HEROES FOR ALL
riage with respect and thoughtfulness. Through our collaboration, a trust, bond and friendship were built. I learned many of the issues that I had spent my life thinking about were issues that he grappled with as well. Identity, heritage, responsibility to self and others. A sense of belonging. Our contribution to the already vaunted legacy of Black Panther through
‘As an only child who kept busy playing make-believe, I remember longing for a hero in my own image.’ — JOE ROBERT COLE, “Black Panther” co-writer
our script drew from those feelings and reflections.
Our ruminations weren’t by any means unique. The questions we wrestled with are universal, but for us they provided a catalyst to explore Africans’ and African Americans’ place in the tapestry of modern humanity on a massive canvas.
This prospect was both exhilarating and intimidating. I read every Black Panther comic, but admittedly only after I had won the job. There are fans who have lived and breathed Black Panther for decades. T’Challa, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appeared in a Fantastic Four comic in 1966, so I had a lot of catching up to do.
It was also deeply important to everyone
involved with the film that we be respectful of Africa, its cultures and people. All too often the continent of over 50 nations has been painted with a broad
brush and woefully misrepresented. We spoke to historians and consultants, and Ryan visited the continent. Hannah Beachler, our production designer, put together a Wakandan bible rooted in tireless research.
But, more than anything, we dug into our well of personal experiences and feelings (good, bad and in-between) for ideas and story solutions. It was through this process that we were able to make the story our own.
To some, it may seem strange to focus on our humanity while writing a film filled with fantastical beings and technology. But in large measure, movies are about wish-fulfillment; seeing yourself in the greatness, humor, drama or villainy of the characters. This is why inclusion and representation are so paramount. And why a handful of diverse films every 10 years or so isn’t enough.
Humanity spans across gender, race, age and geography. “Black Panther” speaks to the global responsibility we have to one another. I am proud to have been a part of something that is at the same time very personal and for everyone.