By Jordan Bartlett
Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Black Panther 2) is an incredible and heart-warming sequel. They recently released it on November 11, 2022. The movie continues on the legacy and stronghold of “T’challa ” that actor (Chadwick Boseman) has left on the Black Panther film and so many people, especially Black and African American people, all around the world. Boseman sadly passed away in 2020, due to his 4-year battle with colon cancer. Although he is not literally, in the film, through symbolism, conversation, and stories, his presence is oh-so clear. The movie touches on the deep topics of grief, loss, and the overall foundation of the nation of Wakanda and its people.
Despite the death of T’challa, it deliberately moves the story along, making his sister, “Shuri” (Letitia Wright) the new head of the kingdom of Wakanda since they’ve lost their king. Not only does Wakanda not have a king anymore, but they have become the main target of carrying `vibranium’ which is exactly what the United States and Talokun want. Wakanda becomes a great threat to those nations which leaves the kingdom of Wakanda in trouble. Shuri is faced with the many struggles of having to set aside her old plans of curing T’challa. She now has to call action to something new, protecting Wakanda herself.
They introduced a new antagonist, “Namor” (Tenoch Huerta). Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the first movie in which Namor is mentioned. Namor is an undersea prince and also the leader of Talokun who has come to Wakanda unannounced demanding Shuri help him find the scientist who created the vibranium device that threatens Talokan. And later, as a possible ally to Wakanda.
He is a well-put-together character, and he’s very likable, disregarding his trying to destroy Wakanda. Unlike most antagonists, he doesn’t intend to destroy Wakanda because of the power it holds, but to collect to grow a relationship in the hope to gain protection for his underwater village/family. Namor trying to protect his people may be the very reason why it is hard to place him in the villain category or the hero category. He is smart, super strong, and could withstand many attacks throughout the movie, which was shocking to watch. He might just be one of the best antagonists yet.
The movie had loads of comedy in it instead of making it a serious matter the entire time. It didn’t seem like it needed more time or less time. It allowed Shuri to feel different emotions, like happiness, sadness, and emptiness which only made it more real. It also gave a beautiful tribute to the life of Chadwick Boseman and how he contributed to many people at the beginning of the movie and toward the end, which was greatly appreciated. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was so enjoyable and amazing to watch. It definitely gets a high rating from me.
