People were hungry for it: Martin Freeman on 'Black Panther' success

'Black Panther' has gone on to become a culture phenomenon in the last year with its impact growing deeper with time and actor Martin Freeman feels its record-breaking success reflects that the film was the need of the hour.

The 46-year-old actor, who plays CIA agent

Everett K Ross

in the Ryan Coogler-directed film, said the audience was yearning for a game-changer and that is the reason why they lapped up the movie without any delay.


"People were hungry for it (the film). There were a lot of people who were dying to see it. It's not often that people come up to you and say, 'I've seen this film seven times. I take my mom, my dad.' So, that's rare in itself. "

"As well as being a very good film, it also feels like a bit of a moment," Freeman said. 'Black Panther' is the first Marvel film to be led by a person of colour - Chadwick Boseman - and featuring a virtually all-black cast with

Michael B Jordan

,

Lupita Nyong'o

, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Andy Serkis, among others.

Touted to be a multi-layered masterpiece, the movie was an instant hit with its rich, sensitive portrayal of the African heritage and meaty roles for women characters.