Black Panther Just Surpassed Titanic To Become The Third Highest Grossing US Theatrical Release of All Time

For years, James Cameron's Titanic topped the US highest-grossing film list. It was the amazing money maker no one could ever beat but Cameron himself beat it with Avatar, and a few years later, Star Wars: The Force Awakens beat both of them. Now, Ryan Coogler's Black Panther has surpassed Titanic's record thanks to its $661 million box office run, becoming the third highest-grossing US theatrical release of all time.

This is an incredible accomplishment for Coogler and his team, proving that the interest of superheroes of color is not a gimmick.

Avengers: Infinity War will be released in theaters later this month, and it's expected to break box office records as well.

Director Ryan Coogler previously wrote a heartfelt message thanking the fans for contributing to his film's success.

"I am struggling to find the words to express my gratitude at this moment, but I will try.

Filmmaking is a team sport. And our team was made up amazing people from all over the world who believed in this story. Deep down we all hoped that people would come see a film about a fictional country on the continent of Africa, made up of a cast of African descent.

Never in a million years did we imagine that you all would come out this strong. It still humbles me to think that people care enough to spend their money and time watching our film — but to see people of all backgrounds wearing clothing that celebrates their heritage, taking pictures next to our posters with their friends and family, and sometimes dancing in the lobbies of theaters — often moved me and my wife to tears.

For the people who bought out theaters, who posted on social media about how lit the film would be, bragged about our awesome cast, picked out outfits to wear, and who stood in line in theaters all over the world — all before even seeing the film…

To the press who wrote about the film for folks who hadn't seen it yet, and encouraged audiences to come out…

And to the young ones, who came out with their parents, with their mentors, and with their friends…

Thank you for giving our team of filmmakers the greatest gift: The opportunity to share this film, that we poured our hearts and souls into, with you."

Marvel's Black Panther is still showing in theaters. Avengers: Infinity War is set to release in U.S. theaters on April 27.

H/T: Comicbook.com

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