Black Panther, the new movie directed by Ryan Coogler is breaking box office records with a mostly African American cast, and with women in powerful roles throughout the film. And for Gabby Williams, a forward on the UConn women’s basketball team, it’s something exciting to see as a black woman.
“We don’t grow up thinking we can be the superhero," she said. "We always grow up and we are portrayed as the villain and I think that movie made us look so beautiful, so smart and so intelligent, and I think that’s why so many people were excited for its release.”
The All-American has always loved superheroes and comics books -- in fact she came to talk to the media after practice this weekend wearing Captain America slippers.
Williams said Black Panther is different than most superhero movies because it deals with real life issues.
As a superhero nerd, she gave the film a 10 out of 10. "It was amazing," she said. "It definitely gave Captain America a run for its money as far as my favorite super hero but it was a great movie.”
Black Panther made more than $200 million on its opening weekend. Williams is averaging 10 points and eight rebounds a game for the No. 1 team in the nation.