Wakanda Forever

A er tragedy struck, legacy prevailed

‘Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’ directed by Ryan Coogler was a stark new look at what the action movies that made Marvel famous could further develop into. e unparalleled visuals, the new line of heroic characters, the addition of strong female leads and not to mention the impact of being the rst Marvel movie to have an almost entirely Black cast all lead to a lm rich with symbolism and deeper meaning. With the return of these beloved characters return of these beloved characters on Nov. 11, speculation was only on Nov. 11, speculation was only natural as to what was to come and how these attributes would continue to shine at the heart of the production: something especially important due to the untimely and tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman who played Chadwick Boseman who played T’Challa, the lm’s lead. is squeal in the Black Panther is squeal in the Black Panther franchise ‘Wakanda Forever’ has been projected to be one of Marvel’s top-grossing lms. is Marvel’s top-grossing lms. is caused many fans to speculate on what this new movie would entail. What had been made clear entail. What had been made clear to audiences was that this movie to audiences was that this movie would work to follow the path paved by the rst lm. is is done in terms of combining traditional African elements with new and more Americanized ones, deep meanings, symbolism and motifs of Black empowerment. is was intentionally done to avoid an overwhelming sense of the longing to be progressive, a trap many movies have fallen captive to in recent years. Coogler always makes it a point to hide symbolism and deeper meanings in his lms. In the rst lm, color is used to symbolize power, strength and anger within di erent characters. It was also used to subtly highlight the Pan-

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African colors (red, black and green) in the out ts chosen for our three main characters in a ght scene contrasting the blue used on the villain’s clothes chosen to represent colonization. What could not have been foreseen was the stunning and standout visuals, new characters, plot lines, and character building that would take place in order to create the second installment that would continue to break the mold mold set by set by

‘Wakanda Forever’ poster. Photo by Jordan MacMillan. Marvel. Once again using symbolism to create a deeper and more enriching lm experience, ‘Wakanda Forever’ nds a way to balance humor and heartache to truly capture what it means to grow as a result of mourning. Before the release of the lm many questions circulated on who would ll the role of the Black Panther and who would be worthy of stepping into the shoes that Chadwick Boseman le behind. Further, how will they honor Boseman’s legacy not only as a character in the lm but also as the person he was o screen? Boseman and his characters inspired so many young Black kids, showing them that they could do anything and that they could be the superhero they always dreamed of seeing. Navigating the death of such an important and loved character is a balancing act, one that has been handled with intention and understanding. Boesman’s death was not only mentioned but highlighted, keeping him and his legacy ever present with every tear-jerking mention. Looking to the comics, it was rightly assumed that T’Challa’s sister Shuri (Letitia Wright) would be the one inheriting the title of Black Panther. Black Panther being portrayed by a woman presented an opportunity for widespread debate over whether or not a woman is an adequate choice for the role. Many people say that the Black Panther can only truly be personi ed by a man. However, Marvel strongly disagrees, setting up Shuri’s arc to becoming Black Panther as early as the second comic in 2005; something that would come to fruition years later in volume ve. Now, as we see a female Black Panther grace our screens it has become clear to many that Having a woman, especially a Black woman, portraying a strong, and almost merciless superhero is incredibly powerful for the young girls watching the lm, just as the Dora Milaje, the all-female warrior group, did in the rst lm and continue to do in the sequel. Putting women in such valuable, high up and important positions, shows them as more than symbols of submissive fertility and beauty, the young female audiences what boys have gotten all along: that they are worthy, that they are powerful and that they are more than damsels in distress.