Marvel is bringing fans back to Wakanda in the first trailer for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
The trailer moves between shots of Wakanda’s aquatic settings, futuristic technology, and what appears to be a funeral with crows of Wakandans clad in white while using the lyrical motif of “We gon be alright” from Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright”.
“I am queen of the most powerful nation in the world, and my entire family is gone”. “Have I not given everything?”
Angela Bassett’s Ramonda
The two-minute teaser which was unveiled at the studio panel at San Diego Comic-Con is jam-packed with hints at what we may expect from the follow-up without star, Chadwick Boseman, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 43 after a long battle with cancer.
From a cursory glance, it is evident that T’Challa will not be forgotten even though Boseman may have been gone.
It seems that the film will begin with T’Challa’s funeral, meaning that the remaining franchise players will be dealing with the struggle of the loss throughout the story.
Wakanda Forever is in a unique position compared to the other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films because of the circumstance. Losing one of the key players will throw a kink into the works for a franchise that takes pride in thinking ahead and constructing for the future.
There is no longer the Black Panther sequel, Kevin Feige and director Tyan Coogler had in mind. In addition to expanding on one of the most significant film IPs, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever must honour Chadwick Boseman.
But amid the grief that permeates the preview, there’s hope, the birth of new life. A question lingers over the trailer: who will take on the mantle of the Black Panther? A figure is seen in the hero’s suit at the end of the trailer, though it isn’t clarified who is in the costume.
“It’s going to be hard to follow that up, but we’ll try. It’s been five years since I was here. I sat about there and we premiered the first footage from ‘Black Panther 1,’ and sitting next to me was our T’Challa, the late great Chadwick Boseman.”
Ryan Coogler
Coogler shared that Boseman was squeezing the director’s shoulder while watching the first footage. “I promise you, I can feel his hand on me right now.” He also offered some information on the sequel, saying “it goes to new places in Wakanda that we haven’t seen before and it goes to new places in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”
“Black Panther” stars Lupita Nyong’o, Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira, Florence Kasumba and Winston Duke were then introduced by Coogler on the Comic-Con stage.
It’s a labour of love, and I have so much gratitude to be a part of it and be able to share it with you
Winston Duke
It’s a blessing. We’ve all grown so much as a family, and it feels great to see you guys and honour big bro at the same time
Letitia Wright
The foundation has been set. Wakandans and fans alike will be saying goodbye to a King. And the future of the Black Panther franchise will never be the same.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theatres on November 11.