black Panther" stars Forest Whitaker, Lupita Nyong'o and Andy Serkis are among those most excited for the landmark film's release. (Aug. 14)