Fans flock to theaters for release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's a big opening weekend for the anticipated movie, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Local theaters say they've been busy already.

The sequel is bittersweet for many, following the passing of actor Chadwick Boseman in 2020.

The original Marvel film which premiered in 2018 became a cultural phenomenon and grossed more than a billion dollars worldwide in less than a month.

The new film is also expected to break records, good news for theaters as they continue working to rebound from the pandemic.

"We had a big night last night and we’re seeing great customer reviews," said Greg Marcus, President and CEO of the Marcus Corporation.

CBS 58 spoke to fans who said they enjoyed the movie, and it lived up to the hype.

The movie is the 30th film in the interconnected Marvel Cinematic Universe.