"Black Panther" Breaks Records as Marvel's Second Biggest Pre-Opening Ever

Marvel's highly anticipated film "Black Panther" opened in Thursday previews to record-breaking numbers. The film opened to an impressive $25.2 million, coming in second to "Avengers: Age of Ultron," which made $27.6 million on Thursday preview night. The Wrap's film reporter Beatrice Verhoeven sits down with Alyssa Julya Smith in Los Angeles to talk about some of the cultural implications of the film, and how it's become a worldwide phenomenon. Vanhoeven discusses how Black Panther has signaled a shift in the industry that could lead to more and more lead roles for minorities in big budget blockbusters. She also cites Ava DuVernay's "A Wrinkle in Time" as another example of this shift. Vanhoeven also talks about the fact that teachers are bringing their entire classes to see the film as it's a good depiction of underrepresented groups in film. Marvel's "Black Panther" is expected to make more than $150 million over the holiday weekend.

More In Culture

Always Ask For an Upgrade, and Other Hotel Money-Saving Hacks

Check out these savvy pointers before you check in.

Artists Get Creative to Protect Their Work from Generative AI

As image-generating AI continues to evolve, artists are increasingly fighting against what they see as an existential threat to their craft.

'Million Dollar Listings: Los Angeles' Star Tracy Tutor Talks Real Estate And Reality TV

Find out what reality TV star and real estate agent Tracy Tutor has to say about the current state of the market. Plus, what to expect on MDL this season.

Bon Jovi's David Bryan & Daughter Gabby Tackle Life's FAQs

'Let Me Ask My Dad': Bon Jovi's David Bryan and daughter Gabby host a comedy-advice podcast, fearlessly tackling questions with no topic off-limits.

Did Taylor Swift Impact UK Inflation?

Some economists attributed spending increases to Taylor Swift’s tour of the U.K. in a new inflation report.

Female Athletes Smash Ceilings, Boost Investor Appeal

The 2024 Paris Olympics mark a historic shift in women's sports, influencing investment strategies and sponsorships, promising growth and new opportunities.

Celebrities and Influencers are Getting $2,000 MRI Scans. Should You?

Celebrities and influencers are helping promote high-tech medical scans that companies claim can help catch deadly diseases, including cancer.

Amazon Prime Day Deals Start July 16

July sales events have become a seasonal revenue driver for the retail industry since Amazon launched its first Prime Day in 2015.

Work Friends Can Be Hard to Find: How to Combat Loneliness at Work

The surgeon general has said there's a loneliness epidemic in America. For many people, that includes a lack of friendships at work. But there's hope!

Air Travel is Getting Worse, Passenger Surveys tell U.S. Government

Air travel got more miserable last year, if the number of consumer complaints filed with the U.S. government is any measure.

Load More