As the Marvel Cinematic Universe soars towards the close of Phase 3, fans may now know the runtime for Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther.


2017 wrapped with the impressive box office takings of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, but let’s not forget that it was a blockbuster year for superhero movies thanks to the likes of Logan, Wonder Woman, and Thor: Ragnarok. This year should be more of the same for the genre, and it all gets started next month with the premiere of Black Panther.


While most eyes are turning toward the superhero ensemble that is Avengers: Infinity War, let’s not forget the importance of Black Panther both culturally and as a prelude to that big battle with Thanos. While there is sure to be a lot to pack in before the Avengers assemble once more, Event Cinemas reports that there is a respectable 135 minutes for Black Panther to do it in.


Black Panther‘s rumored 2 hours 15 minutes puts it neatly between Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2‘s 136 minutes and Spider-Man: Homecoming‘s 133 minutes. However, we should probably remember that Taika Waititi’s Ragnarok underwent something of an overhaul to add an extra 40 minutes to its runtime, so don’t expect Black Panther‘s length to be set in vibranium just yet. As we patiently wait for another trailer to give us some insight into the movie’s plot, 135 minutes sounds like just enough time for T’Challa to take on villains such as Erik Killmonger and Ulysses Klaue.


It is confirmed that another sneak peek of Black Panther will air on January 8 during the College Football Playoff National Championship airing on ESPN, and audiences are hoping for some clarification how the MCU’s 18th movie will help set up Infinity War. If you remember, Ragnarok teased the arrival of Thanos’ Black Order, while the Infinity War trailer all but confirms the Soul Stone is in Wakanda. Does this mean the Mad Titan could nab himself a cameo in Black Panther before (or after) the credits roll?

Either way, Black Panther is already 2018’s most-anticipated superhero, meaning that Chadwick Boseman’s feline favorite is outshining the likes of Aquaman and Venom with some serious hype. Also projected to have one of Marvel’s biggest takings for a solo superhero movie, the pressure is undoubtedly on for Coogler and his team. However, surely set to continue the MCU’s winning formula of dramatic action and family-friendly movies, Black Panther could be one to watch as the MCU prepares to usher in the X-Men and lead the way into Phase 4 with a new breed of heroes like T’Challa at its forefront.