Warning: Slight spoilers For Black Panther: Wakanda Forever AheadBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever co-writer and director Ryan Coogler shares an emotional open letter, thanking fans who saw the film in theaters. The movie's designated Certified Fresh on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. At the time of this writing, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has an 84 percent rating from critics and has so far earned over $300 million at the box office domestically and around $561.7 million worldwide.

Marvel Studios has shared a message from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever director Coogler, who openly thanks those who saw the movie in theaters and supported it through good word of mouth and discussion in general. He goes on and thanks audiences for practicing patience regarding several aspects that might have disconnected some viewers; this includes the film's lengthy runtime, its diverse array of foreign languages, and its somber themes. See Coogler's open letter below:

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Black Panther 2 Wouldn't Have Been The Same Without Coogler

With the emotional tie Coogler shares with the late Chadwick Boseman, it's hard to imagine Black Panther: Wakanda Forever directed by another filmmaker. How T'Challa's death was handled -- opting to stay true to Boseman's offscreen passing -- is a decision that hinted at Black Panther: Wakanda Forever being a suitable tribute. Ultimately, one of the film's main themes was grief, and Coogler's first-hand experience with losing Boseman translated exceptionally well onscreen. As he suggested in his open letter, the film served perfectly as an emotional outlet. Besides the thematic compatibility, Coogler also served Black Panther: Wakanda Forever well in filming well-choreographed fight scenes between the people of Wakanda and Talokan, using his experience gained from directing the Creed films.

Will Coogler Return For Black Panther 3?

Letitia Wright wearing the Black Panther suit without the helmet in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

With how Coogler handled Wakanda Forever, it's likely Marvel Studios will at least attempt to bring him back for Black Panther 3. The emotional depth he gave the first two films is something the studio will want to tap into again, as Nakia and T'Challa's son Toussaint's journeys of grief haven't been explored in depth despite their close relationship to the character. Coogler's direction and creative vision don't seem to be problems for the studio, so it's unlikely they'll change their formula for the third film, should it get the green light. As of right now, Black Panther 3 isn't officially in development, but that could soon change.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was an ambitious feat with formidable challenges in its path, but Coogler and his creative team overcame them and provided a tribute that's worthy in numerous ways. It's heartwarming to see Coogler open himself up emotionally even more with his fans. On top of that, to see him share his gratitude and acknowledge the array of challenges the movie faced is an indication that Coogler was the right choice for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and the right choice for any sequels.

Next: Wakanda Forever Sets Up Doom As Black Panther 3's Villain In 4 Huge Ways

Source: Marvel Studios

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