‘Black Panther’ superfan launches petition for Netflix to launch TV series to tell the story of Wakanda
Black Panther is taking the world by storm, and the fans want to make sure that the story of King T’Challa and the Wakanda kingdom continues.
Set to gross over $500 million worldwide before the Marvel masterpiece even heads into its second weekend at the boxoffice, it’s only right that fans would be asking for more. And Eric Hamilton is doing just that. The Black Panther super fan took to change.org to campaign for a Netflix series that “would expand the depth of the Marvel universe.”
Hamilton cited previous series from Luke Cake, Daredevil, and Jessica Jones to Iron Fist, The Defenders, and The Punishers to bolster his argument.
–Wakanda immigration officials institute lifetime ban against R. Kelly–
At this time, the petition has over 1,400 signatures. With the breakaway success of the film we’re pretty sure that Marvel won’t be done with Black Panther, director Ryan Coogler, and this dynamic Black cast for some time to come.
Box office gold
Black Panther debuted to a record-breaking $242.2 million over the President’s Day weekend, which included over $25.2 million accounting for it first night alone. Now, industry experts are projecting that the latest Marvel masterpiece will claw its way to the top of the box office charts for the second weekend in a row.
Projections for the coming weekend are close to $100 million, which is sure to outdo its rivals. The Ryan Coogler blockbuster is set to go up against Game Night, Annihilation, and Every Day.
Black Panther has been racking up records even before it debuted. On Fandango, the ticket-selling website, the movie was the fastest-selling first-quarter film for pre-sales.
—Chadwick Bozeman wants to meet Denzel Washington to thank him for paying for him to go to Oxford—
It also broke a record on the popular film review site Rotten Tomatoes, where the film debuted to a perfect 100 percent fresh score. That makes it the highest debut for a Marvel superhero film to date, according to the Daily Dot. With a current 98 percent “want to watch” rating score as well, the movie is riding high at the box-office.
It’s quite clear that King T’Challa will not be abdicating the box office throne anytime soon.
Another call to action
With Black Panther ranking in fans and huge box office totals some people are asking that Marvel put their money where their mouth is.
A petition online, created by Chaz Gormley, is urging Marvel’s cinematic parent, The Walt Disney Co., to “set aside 25 percent of their worldwide profits to be allocated for investment in black communities, and in programs within these communities that focus on S.T.E.M.”
Citing the fact that the cinematic studio has targeted Black culture and Black communities for its marketing campaign, and Black people have therefore substantially assisted with the imminent success of the world of Wakanda— Gormley assists on Change.org that Black Panther‘s profit goes to good use.
–Jemele Hill claps back at Meghan McCain defending her Trump tweets–
“While many would see the release of a major studio film with a majority black cast, black director and art direction helmed by black artists… as a win,” Gormley asserts, “what exactly will the black community gain, aside from another symbolic victory?”
Some are asking would it hurt for Marvel to invest some of its millions and/or billions of profits to Black communities that they’re targeting for the movie? At a time in politics where it’s beneficial to put your wallet where your mouth is, Gormley’s petition raises an intriguing question.
Celebrities take on the #BlackPantherChallenge
In addition to breaking records, Black Panther is inspiring many celebrities to share the amazing story.
The #BlackPantherChallenge, in which people step forward to help underserved communities and children, started with Frederick Joseph, who launched a GoFundMe campaign to help Harlem kids see the film for free. The campaign eventually exceeded its $10,000 goal within three days.
“I want these children to be able to see that people who look like them can be superheroes, royalty, and more,” said Joseph. “All proceeds will go to paying for the private screening tickets for children and chaperones, as well as refreshments. The release of the film is February 16th, 2018, and the screenings will take place the following week between February 19th and 22nd.”
–Oprah responds to Donald Trump’s ‘insecure’ tweet in best way possible–
Since then, other stars, from Octavia Spencer and Serena Williams to Kendrick Lamarand T.I. have come forward to take the challenge in their own ways.
From the tweets to the streets, this cast has got Hollywood on lock. Wakanda Forever!
