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Ryan Coogler and Ludwig Göransson might be the best duo in Hollywood
Writer-director, Ryan Coogler, and composer, Ludwig Göransson, have once again moved so many Black Panther fans across the globe.
The messages, themes, and music of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever came from the minds of Coogler and Göransson, who also worked on the first Black Panther movie.
However, Coogler and Göransson first discovered their synergy while working on Fruitvale Station (2013).
It won both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award in the U.S. drama competition at the 2013 Sundance Festival.
In an interview, Ryan Coogler said that their familiarity with each other allowed the sound effects, the music, and the direction to co-exist seamlessly, making filmmaking a “fun and gratifying” process.
“Collaboration ends up being our secret weapon.”
– Ryan Coogler (2021)
They were roommates at USC Film School
The power duo met at the University of South California. Göransson was studying film scoring while Coogler was in the directing program.
The two were best friends, roommates, and frequent collaborators, with Göransson providing the scores to all of Coogler’s films.
Currently, the two storytellers have multiple recognitions to their names. Coogler is a recipient of four NAACP Image Awards, four Black Reel Awards, and an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.
While Göransson is an Academy Award and two-time Emmy Award winner.
Writing and Directing Black Panther
In both Black Panther movies, Ryan Coogler strived to flesh out each character.
By giving them deep aspirations and ambitions, the audience connected better to both the heroes and villains of the two films.
Superhero movies often present black-and-white concepts. The American writer-director aims to challenge that notion, muddying the water between right and wrong depending on whose perspective you’re seeing.
Composing for Black Panther
On the other hand, Ludwig Göransson poured himself into doing in-depth research.
This was to truly ensure that the different cultures were thoroughly represented through music.
The Swedish composer traveled to four different continents and convened with over 40 artists, musical archaeologists, and other experts to create a unique sound and an immersive experience.
Wakanda Forever
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever sold an estimated $330 million in tickets and set a November record in the United States and Canada.
This marks the highest total ever for a film opening in November, topping the $158.1 million for the 2013 film “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.“