Honoring Chadwick Boseman’s Legacy “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” delves into the aftermath of T’Challa’s death and how the characters cope with grief, primarily from Shuri’s perspective. The film pays a touching tribute to Chadwick Boseman, honoring both the actor and his iconic role of T’Challa with grace and poignancy.
Shuri Takes Center Stage Letitia Wright shines as Shuri, who emerges as the emotional heart of the film. With more screentime, Shuri’s character gains depth and complexity. Her desire for vengeance against Namor after her mother’s death takes the story in compelling directions, and her conflict is engaging to watch unfold.
Namor: A Compelling Villain Namor, portrayed brilliantly by Tenoch Huerta, stands out as a compelling antagonist. His exceptional strength and realistic motivations make him formidable and intriguing. Despite being a villain, audiences may find themselves sympathizing with his struggles, making him one of the film’s highlights.
Killmonger’s Surprising Return Killmonger’s cameo appearance is brief but essential. His impact on Shuri’s mindset, as she seeks revenge, adds depth to her character development. The clever commentary on her desire for vengeance paralleling Killmonger’s ideologies is well-crafted and thought-provoking.
Riri’s Introduction While Riri’s debut in the MCU lacks some depth, the film sets the stage for her future in “Ironheart.” Her intelligence akin to Tony Stark’s is established, and her adventure with Iron Man-like suits hints at exciting developments for her character.
A Few Missteps in the Story The movie’s story may feel somewhat dry, with certain subplots lacking significance. Everett Ross’s presence serves little purpose, and the US’s expected intervention with Wakanda is largely ignored. Despite its one-dimensional aspects, the film’s production design and underwater scenes are visually captivating.
A Solid Addition to the MCU For MCU fans, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” remains a worthwhile watch due to its strong character development and compelling action scenes. Although somewhat self-contained, the film provides interesting revelations and emotional depth. However, for those less invested in the MCU, it may not hold as much appeal.
Interesting Facts
- Production halted due to Letitia Wright’s on-set injury.
- Dorothy Steel, the actress of the Merchant Tribe Elder, passed away during production, and Marvel allowed her time with her loved ones.
- Tenoch Huerta learned to swim for his role as Namor.
- Ryan Coogler considered quitting directing after Chadwick Boseman’s death, finding it the hardest challenge in his career.
- The original script focused on T’Challa after “Avengers: Endgame,” exploring the effects of his five-year absence.