Wakanda Forever

Disney decided to produce a sequel to the widely acclaimed Black Panther, released in the winter of 2018. After the tragic passing of lead actor Chadwick Boseman, was the push to release the sequel a way to honor and commemorate the late Chadwick Boseman, or rather a way for Disney to capitalize on the commercial success of the first movie?  

Boseman was unfortunately diagnosed with stage four colon cancer during the writing and filming process of the first Black Panther production in 2016. Instead of quitting, Boseman remained resilient, as well as being up to date with his filming. Tragically, after a long four years of fighting cancer, he passed away in 2020 at 43 years old. Boseman’s death came as a shock to many around the world but also most importantly his death, impacted his family as well as the cast and crew of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever because his death occurred during the beginning stages of the filming of the sequel. Boseman’s death caused filming to be halted, and the film had to be rewritten to introduce the death of his on-screen character. 

Many people question the necessity of the sequel and believe that director Ryan Coogler is making the movie to turn a profit, rather than honoring the life of Boseman. In a tweet by Coogler, regarding the rewriting of Black Panther, he shares, “T’Challa [Black Panther] will not be recast or digitally replicated.” Meaning, all the scenes with Boseman were filmed prior to his passing. Rather, Coogler decided to use the movie as a way to reflect on Boseman’s life: “know that all of us are dedicated to reimagining or carrying on his legacy in this new Black Panther” Coogler shares. 

Coogler begins Black Panther 2, in complete silence. Coogler strayed away from using the typical Marvel theme songs, as a means to truly honor the legacy and influence Boseman has had. Instead, he ops-into showing a montage of Boseman.  The reimagined opening of the movie sets the tone of honoring and reflection, seen throughout the movie, as well as drawing a  focus to the late Chadwick Boseman. 

Most critics and audience members applaud Coogler’s direction, praising his direction. Tatiana Albandos, a world-renowned critic, states, “this is the first Marvel that dealt with death and change in the most realistic way. Wakanda Forever takes this genre to another level because of the performances, world building and emotional gravity of the story.” 

Ultimately, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, is the perfect ode to Chadwick Boseman and his life. Marvel encourages audiences to see the movie to honor the loss of beloved actor, Chadwick Boseman.