Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (M)
- Director: Ryan Coogler
- Cast: Lupita Nyong’o, Martin Freeman, Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Michaela Coel, Tenoch Huerta, Mabel Cadena, Dominique Thorne, Alex Livanalli
- Genre: Action
- Running time: 2 hours 41 minutes
When the much-loved star of Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman, lost his battle with cancer, many fans wondered what the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) would do with the character.
After all, King T’Challa was also pivotal to two of its biggest franchises, Captain America and The Avengers.
But, after much to-oing and fro-ing by the MCU’s powers-that-be, they decided to honour Boseman in the best way possible.
And, that was by producing a movie, which acknowledges his – and alter ego King T’Challa’s – untimely death.
So, in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of their leader’s passing.
As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and newcomer Riri Williams/Ironheart (Dominique Thorne) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.
Director Ryan Coogler, who actually thought twice about being involved in the sequel to his 2018 blockbuster, has produced a brilliant film.
He serves up an emotional roller-coaster, paying homage to the late Boseman and King T’Challa, while setting it up nicely to continue the Black Panther legacy.
Like last week’s review, The Woman King, this movie predominantly relies on its top-notch female cast to deliver the goods.
But, the stars of the show are Wright as King T’Challa’s little sister Shuri and Nyong’o as the “super spy” Nakia.
You can sense both women had a deep connection with Boseman, on and off the screen, which probably allowed them to use their respective performances to deal with their grief; and showcase their strength.
Throw in the likes of Bassett, Gurira and the always-entertaining Freeman and you’re on a winner
The introduction of Tenoch Huerta as Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation, is a great touch, too.
He presents another relatable “villain”, similar to his predecessor N’Jadaka/Erik “Killmonger” Stevens (Michael B Jordan) – one who deserves some empathy as well as a few jeers.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever leaves DC’s latest offering, Black Adam, for dead… no pun intended.
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