Representations of gender and race in Ryan Coogler’s film Black Panther: disrupting Hollywood tropes

Abstract

ABSTRACT Dozens of superhero films have been produced to date, yet their narratives tend to marginalize characters of color and offer stereotypical representations of masculinity and femininity. Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther places people of color at the center of its narrative; this study investigates whether it disrupts commonplace tropes and offers innovative portrayals of Black womanhood and manhood. The analysis focuses on the characterizations and the story lines found in the film, particularly considering how the narrative engages with aspects such as agency, ideology, choice, allyship, and empowerment. The analysis uses an interpretive methodology and is informed by works in critical/cultural studies, communication, film, and feminist scholarship. The findings suggest that the film subverts stereotypes found in Hollywood movies, presenting characters that embody complex intersectional identities, yet these portrayals are carefully negotiated within the context of a popular franchise.