Ryan Coogler Addresses Collaborating With Joe & Anthony Russo For Black Panther &Wakanda Scenes In Avengers: Infinity War

In the wake of Avengers: Doomsday’s cast announcement, Black Panther director Ryan Coogler revealed that he collaborated with Joe and Anthony Russo on the character’s appearances in other Marvel Cinematic Universe films. Played by the late great Chadwick Boseman, T’Challa/Black Panther first debuted in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, which was directed by the Russo Bros. Despite that film releasing first, Coogler was already attached to direct Black Panther.

As such, the Russos sought his perspective on how to depict T’Challa in Captain America: Civil War, and they later did the same when Black Panther’s setting of Wakanda was used in Avengers: Infinity War. Per CinemaBlend, Coogler recently discussed working with the brothers, who he says “tap in.“

He continued: “I was able to consult on T’Challa in [Captain America: Civil War], and I was able to consult on Wakanda in [Avengers: Infinity War] as well. So they’re really good dudes, really respectful. They’ve got their own thing going, and it’s been incredibly successful.” The director concluded that he is “always honored when they reach out.“

What Ryan Coogler’s Comments About The Russo Bros. Mean

Creating A Cohesive Shared Universe Requires Consistency And Communication

Boseman’s Black Panther and the wider world of Wakanda have had a profound impact on the MCU. Given Coogler’s comments, it stands to reason that the franchise put care into making sure T’Challa stays consistent throughout his depictions. In Marvel’s earlier films, these interconnections were an essential part of why fans enjoyed watching each and every entry in the series. Moreover, the Russos wanting to write T’Challa in a way that aligns with Coogler’s vision testifies to an underlying respect.

Another tidbit of note is that Coogler’s statements leave room for a future collaboration. Leтιтia Wright’s Shuri/Black Panther, Winston Duke’s M’Baku, and Tenoch Huerta Mejia’s Namor—all of whom debuted in the Black Panther film series—are slated to return for the Russos’ upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. This creates a natural opportunity for the filmmakers to work together once more, though this may not have been a hint on Coogler’s part.

Our Take On Ryan Coogler’s Comments About The Russo Bros.

The MCU Is At Its Best When It’s Cohesive

Shuri's Black Panther without her mask in Black Panther Wakanda Forever

Since Wright is returning as the new Black Panther for Avengers: Doomsday, Coogler being consulted would make sense. The MCU is at its best when showcasing the benefits of a shared universe, and the Russos achieved this in their approach to ensemble films such as Avengers: Infinity War. Keeping characters and their stories consistent goes a long way in this regard. With Shuri, M’Baku, and Namor featuring in Avengers: Doomsday, using Coogler’s insights might help the franchise regain a bit of its spark.

Marvel Cinematic Universe

Created by: Kevin Feige
First Film: Iron Man
Upcoming Films: ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool & Wolverine, Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, Blade (2025), The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Avengers: Doomsday (2026), Avengers: Secret Wars
First TV Show: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.