Creed's Ryan Coogler confirmed to direct Marvel's Black Panther

He'll direct Chadwick Boseman in the titular hero's first solo adventure onscreen following Captain America: Civil War

Marvel's Black Panther (Marvel)

Creed director Ryan Coogler has been confirmed for Marvel's Black Panther.

Though long rumoured for the job, especially after reported frontrunner Ava DuVernay passed on the project, it's fantastic to finally seem him confirmed by Marvel itself.

In a statement released on Marvel.com, producer Kevin Feige enthused, "We are fortunate to have such an esteemed filmmaker join the Marvel family. The talents Ryan showcased in his first two films easily made him our top choice to direct Black Panther. Many fans have waited a long time to see Black Panther in his own film, and with Ryan we know we’ve found the perfect director to bring T’Challa’s story to life.”

Coogler's stunning debut, Fruitvale Station, saw Creed star Michael B. Jordan bring to light the life and death of Oscar Grant, killed in 2009 by a transport officer on a BART station platform in Oakland, California. This Friday sees the release of Creed, his own entry into the Rocky franchise, which won Sylvester Stallone a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. Indeed, Creed's high-profile studio offering, and one particularly connected with a beloved franchise, serves as absolute proof of Coogler's ability to take on Marvel's prized new character.

He'll join the roster of Marvel Studios' "Phase Three" directors, including Thor: Ragnarok's Taika Waititi and Doctor Strange's Scott Derrickson. Black Panther will see Chadwick Boseman play T'Challa, the king of a fictional, technologically-advanced African country Wakanda who moonlights as a costumed superhero.

Black Panther will make his debut in this year's Captain America: Civil War, released in UK theatres 29 April.