Black Panther director Coogler mistaken for bank robber

Black Panther director Ryan Coogler was briefly detained by police in Atlanta in January after he was mistaken for a bank robber, video footage released by Atlanta police on Wednesday (March 10) shows.

Coogler, 35, was detained by police before being released on Jan 7 after he went to Bank of America to make a transaction.

"From we got the call, sounded like someone was trying to rob the bank," one of the officers says in the bodycam footage.

The director handed the bank teller a withdrawal slip with a note written on the back that reportedly read, "I would like to withdraw $12,000 (S$16,310) cash from my checking account. Please do the money count somewhere else. I’d like to be discreet," the Variety report said.

The bank teller misinterpreted the situation as an attempted robbery when the transaction amount exceeded $10,000 and informed her boss, Variety reported.

Bank of America did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

ALSO READ: 'Perfect trip' gone wrong: Pornsak, Shane Pow and Kang Chengxi robbed in US

Black Panther became the second-highest-grossing movie at box offices worldwide in 2018, heralded for its vibrant celebration of African culture and applauded as a milestone for racial diversity in Hollywood.

The film was nominated for six Oscars, including best picture. It won three Academy Awards - in the best original score, best costume design and best production design categories.