Many Marvel fans can hardly wait for the exciting upcoming release of the new “Black Panther” movie, “Wakanda Forever.” The release date is set for Friday, November 11th, creating much anticipation and enthusiasm among Marvel lovers, all eagerly waiting to see this new film.
For those who do not know the plot of the first movie, “Black Panther” is about Prince T’Challa, who now is the king and black panther, the protector of Wakanda, due to his father passing away. The film follows his return to Wakanda, an extremely technologically advanced country in Africa that is hidden from the rest of the world, and the trials he faces as his rule is challenged.
“Wakanda Forever,” the sequel, takes place long after these events, transporting the viewers to a time after Avengers: Endgame.
The trailer of Wakanda Forever introduces the conflict in the film of interfering world powers. It also portrays Wakanda grieving for the loss of King T’Challa, similar to the way the world is still mourning the death of Chadwick Boseman.
Chadwick Boseman, the actor who played King T’Challa, sadly passed away on August 28th, 2020 at the age of forty-three after a private battle with colon cancer. This devastated all supporters of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Boseman’s demise occurred after the announcement of the new “Black Panther” movie, but before the filming started. This left Marvel with tough questions: Should they replace Boseman and cast a new Black Panther, should they make a CGI Boseman, or should they kill off King T’Challa?
Fans were strongly against the recasting of Black Panther, believing it to dishonor Boseman’s legacy. Similar sentiments were expressed with digitally creating Boseman’s likeness to continue the role. This left Marvel with only one option, but who will be the new black panther, the person who will protect Wakanda now with T’Challa gone? Viewers got a vague answer with the teaser trailer, showing the new black panther’s vibranium outfit and confirming that T’Challa’s replacement will be a woman.
Many Marvel maniacs have high hopes for the upcoming film. “I’m extremely excited for this movie. I hope they don’t kill off even more characters this time” eagerly states Kathleen Bonano ’25, a hard-core follower of the MCU.
Maxton Lukes ’23, another Marvel buff, says,”I’m really excited to see the new black panther movie. I hope it finds a way to honor Chadwick Boseman while also adding to the MCU.”
Others are nervous about the quality of the film, especially the computer-generated images. Elizabeth Adee ’23 “hopes nothing goes wrong in the movie since, recently, the CGI has gone downhill, but I think it’s promising. I’m planning on watching it, once it goes out on Disney+”.
Marvel fans are overall thrilled for “Wakanda Forever,” as well as eager to see the magic and creativity of Marvel yet again.
