Black Panther took the world by surprise in 2018 when it came out as simply the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) project, making more than the budget of the movie solely over its opening weekend. Marvel probably had no idea what they were getting into with their newest superhero, but audiences loved Black Panther from the start and according to Angela Bassett, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will be equally captivating.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is already one of the most highly-anticipated MCU projects, but can it live up to all of the hype? Bassett certainly seems to think it will. In an interview with Good Morning America, she discussed the upcoming film, saying, "Black Panther fans don't have to worry about a thing because we have our fearless, wonderful, visionary leader Ryan Coogler there."
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever seems to be in good hands. Bassett goes on to further praise Coogler, stating that he always supports the actors and makes sure they give their best effort in everything they do. "I have absolute faith in him," she says. Hopefully, fans share Bassett's faith in the director/writer. If Wakanda Forever is indeed as good as the first film, Marvel fans are in for a treat. Hopefully, Bassett will be right and the Black Panther sequel will excite audiences just as much as the first one.
The first film follows T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) as he returns home to his Kingdom of Wakanda after his father's passing. He is the heir to the throne and therefore will also protect his kingdom as the Black Panther. Once Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) shows up, claiming to be the son of T'Challa's uncle Prince N'Jobu (Sterling K. Brown), Wakanda is certainly in need of protection. T'Challa's father, King T'Chaka (John Kani), executed N'Jobu when Killmonger was a child.
Killmonger's goals are to reveal Wakanda's true technological advancements to the world and get revenge for everyone who experienced oppression. He challenges T'Challa to a duel for the throne and wins. Yet T'Challa does not die. He ends up living and with some help from his sister Shuri (Letitia Wright), his mother Ramonda (Bassett), and his love interest Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o), he takes back his throne. Although Killmonger ends up passing after his second battle with T'Challa, part of what he wanted to happen comes true. Wakanda ends up revealing its true nature to the world and T'Challa vows to help other nations. To look after those who need it.
Black Panther captivated audiences with its diverse cast, intriguing story, and its compelling villain with Killmonger. So, the sequel has a lot to live up to, but Marvel Studios' has arguably been on a roll as of late.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 8, 2022.
Source: Good Morning America