Ryan Coogler on how Rihanna joined the Black Panther soundtrack

Many fans were surprised that Rihanna would have her musical “comeback” as part of a movie soundtrack. So it’s interesting to know how Rihanna was even involved in the process. Ryan Coogler, the movie’s director, gave two interviews at the world premiere of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” in which he talked about her part.

Ryan Coogler: “Rihanna is the one and only”

As he told The Hollywood Reporter, Rihanna was on top of his list: “When we realised what this film was gonna be about, we were looking for artists that could embody it.” However, he told ET that she joined the soundtrack without being “forced” to: “I’ll say this, I didn’t get her to do anything. I don’t think anybody can get her to do anything, she’s a person who marches to the beat of her own drum. I’m just thankful that she wanted to contribute to this, and I’ll be forever grateful and not just to her, but all the other fantastic musicians that are on the soundtrack.” He continued and said that Rihanna is “a big one, she is the one and only.”

Rihanna recorded the title track “Lift Me Up” that will be heard during the end-credits of the movie. According to a press release, the song was co-written by Tems and Rihanna and is in tribute of the late Chadwick Boseman.

Rihanna wanted to record song for Chadwick Boseman

According to Barrhead News, Coogler told PA Media that Rihanna was “very clear” to join the project for Chadwick. Coogler continued to say: “Honestly, I think it was Chad. A lot of improbable things needed to happen for it to come through and Rihanna was very clear that she did that for him.”