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MOVIE FEATURE

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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever concludes Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Phase Five will kick off in cinemas with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania on Feb 16, followed by Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 on May 4, and The Marvels – led by Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel – on July 27. Coming in 2024 are the anti hero ensemble Thunderbolts; Captain America: New World Order , with Anthony Mackie now in the title role; and Blade , starring Mahershala Ali.

Dealing with the loss of KingT’Challa is the central theme of the Black Panther sequel, Wakanda Forever . Words Gill Pringle W hen Chadwick Boseman passed away in 2020, filmmaker Ryan Coogler was forced to take a big step back and really consider whether or not to continue with the Black Panther franchise. “We realised that it would only be right for us to continue the story.” An equally tough decision was deciding upon the next story to tell,

While Wakanda Forever contains all the action and

high stakes of the original, the sequel arguably unfolds from the perspective of Wakanda’s grieving women: Wright’s Princess Shuri, Angela Bassett’s Queen Ramonda, Danai Gurira’s Okoye, and Lupita Nyong’o’s Nakia. As Princess Shuri retreats within

given how Boseman’s King T’Challa was the heart of Black Panther , and also in the hearts of everyone who worked alongside him. “We didn’t think Chad would have wanted the world of Wakanda – and the effect that movie had on kids – to go away,” argues Moore. “Emotionally, it felt like letting it go

“Chad’s passing affected filmmakers and the actors in a way that was incredibly profound,” says the director, who formed a strong bond with the actor after casting him as Prince T’Challa in 2018’s blockbuster Black Panther . “Chad was very much our artistic partner in this project, in this franchise, and in this storytelling. I would spend time with him, just he and I, talking about where we wanted to see the character go, where we wanted to see the story go, how much he admired the other characters and the actors that portrayed them.” But following consultation with co-producer Nate Moore and Marvel boss Kevin Feige, Coogler ultimately decided he had no choice.

herself, the Wakandans must now draw strength from Queen Ramonda.

• Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is out on Feb 1

Opening at the dawn of T’Challa’s death, invading forces from around the world target Wakanda's vibranium, unleashing chaos and forcing Shuri, M’Baku (Winston Duke), Nakia, Okoye, and the Dora Milaje to defend the nation, especially The emergence of this hitherto hidden nation leads to the introduction of new cast members Tenoch Huerta Mejía as Talokan ruler Namor, with Alex Livinalli and Mabel Cadena both portraying fierce Talokanil warriors. A charming Dominique Thorne plays Riri, a teenage MIT student with a surprising skill set. Gathered together on a when a mysterious Mexican civilisation emerges from the depths of the sea.

would be the easier thing to do, but I don’t think it would’ve been the right thing to do. I think to do right by the legacy of the man, you have to continue to do right by the legacy of the movie.” In the months following Boseman’s untimely death, his real-life co-stars grieved in much the same way we see them mourn in the

breathtaking Black Panther sequel, Wakanda Forever . “What does that look like when your heart is broken?” asks Letitia Wright of inheriting Boseman’s Black Panther mantle as Wakanda mourns the death of its king. “I think we brought something that felt real and truthful. I was able to really give my heart to it and give Shuri a full arc, and hopefully people can find some healing alongside us with it,” she says.

Angela Bassett as Queen Ramonda

soundstage in Atlanta, Coogler says they began to heal from the loss of their beloved co-star. “We were all processing these feelings of grief and loss, but it's great when you don't have to do it alone, and so we were able to go to that sense of community, and also welcome new members, so I really feel grateful,” he says.

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30 FEBRUARY 2023

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