It’s no secret that Marvel’s impending Black Panther sequel, Wakanda Forever, has fans excited. Released in 2018, Black Panther was an instant blockbuster success, grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has been highly anticipated and welcomed by fans and reviewers alike. This latest teaser gives us a better look at Tenoch Huerta’s Namor, who looks to be one of the central sources of contention in Marvel’s return to Wakanda. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever boasts a terrific cast and the added bonus of being the sequel to one of the MCU’s biggest successes.
Recurring cast members from past MCU films include Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Florence Kasumba, Martin Freeman, and Angela Bassett. The sequel will also include the return of director Ryan Coogler. Unfortunately, Daniel Kaluuya (W’Kabi) will not be returning for the sequel. It will be fascinating to watch how the filmmakers deal with Kaluuya’s absence, given the importance of his part in the original film and the fact that his character was married to Gurira’s Okoye. While leading the cast of “Black Panther” in 2018, Chadwick Boseman tragically lost away in August of 2020.
In Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame, Boseman portrayed Black Panther/King T’Challa. His role as T’Challa was expanded to include the title of Star-Lord in the Marvel animated series What If…? Following Boseman’s unexpected death, Marvel Studios said that the character of Black Panther/King T’Challa will not be replaced, opting instead to pay tribute to the actor’s legacy. In light of this, the sequel will shift its narrative focus to a new set of characters established in the original film.
The teaser did its best to pay tribute to both the actor and the character, while also dropping hints about the movie’s next Black Panther. In addition to bringing Black Panther and Wakanda to the MCU, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is also responsible for introducing Riri Williams/Ironheart. Dominique Thorne’s character, Williams, is a great scientist who creates a suit of armour capable of competing with Iron Man’s. As the film progresses, it will be interesting to see what role she plays.
Michaela Coel, whose career is undeniably on the rise, has also been cast in the film, though her exact role remains mysterious. Marvel being Marvel, we don’t know much about Black Panther: Wakanda Forever beyond the fact that it will build upon the fascinating and mysterious world and characters of the first film in the series, Black Panther. And now, thanks to the brand-new trailer, we can get a sneak peek at what the movie has in store for us.
On November 11th, Wakanda Forever will return to theatres, marking the return of the Black Panther franchise to the big screen.