It was unmistakable.
The undeniable sense of pride in Africa, the Motherland, and being warrior strong — while intricately holding space for ourselves — to still grieve the loss of beloved Chadwick Boseman was a palpable moment lived through the big screen reflected back to the hearts of those ready for more Wakanda action.
The recent release of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever brings almost a collective sigh of relief, triumph, and a period of communal remembrance for Boseman, lead actor in Black Panther whose untimely death at 43 to colon cancer in 2020 still has many fans reeling from his demise.
Yet, Black Panther, his character, lives on in more ways than one in the film.
During a media preview event on Wednesday, November 9 at MJR Troy, an engaged crowd of media and guests gave Boseman his posthumous props during the nearly-three hour film whenever his image or depiction graced the screen.
The film, which opened on Friday, November 11, was the North American industry’s biggest November opening weekend of all time, according to Business Wire.
“Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is just the latest validation of the strength of the exhibition industry as month after month movie fans have consistently sought out a larger-than-life, cinematic experience to enjoy this year’s newest film releases,” according to a Forbes article.
“Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is just the latest validation of the strength of the exhibition industry as month after month movie fans have consistently sought out a larger-than-life, cinematic experience to enjoy this year’s newest film releases,” said Cinemark President and CEO Sean Gamble in the Forbes article. “This incredible performance is indicative of the incredible strength of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the significant interest consumers have to experience these events in a theatrical environment. Congratulations to our partners at Disney and Marvel Studios for producing such a compelling movie that delighted audiences in theaters.”
The film is set one year later after King T’Challa’s (played by Boseman) death.
“Naturally, this Black Panther sequel is a bittersweet arrival,” author Ronda Racha Penrice said in Atlanta Daily World. “Because the original defied the odds and made over a billion dollars—impressive even for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and especially for a film with a predominantly Black cast, Boseman’s T’Challa will eventually be recast. Right now, however, is just not the right time.”
“His loss was devastating,” Lupita Nyong’o, who plays Nakia, T’Challa’s love, said in the article. That loss made going into Black Panther: Wakanda Forever without him so off, she confesses.
Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira), and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba), keep their nation safe at all costs after intruding world powers attempt to take valuable materials from the kingdom, which at a couple points is under siege.
As the Wakandans strive to embrace the next chapter in their lives after the loss of T’Challa, the remaining heroes must come together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and discover their new path for the kingdom of Wakanda as allies and enemies must learn who is trustworthy and who is not.
Ziah Worthey, 19 of Lansing, told the Michigan Chronicle that he drove over an hour away to watch the inspiring moving, which had many highs and loves.
Worthey, who saw the first movie, (released in 2018) said that the movie production did a “really good job” and the movie inspired him to know that despite obstacles you can “survive 100%” the bad days.
Worthey, who wants to be an entrepreneur, said that similar to the movie characters who displayed strength and discipline, it takes such discipline to make his business moves to the forefront.
“If you put your faith in God (for) your dreams, everything else will be provided,” he said.
Watch the movie trailer below:
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