With Marvel Studios’ Black Panther having its “purple carpet” premiere earlier this week, its dawned on me that the next chapter in the expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is just 2 weeks away. I’m naturally excited for anything that’s set in the MCU, but the movies have been consistently getting better in quality since they started out in 2008. I believe Black Panther will be no exception, and here’s 5 reasons why:

#1 No Introduction Needed

If you’ve seen Captain America: Civil War, then you’re already familiar with the character of T’Challa as the Black Panther, played perfectly by Chadwick Boseman. More than a cameo or set up to his own solo movie, T’Challa had his own personal arc throughout the movie that got me emotionally invested in the character. In a movie filled to the brim with other superheros, we got a good look of what drives T’Challa to action as a hero, his fighting skills and prowess as Black Panther, and a resolution to his arc that speaks to his morals and ethics. By the end of Civil War, including that first post-credits scene, my excitement for the Black Panther character and movie had been enriched.

#2 A Whole New World

As new movies are released, Marvel Studios continues to expand their universe with fascinating & visually impressive new locations, such as Sakaar in Thor: Ragnarok, and Ego’s Planet in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. With Black Panther, we’re taken back to Earth to pull the curtains behind the secluded kingdom of Wakanda. Through the film, we’ll get to witness how this technologically advanced society functions, and how they’ve made use of the vibranium resource that’s behind Captain America’s shield and Ultron’s final form. There are plenty of impressive shots in the trailers showcasing the aforementioned tech-society cityscapes and the more natural, tribal landscapes. Aside from visual aesthetics, it’ll be fascinating to see how Wakanda functions culturally and politically.

#3 Shared Vision

No longer notorious for creatively limiting their directors, Marvel Studios has adopted a new approach as of late that has consistently rewarded them with commercial and critical success. Selecting lesser known directors to helm the reigns for these movies seems risky, but I believe Marvel has a healthy process of communication that breeds creativity and a shared vision for both the studio and the director. If the success of Taika Waititi’s Thor: Ragnarok and James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy movies are any indication, Marvel Studios is looking to score big again with Black Panther director Ryan Coogler. With movies like Fruitvale Station and Creed under his belt, Ryan is perfect for telling a story with nuance and socio-political context that’s needed to portray Black Panther, his allies and enemies, and the African nation of Wakanda.

#4 The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

The cultural impact surrounding this movie continues to fascinate me. Whether it’s the excitement on social media from the African-American community, to a crowd funding campaign for kids in Harlem to see Black Panther in theaters that exceeded its goal amount, it warms my heart knowing a superhero movie is having a positive effect. So why is it resonating so strongly? One glance at the cast should be a clear indication. The all-star African-American lineup consisting of Hollywood veterans and up-and-coming actors stays true to the comic book source material of Black Panther and Wakanda. Furthermore, it shows that a movie that focuses on an African nation, with heroes, villains, fighters, mentors, and inventors steeped in its culture and politics is something fans of all backgrounds are excited and ready to see.

#5 To Infinity (and Beyond)

Black Panther is the final MCU movie before Avengers: Infinity War, which hits theaters this May. We already know from the trailer that Black Panther and his Wakandan troops will team up with members of the Avengers to fight off Thanos’ invading army, all on his home turf of Wakanda. I can’t help but ask myself: What state is Wakanda in going into Infinity War? Will Black Panther have evolved as a character from the events of his movie? Is there something in Wakanda that attracts Thanos’ army that we’ll get a glimpse of? Though I’m sure that Black Panther will be able to stand on its own as a movie, Marvel Studios always finds a way to build upon and connect its previous movies to continue their character’s stories, an attribute that I’ve always loved since they started connecting the dots.

Black Panther is set to be released on Friday, February 16th.