This article contains minor spoilers for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
“Black Panther: Wakana Forever,” released in theaters Nov. 10, is an absolute ride of a movie. I don’t know what I admire more about the film: the compelling character setup of Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams, or the superb character development of Letitia Wright’s Shuri.
With Angela Bassett’s Queen Ramonda costume design (credit to Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter) and multiple plot twists that leave the audience in bewilderment, this film is truly a masterpiece.
One particular detail that I noticed about this movie was the stark tonal contrast compared to previous Marvel films. This shift was made evident in the opening scene: T’Challa’s death.
With the passing of the actor Chadwick Boseman Aug. 28, 2020, the filmmakers had to go a different route with the sequel. Rather than recasting him, they chose to kill the king off-screen.
We see Shuri, previously known to viewers as the bubbly, energetic younger sister, burrow into a darker and more somber person as she grieves the death of her brother. T’Challa’s death is not grazed over or put aside. He is mourned and ached over. “Wakanda Forever” is a clear tribute to Boseman.
Throughout the movie we see as Shuri hesitates, how she questions if she is worthy to become the next Black Panther and it goes to show just how crucial it is that one must be exceptional to take on the mantle of Black Panther. It is not a title that can be easily obtained.
Just like her older brother, Shuri must be chosen for the titular role.
Although the main hero of “Wakanda Forever” is Shuri’s Black Panther, I’m excited to say, there is another hero introduced.
Thorne’s first scene as Riri Williams shows an intelligent Black woman trying to make the most of her education at MIT when her plans are interrupted by the news of the apparent death warrant on her head.
Within her first 15 minutes on screen she reveals a robotic suit she has been working on. Her armor resembles a previous hero, not unknown to the MCU, Iron Man. This likeness is intentional because Riri Williams, known as Ironheart in the comics, is actually going to be the successor to Iron Man.
Much to the delight of Riri Williams’ fans, Dominique Thorne will be getting her own TV series, “Ironheart” on Disney+, in late 2023.
Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a definite must-watch.
★★★★★★★★★☆
