Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o marvels at talent of 'Black Panther' director

Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o has been crossing the globe, attending premieres for the movie "Black Panther" from Los Angeles, to Seoul, to London, with all of her Marvel cast mates.

The opening weekend estimates for the film keep growing. Analysts say "Black Panther" is now on track for a $170 million weekend.

Director Ryan Coogler packed the film with empowered, valiant female characters. Nyong'o plays "Nakia," a talented, idealistic spy. When Coogler first talked with the actress about bringing these Marvel characters to the big screen, she admits she was surprised by his ideas.

"I just thought, 'Wow, really? Marvel has said OK to this particular story? Are you sure you've talked to them already? You're like, lying to me!'" said Nyong'o. "And it goes to show how courageous both Marvel and Ryan are, you know."

Lupita said she was drawn to Coogler's passion for the project, along with his filmmaker's eye and his heart, which she feels all comes out on screen.

"It was a little shocking because oftentimes, for a big spectacle, depth is compromised," said Nyong'o. "But in this one the depth is far from compromised. It's right there in the front of the movie."

The film is set in the mythical land of "Wakanda," a country in Africa. It is nation that has figured out how to realize the full potential of all its citizens.

"The women assume their power and it doesn't diminish the man's and we all get on with it," said Nyong'o. "And it's such a beautiful image to just consider and to witness. And hopefully it's something that inspires the real world to get on with it and to allow for women to have their moment and their space."

"Black Panther" is rated PG-13 and is in theaters Friday, Feb. 16.