How do you make a “Black Panther” sequel without the Black Panther?
That’s the one-billion dollar question faced by Marvel after the untimely death of Chadwick Boseman (“Avengers: Endgame” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Captain America: Civil War”), who tragically passed away in 2020 and during the heights of the pandemic. The charismatic star became world-famous and superhero role model for its dignified and noble portrayal of King TChalla and real-life representation of the marginalized.
The opening scene pays a reverent and touching tribute to Boseman. T’Challa’s offscreen death has a larger-than-life impact not only on his family and royal circle, but also to Wakandans. The farewell scene where Wakandans dress and dance in all-white to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of its king, and when the belated king’s soul transcends to the skies, is very moving. What makes this a teary-eyed moment is that we know it’s not a fake movie death.
While Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) is coming to terms to her son’s death, Shuri (Letitia Wright), T’Challa’s little sister, takes his death particularly hard. Shuri, a science and technology maven, carries a lot of guilt and anger for not being able to save her big brother’s life. Her gut-wrenching reaction at the funeral procession is deeply felt. Wright gives everything she has and it shows in her powerhouse performance throughout Shuri’s journey; loss, grief, rage, revenge, release and healing.
With the death of its king and protector, even as a futuristic country, Wakanda is seen as vulnerable. However, Queen Ramonda’s powerful dress-down of the United Nation audience, strongly portrayed by Bassett, is a majestic show of force that Wakanda remains unmistakably formidable. As General Okoye (Danai Gurira) flies the spaceship home, it never gets old to see the aerial shot of futuristic Wakanda blending in with the expansive nature coming into view. Bassett shows another powerful performance against Guirira scenes later.
Talokans, the blue-skinned amphibious antagonists in the movie, are first seen coming out of the middle of the ocean when they shut down the vibranium-detection project by the CIA. From the first sight, their appearance is striking and their ability to hypnotically lure people into the ocean is eerie.
The vibranium-detection machine is created by MIT student-genius Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), which could have easily been Tony Stark/Iron Man’s protégé. Since vibranium is also found in the ocean outside of Wakanda, this makes Riri an attack target for King Namor (Tenoch Huerta), the leader of Talokans, as vibranium-mining would threaten the lives of his underwater empire.
This makes Namor an excellent antagonist and less of a world-conqueror kind of a villain. What makes Namor more compelling is also his backstory, how his existence came about and the history of the Talokan society. Namor’s underwater birth was special and he’s also gifted with winged feet, which enables him to fly. Talokans’ dress is just as distinct as Wakandans, and Namor’s impressive with an elaborate headdress.
Namor gives Queen Ramonda and Shuri two options, capture and hand Riri over, or having a war with Talokans and risk the demise of their nation. In a comedic scene, General Okoye and Shuri track down Riri in her campus, leading to a wild car chase and spear fight.
Meanwhile, Queen Ramonda finds Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) in Haiti, where she now works as a school teacher, and ask for her help on a crucial mission. An unfortunate mishap causes the wrath of Namor and he comes after Wakanda, resulting in an unexpectedly tragic outcome. The chain of events leads to the inevitable appearance of a new Black Panther, one that is still trying to find their footing, but emerges as the nation’s protector nonetheless.
Much like “Black Panther,” ‘Wakanda Forever’s goes beyond the conventional good vs. evil superhero movie, it’s geopolitical drama and character-driven story. The post-credit scene honors the past and breathes a new hope into the future, leaving a legacy.
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is an emotional voyage and forever work of wonder.