Michelle Obama praises 'Black Panther,' celebrity Twitter agrees
Michelle Obama doesn’t tweet that often, preferring to save social media for special occasions — like, for example, the opening weekend of Black Panther. The former FLOTUS took a moment on Monday to praise the new Marvel superhero movie, the first in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to feature an African-American actor in the title role and an almost entirely black cast. (That’s a big leap from the first MCU film, 2008’s Iron Man, which had exactly one black actor in a named role — or two, if you count the 20-second post-credits scene.) And Michelle wasn’t the only social-media-savvy celebrity to shower praise on the film, which has a 97 percent “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes (despite sabotage efforts from certain corners of the internet) and smashed box-office records this weekend. Here’s a roundup of high-profile praise for Black Panther on Twitter and Instagram.
Michelle Obama called the film an inspiration for a new generation of audience members.
Congrats to the entire #blackpanther team! Because of you, young people will finally see superheroes that look like them on the big screen. I loved this movie and I know it will inspire people of all backgrounds to dig deep and find the courage to be heroes of their own stories.
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) February 19, 2018
Kerry Washington plans to copy Danai Gurira’s best fighting move.
I’m definitely throwing my wig in somebody’s face to win my next fight #BlackPanther
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) February 18, 2018
Shaquille O’Neal is cosplaying on Insta as Chadwick Boseman.
A post shared by DR. SHAQUILLE O’NEAL Ed.D. (@shaq) on Feb 18, 2018 at 4:29pm PST
Ryan Reynolds pledged his allegiance to Wakanda.
BELIEVE. THE. HYPE. All hail the king #WakandaForever pic.twitter.com/qENThMS9qU
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) February 17, 2018
Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., is thrilled that voter registration drives are taking place at screenings.
A terrific and empowering initiative. #WakandaForever https://t.co/ryjpyRnWWh
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) February 19, 2018
Questlove found words inadequate.
I feel like breakdancin! #BlackPanther #WakandaForever
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) February 17, 2018
Janelle Monae would be an excellent pick for the sequel, and she knows it.
The WOMEN OF WAKANDA ?! #BLACKPANTHER
— Janelle Monáe, Cindi (@JanelleMonae) February 16, 2018
Oprah saw the movie on a date.
Just saw it with Stedman. It’s Phenomenal!! Layers and layers of it. Wakunda ForEveeeerrrr! #BlackPanther
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) February 18, 2018
Ron Howard made it a family affair.
Loved #BlackPanther congrats #RyanCoogler and Co. highest rating from the Howard Fam
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) February 19, 2018
Serena Williams saw it with the cutest audience.
A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Feb 16, 2018 at 6:55am PST
MC Hammer went in costume, because of course he did.
Beautiful Family Night at the #Oakland “Black Panther” Screening. #Wakanda Forever !!!Salute to the Coogler Family and Thank You Mayor Libby Friday February 16 The 1st Annual “Black Parents Day” in Honor of Black History Month.#BlackPanther @Iam360WISE pic.twitter.com/5V6vQq1JTB
— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) February 15, 2018
Chris Pratt is taking notes for Jurassic World 3.
THE HYPE IS REAL!! Woke up thinking about #BlackPanther It’s like a Bond movie meets Shakespearean tragedy. Great action. Stunning visuals. Exceptional performances all around. Thought provoking AND Funny! @chadwickboseman @letitiawright @michaelb4jordan @DanaiGurira
— chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) February 19, 2018
Whoopi Goldberg gave her heartiest, most abbreviation-filled endorsement.
Just watched Black Panther, RUN 2 this Film, Chadwick Boseman, Michael B Jordan off the hook, & EVERY woman in this film, no matter your own race, is the woman you want 2 be. Believe me when I tell you C this movie, it’s SO much more than you think it is.
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) February 14, 2018
Ice T removed his hat.
Movie Review: ‘Black Panther’ The Hype is Real.. Just checked it out. Highly recommend. Hats off to Marvel for representing. Well done! Approved.
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) February 19, 2018
Kevin Hart’s kids got to see Black Panther with Black Panther, so they win.
A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on Feb 17, 2018 at 6:19pm PST
