In 2018, Marvel Studios released the 18th film in its Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Panther. Based on the comic character of the same name, the story told the tale of T'Challa, the newest king of the African nation of Wakanda, as he battled former CIA operative-turned-terrorist Erik "Killmonger" Stevens, who wants to use the advanced technology of Wakanda to start a global revolution.
Black Panther was highly praised by critics. Special note was given to Ryan Coogler's directing, as well as the cast's performances (especially of the late Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa, Michael B. Jordan as Killmonger, and Letitia Wright as Shuri) and production, but its VFX was criticized. Still the film would become the second-highest grossing film of 2018, as well as the highest-grossing film by a Black director.
The film would also be seen as culturally significant for the Black community, and it would win numerous accolades. It would be the first superhero film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, and win three for Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Score.
In 2019, it was announced the film would get a sequel: Wakanda Forever. Plans hit a snag when Chadwick Boseman passed away in 2020 from colon cancer, which he had kept hidden from others. As such, Marvel Studios opted not to recast T'Challa, and established that he had suddenly passed before the events of Wakanda Forever. Which is some real cosmic bad timing, as Wakanda has to deal with a new threat from under the seas...Let's look at the trailer!
Nakia contemplating the ocean.
It's a tough time for the nation of Wakanda right now. Recovering from Killmonger, the Dusting, the big battle against Thanos, and now T'Challa being gone.
This shot of all those people in white had the vibe of a funeral. I remember seeing someone on Twitter saying this is a celebration of life. Yeah, I can see that.
That shot of Okoye and the Dora Milaje is awesome.
And we have Baby Namor!
I get the idea from these scenes that there is something more going down than just Talocan and Wakanda having a spat. That ship does not look Wakandan. Something is pushing these two nations to war...
And there's Ironheart! This film is setting up quite a bit of stuff.
I get the feeling that Angela Bassett was channeling some genuine grief in that delivery. Which is understandable. I can imagine that Boseman's death hit his castmates hard.
Namora looks awesome.
Personally, I think the idea to draw from Mesoamerican mythology for this version of Atlantis (or Talocan, as it will be called here) is a very clever idea. I don't think that mythology has been given a lot of spotlight in American media. It's a great way to make this version of it look truly unique.
I get the feeling Tenoch Huerta is going to kill it as Namor.
Looks like a new Black Panther will rise...
Well, this film looks like it will be very enjoyable, as well as rather emotional. Chadwick Boseman's death hit a lot of people hard. I loved him as T'Challa myself. I am also excited to see the Sub-Mariner make his live-action debut. This is going to be a roller-coaster.
Thanks for reading this blog entry! If you liked it, show it off! Take care of yourselves and each other! Stay safe, stay healthy, stay home, wash your hands often, wear a mask, and get your vaccine/booster! See you next time!
No comments:
Post a Comment