Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which comes out in a month, is unquestionably the most important Marvel picture in recent memory because of what it represents for the franchise as a whole.
Following the death of Chadwick Boseman, a new Black Panther assumes command in the sequel.
There are now two perspectives on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Some could say it’s never been bigger or better. The first portion is correct, while the second is questionable, but the MCU has certainly spread its branches in so many areas that it is difficult to measure precisely how wide it is. Others argue that the quality has diluted as a result of the wide dispersion. There is also an argument to be made there. The most recent Thor picture divided fans and critics, while several of the newer online series have struggled to achieve large ratings. Among all of this is Black Panther.Forever Wakanda. The film, and its fate, are critical for the future of the MCU and, to a lesser extent, the superhero genre.
The MCU has broken its story into phases. A period is usually bookended by a tentpole film, usually one of the Avengers movies. As many fans have pointed out, the ongoing Phase Four lacks an Avengers film. In truth, The Kang Dynasty, the next Avengers film, is part of Phase Six and will be released in 2025. In the absence of a tentpole, Black Panther 2 has the honour (or duty) of bringing the MCU to a close. Many people don’t notice the MCU stages, but there is always a tone shift as one finishes and another begins. As a result, it is critical to start and end one powerfully. A picture like The Avengers, or even a multiverse adventure like Spider-Man: No Way Home, has the resources to do so.
The MCU has broken its story into phases. A period is usually bookended by a tentpole film, usually one of the Avengers movies. As many fans have pointed out, the ongoing Phase Four lacks an Avengers film. In truth, The Kang Dynasty, the next Avengers film, is part of Phase Six and will be released in 2025. In the absence of a tentpole, Black Panther 2 has the honour (or duty) of bringing the MCU to a close. Many people don’t notice the MCU stages, but there is always a tone shift as one finishes and another begins. As a result, it is critical to start and end one powerfully. A picture like The Avengers, or even a multiverse adventure like Spider-Man: No Way Home, has the resources to do so.
Tenoch Huerta plays Namor, a new anti-hero in Black Panther Wakanda Forever.
Namor, played by Tenoch Huerta, is a new anti-hero in Black Panther Wakanda Forever.
That changed in August 2020, when Chadwick succumbed to colon cancer. Wakanda was without a king, and the Marvel universe scrambled to find a new course. In that regard, the picture performed admirably. It has not only integrated Chadwick’s death into the story, but it has done so in a way that honours the actor’s memory. Given Chadwick’s fandom, recasting would have been difficult. It was difficult to ignore them. The only way to respect T’Challa and celebrate Chadwick’s memory was for Wakanda Forever to represent a devastated kingdom mourning its ruler.
That is why I am confident the film will pass the next test. As previously stated, this picture could have done without the burden of defining the tone for the next chapter of the MCU. It may have been just as self-contained as the first. However, the teaser suggests that it strives to be much more. The film appears to be broader than the last one, with more crossovers and foundation for the future than any prior MCU film in this phase. Namor is on his way, a new Black Panther is in charge, and then there’s Iron Heart. The groundwork for Phase Five has been laid.
To say that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the most important Marvel film in years isn’t an exaggeration. Many have felt that Marvel has been underwhelming since Endgame three years ago. This film is a chance to win back those. And for those who are still on board, it is a great way to remind what fun Marvel can be while being grand and pacy. Don’t get me wrong, She-Hulk, MS Marvel and I am Groot are all great for streaming. But every once in a while, you need Marvel to go old school and give you that same exhilaration you felt while watching the Avengers come together for the first time in New York a decade ago. It may lack the star power to achieve that moment but Black Panther 2 is not lacking in intent. Come November 11, we will find out how it does, and if it can ‘save’ MCU as many want it to.