The Marvel Cinematic Universe has given us many memorable heroes, villains, and stories over the years, but none more so than Black Panther, the groundbreaking film that introduced us to the hidden world of Wakanda and its noble king, T’Challa, played by the late Chadwick Boseman. Boseman’s tragic and untimely death in 2020 left a huge void in the hearts of fans and filmmakers alike, and the question of how to continue the legacy of Black Panther without him was a daunting one. Fortunately, writer-director Ryan Coogler and his talented cast and crew have risen to the challenge and delivered a sequel that is worthy of Boseman’s memory and the cultural impact of the original film.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is not a typical superhero movie. It is a complex and emotional exploration of grief, identity, and responsibility, as well as a celebration of African culture and history. The film begins with a somber funeral for T’Challa, who died of a mysterious illness that even his sister Shuri (Letitia Wright), a brilliant scientist and inventor, could not cure. Shuri is now faced with the burden of becoming the new Black Panther and the leader of Wakanda, a role she is not sure she is ready for. She is supported by her mother Ramonda (Angela Bassett), who becomes the queen regent, and her loyal friends and allies, such as Okoye (Danai Gurira), the head of the Dora Milaje, Wakanda’s elite female warriors, and Aneka (Michaela Coel), Okoye’s lover and second-in-command.
However, Shuri’s ascension is not without challenges. She has to deal with the resentment of M’Baku (Winston Duke), the leader of the Jabari tribe, who feels he deserves to be king. She also has to face the threat of Namor (Tenoch Huerta), the ruler of Talokan, an ancient undersea kingdom that has a long history of conflict with Wakanda. Namor blames Wakanda for stealing his people’s vibranium, the rare metal that powers their technology and weapons, and declares war on them. He is aided by his cousin Attuma (Pedro Pascal), a ruthless warrior who wants to conquer both Wakanda and the surface world.
Shuri also has to deal with the interference of Everett Ross (Martin Freeman), a CIA agent who has befriended Wakanda after helping them in the previous film. Ross has hired Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), a young genius from MIT, to create a device that can detect vibranium anywhere in the world. Ross hopes to use this device to prevent vibranium from falling into the wrong hands, but he also has ulterior motives that put him at odds with Shuri and Wakanda.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a film that balances action, drama, humor, and heart. The action sequences are spectacular and inventive, showcasing the different abilities and styles of the characters. The drama is compelling and realistic, as the characters struggle with their personal and political dilemmas. The humor is witty and natural, stemming from the interactions and relationships of the characters. And the heart is palpable and moving, as the film pays tribute to Boseman’s T’Challa in various ways, such as flashbacks, voiceovers, statues, murals, and rituals.
The film also expands on the rich mythology and culture of Wakanda and its neighboring nations. We learn more about their history, traditions, beliefs, languages, costumes, music, and art. We also see how they deal with the changing world around them, especially after revealing themselves to the public in the previous film. The film explores themes such as colonialism, racism, feminism, environmentalism, nationalism, globalism, and more.
The cast of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is superb. Wright shines as Shuri, who undergoes a remarkable transformation from a playful and rebellious princess to a confident and courageous queen. She shows great range and charisma in her performance. Bassett is regal and dignified as Ramonda, who provides wisdom and guidance to her daughter. Gurira is fierce and loyal as Okoye, who leads her warriors with skill and honor. Coel is impressive as Aneka, who brings humor and passion to her role. Duke is formidable as M’Baku, who adds complexity and depth to his character. Huerta is menacing as Namor, who makes a formidable adversary for Wakanda. Pascal is charismatic as Attuma, who adds flair and fun to his villainous role. Freeman is amusing as Ross, who provides some comic relief and perspective to the story. Thorne is promising as Riri Williams (also known as Ironheart), who introduces a new generation of heroes to the MCU.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a film that honors the past, embraces the present, and looks forward to the future. It is a film that celebrates the legacy of Boseman and his iconic character, as well as the culture and people he represented. It is a film that delivers on its promise of being a fitting, ambitious, and poignant sequel to one of the most beloved and influential films of our time.
You can watch the trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever , and find more information about the film on its IMDB page.
