what makes black panther a mainstream film?

genre: action, superhero, sci-fi, adventure, fantasy→ all popular genres, strong appeal to a wide audience 

narrative: black panther changes the formula by developing an afrofuturistic world with Wakanda and tying its antagonists and story to current social issues. instead of avoiding topics some audiences may find uncomfortable, the film asks the questions and aims to answer them. the nations history of isolation is a key plot within the narrative and becomes part of the central conflict. these themes fit perfectly within the marvel structure. the narrative in the final act of black panther promotes a sense of greater purpose, of a narrative reaching conclusions beyond the characters, making a statement on the world as a whole. black panther never loses sight of what makes movies have a lasting impression: a cast of memorable and likeable characters, a fully realised and fascinating world and a style that feels all its own.

stars: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B Jordan, Angela Bassett, Daniel Kaluuya etc all are very well known stars who contribute to the increase of profit in the film.

audience: most diverse audience ever and brought in new fans→drew the most diverse North American audience ever for a superhero movie. African Americans made up the largest share of the audience or 37%  followed by caucasians 35%, hispanics 18%, Asians 5% and Native American/other 5%.                    

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