Debate is intensifying over whether Marvel should grant Ryan Coogler complete creative authority for Black Panther 3, following varied reactions to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and widespread praise for Coogler’s recent work. The conversation around Ryan Coogler Marvel Direction underscores the necessity for a shift in how Marvel approaches its directors in shaping future films.
Fragmentation Hindered the Last Black Panther Film
The latest Black Panther sequel, Wakanda Forever, received mixed reviews, with particular criticism aimed at its fragmented storyline. While the film offered several striking moments—such as the intense early attack by the Talokans, the powerful funeral for T’Challa, and Angela Bassett’s standout portrayal of Queen Ramonda—its narrative became mired in the introduction and expansion of ancillary characters like Everett K. Ross, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, and Riri Williams. These figures, clearly positioned for future Marvel projects, diverted attention from the established characters conceived by Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole.
This overextension in the cast led to a lack of depth in the narrative arcs of popular characters like Okoye and M’Baku, undermining the emotional resonance and cohesion that made the original film impactful. The loss of focus is often attributed to Marvel’s tight grip on interconnected storylines intended to serve broader franchise ambitions, sometimes at the expense of the director’s artistic vision.
Marvel’s Tradition of Centralized Storytelling
Marvel Studios, under Kevin Feige’s leadership, has long maintained a centralized, showrunner-like approach to storytelling. Feige typically architects the main narrative beats for each film, often working closely with prominent screenwriters such as Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely to further develop his vision. Directors contribute to the MCU’s house style, but are expected to operate within the structures Feige builds, even down to pre-planned action sequences.
This formulaic approach sometimes led to the departure of innovative filmmakers, including Edgar Wright from Ant-Man and Ava DuVernay before Ryan Coogler joined Black Panther. Despite this, it enabled a signature tone and visual style across films that allowed audiences to easily engage with a world spanning from supersoldiers to gods. Teams like the Russo Brothers flourished in such an environment by making large-scale events like Avengers: Infinity War both familiar and emotionally accessible.
Exceptions That Proved the Rule
Despite the rigid structure, Marvel has occasionally allowed for deeper creative expression. James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and Taika Waititi’s Thor films are intensely stylized, reflecting their creators’ voices. Similarly, Joe Johnston provided a retro feel in Captain America: The First Avenger, and Sam Raimi offered visually unique sequences in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, including his memorable music note scene.
Marvel’s System Now Faces New Challenges
For many years, Feige’s methodology drove Marvel’s unprecedented cinematic success. However, a noticeable decline in quality has emerged, as viewers are increasingly critical of recent films. Movies such as Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four: First Steps have been described as feeling stitched together during post-production, exposing the strain on storytelling coherence. Audiences now seem less willing to overlook narrative weaknesses, even in the face of superhero spectacle. Superhero fatigue and attention split to Disney+ projects have made the cracks more visible than ever before.
Ryan Coogler’s Success with Sinners Highlights What Marvel Needs
The contrast between Marvel’s diminishing returns and Ryan Coogler’s triumph with his recent film, Sinners, is striking. Sinners—centered on twins returning to their Mississippi home to open a juke joint, only to encounter supernatural dangers—demonstrates Coogler’s ability to craft an engaging, original story with both technical mastery and thematic depth. The film’s critical and commercial success shows Coogler’s unique sensitivity to character and story structure, qualities that elevated the original Black Panther beyond formulaic superhero fare.
Uncertainty Over Creative Decisions
There has been little official word about the origins of decisions regarding the expanded roles of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine and Riri Williams in Wakanda Forever. If these choices were made by Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole, responsibility for the film’s narrative shortcomings could rest with them. However, historically, Marvel’s creative process has prioritized franchise setup over letting directors drive bold new directions. The result is often a compromise that dulls a singular vision.
Why Marvel’s Future Hinges on Coogler’s Direction
Marvel’s architects face a pivotal moment as they decide how to proceed with Black Panther 3. Coogler’s track record is unmatched within the MCU: he crafted an original film that became a cultural touchstone and then proved his versatility with a genre-defying hit outside the superhero world. The announcement of his return for the third Black Panther has reignited calls for him to be granted full artistic latitude, free from franchise-imposed constraints. Many believe that with Coogler entirely at the helm, Marvel has the chance to recapture its storytelling magic and connect more powerfully with audiences.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe now stands at a crossroads—its traditional methods are no longer yielding consistent success or innovation. By letting Ryan Coogler shape the direction of Black Panther 3 according to his vision, Marvel could signal a commitment to bold, director-driven filmmaking, potentially revitalizing both the franchise and audience enthusiasm.
Ryan Coogler confirms ‘Black Panther 3’ is his next film #DeadlineContenders pic.twitter.com/15OH9hpMPY
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) November 15, 2025
