Actor Forest Whitaker, who stars in Black Panther as Zuri, says the film is resonating early with cinema lovers because it is bringing something new to theaters, being a multicultural piece — especially in the superhero drama genre.

“It’s a unique piece. It’s a multicultural piece. I think people are waiting to find something new,” Whitaker told variety.com.

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“This superhero from Africa, who is in this society and trying to fix the world, is something that hasn’t been seen before. I think Ryan Coogler is a great director, so there’s always going to be some social conscious inside of it. And at the same time, the action is something we haven’t seen before,” said Whitaker.

“We’re going to see not only tribal things, but things that take us into outer space, things that take us into the James Bond space. It’s a really unique amalgamation of different things that come together in an exciting way,” he added.

Whitaker said the first time the cast screened the film together, some people cried from excitement.

“The first time we saw it, just as a cast, after it, everybody leapt up to their feet – literally some were in tears, they were so excited about what was actually occurring. I think people have that same excitement around the movie. I’m expecting something great, and something great for Ryan,” he said.