Samuel L Jackson is not convinced Black Panther is going to do anything in Hollywood for black people

(Picture: Marvel Studios/Disney, AP/WireImage)

Samuel L. Jackson doubts the success of box office hit Black Panther will lead to long-term changes in Hollywood for black actors.

The latest Marvel movie, starring Chadwick Boseman and Oscar-winning actor Lupita N’yongo, was released with rave reviews and praise for being ground-breaking – especially with its predominately black cast.

It also led to calls for more films to be led by black actors and actresses, but Samuel L Jackson – a 69-year-old African-American man –does not think Black Panther will have the impact many have suggested.

Speaking to Matt Pomroy, the actor who has appeared in multiple Marvel films and TV shows, explained: ‘I’m not positive that Black Panther is going to change the dynamic of black stories being told in Hollywood and being accepted all over the world.


Black Panther starred Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa King of Wakanda/The Black Panther (Picture: Disney)

‘It’s an action-adventure story and a lot of people like those, and they’ll work all over the world forever because everybody loves a hero.



‘But not everybody loves a drama about somebody’s life experience – that’s why awards have a separate category for foreign films; they are perceived as being different.

‘Once we stop perceiving them as different and just see them as good films and they get recognised in the same category, we’ll be laying markers.’

Black Panther success, however, is pretty hard to ignore as it’s officially turned into a box office predator that Marvel and Disney may never have predicted.

After storming into cinemas across the US and Europe in February the film has repeatedly smashed through expectations and records.

Black Panther has been swimming in success (Picture: REX)

So far it’s earned over $1 billion (£916 million) in takings worldwide and became the biggest movie to open in February ever, amongst other things, but now it’s starting to really make waves at the top as it has officially surpassed Titanic’s US record.

That’s right, Ryan Coogler’s blockbuster has gone and trumped James Cameron’s period piece to settle in as the third-highest grossing movie of all-time in the United States.

The heartbreaking tale of Jack and Rose’s doomed romance finished its domestic run at $659.3 million (£468 million) while yesterday’s estimations from show that T’Challa and co. raked in an additional $2.3 million (£1.4 million), boosting its domestic total to right around $661 million (£469.2 million).

It means that Black Panther now looks as though it will finish its domestic run behind Star Wars: The Force Awakens ($936.6 million or £664.86 million) and Avatar ($760.5 million or £539.8 million), which is no mean feat.

Just last week, the movie passed Jurassic World and Frozen stateside and globally, respectively.

Ryan has been keeping a close eye on his creation and previously took to Twitter via the Marvel Studios account to share his heartfelt thanks with fans all across the world.

Titanic has been sunk (Picture: 20th Century Fox/Paramount/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

He said: ‘I am struggling to find the words to express my gratitude at this moment, but I will try. Filmmaking is a team sport. And our team was made up amazing people from all over the world who believed in this story. Deep down we all hoped that people would come see a film about a fictional country on the continent of Africa, made up of a cast of African descent.

‘Never in a million years did we imagine that you all would come out this strong. It still humbles me to think that people care enough to spend their money and time watching our film — but to see people of all backgrounds wearing clothing that celebrates their heritage, taking pictures next to our posters with their friends and family, and sometimes dancing in the lobbies of theaters — often moved me and my wife to tears.



‘For the people who bought out theaters, who posted on social media about how lit the film would be, bragged about our awesome cast, picked out outfits to wear, and who stood in line in theaters all over the world — all before even seeing the film.

‘To the press who wrote about the film for folks who hadn’t seen it yet, and encouraged audiences to come out… And to the young ones, who came out with their parents, with their mentors, and with their friends… Thank you for giving our team of filmmakers the greatest gift: The opportunity to share this film, that we poured our hearts and souls into, with you.’

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