As I said in a recent post on this blog on "Creed’s" success, this makes sense! I said the same thing about F. Gary Gray after the immense global success of "Straight Outta Compton," although he’s moved on to other projects.

It’s clear that Disney/Marvel want a black director for this – preferably a *hot* black director, given all the names that have been reportedly in the mix (rumored or otherwise) since the film was officially announced – including Ava DuVernay (coming off of "Selma"). And Coogler is certainly on fire right now following "Creed’s" solid reception during its opening week.

After "Compton’s" box office breakout, Gray seemed like the most obvious choice. But when he signed up to direct the next "Fast & Furious" movie – a project that will likely consume more than a year of his life – the likelihood of him also directing "Black Panther" (which is set for a February 2018 release, and which will also consume about 2 years of the chosen director’s life, and is in close proximity to production and release dates for "Fast & Furious"), his also directing "Black Panther" seemed much less likely. 

So Ryan Coogler, given the critical and commercial success of "Creed," seems like the most obvious choice here – at the very least, I would expect that he’d be in consideration for the job.

No official confirmation yet, but all the major trades (The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Deadline etc), are all reporting that Coogler is indeed in serious talks to direct "Black Panther." 

Chadwick Boseman is already attached to star in the movie, although no other casting has been announced. 

Further details aren’t available at this time, so stay tuned.