Acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Coogler appeared on the latest episode of 7PM in Brooklyn, a Wave Original hosted by NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, where he offered rare insight into his creative path, his values as a director, and the future of the Black Panther franchise.
The episode, released this week, features Coogler reflecting on his journey from aspiring pro athlete to award-winning filmmaker. He revealed a football injury in his youth redirected him toward storytelling — a pivot that would eventually produce culturally resonant films like Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther.
Despite his success, Coogler said he still purchases his own basketball tickets. “I don’t expect anything for free,” he told Anthony. “It keeps me grounded.”
Throughout the conversation, Coogler emphasized his commitment to the people behind his productions. “I fight for my crew — the ones who rarely get credit but make everything happen,” he said, underscoring his push for equity on and off set.
Coogler also addressed how the industry labels directors of color. “They’ll call your film ‘urban’ before they call it universal,” he said. “I push back on that every time.”
He shared a powerful moment from early in his career when Spike Lee saw a cut of Sinners, a short film Coogler made during film school. “Spike didn’t say much at first — just looked me in the eye and said, ‘You got something.’ I’ll never forget that.”
The conversation turned to the iconic partnership between Lee and actor Denzel Washington, which Coogler called “a masterpiece in motion — two legends feeding each other creatively.”
In a moment that sent fans into speculation, Coogler confirmed that Washington will appear in Black Panther 3. No additional casting or plot details were revealed.
7PM in Brooklyn continues to blend sports, culture, and storytelling through in-depth interviews with leading voices. New episodes are available on Wave and streaming platforms weekly.
