Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Early Reactions Hail Moving Marvel Sequel
Early reactions have started to roll in for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, as the Phase 4 finale gets ready to come out in theaters in November. After a long journey, MCU Phase 4 is coming to a close, but perhaps with the most emotionally charged film in Marvel Studios’ entire slate. While Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will continue the franchise, it will, unfortunately, be without its original star following the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman in August 2020.
With Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa becoming synonymous with the Marvel icon, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will not recast the role, but rather pass on the mantle to a new hero. Directed again by Ryan Coogler, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever follows the kingdom having to fight for their nation against outside forces following T’Challa’s death. It’s still unclear how the MCU will address T’Challa’s passing, as Marvel Studios is keeping those plot details under wraps. Not only will a new Black Panther emerge in the MCU, but the sequel is also set to finally introduce the first live-action interpretation of Namor, played by Tenoch Huerta.
As Black Panther: Wakanda Forever just had its official Hollywood premiere, early reactions have already begun to roll out on social media. Those who saw the movie are united in their praise of its emotional power, and many cite the introduction of Namor as well-handled. Indeed, some go as far as calling Black Panther: Wakanda Forever the best Marvel movie yet.
Ever since Black Panther: Wakanda Forever went into production, there have been a lot of questions about how the sequel would wrap up T’Challa’s arc in the MCU while also honoring Boseman’s legacy. The early reactions, for obvious reasons, don’t touch upon how Black Panther: Wakanda Forever finishes his journey. However, it’s a strong sign that many are looking at Coogler’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as respectful when it comes to the subject of grieving and healing from the loss of a loved one. Even though it’s evident that the film will be emotionally heavy for many, it also seems that it will allow audiences to mourn together while also looking at the film as a celebration of Boseman.
With only a few weeks left to go before the whole world gets to see Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, it will definitely be interesting to see what the general response is to the MCU installment. While there will always be the side that believes Marvel Studios should have recast T’Challa, it’s understandable why they didn’t and instead went in another direction. Black Panther made cinematic history for many reasons, and Boseman’s depiction of T’Challa was a crucial part of that; recasting the role and asking another actor to follow that performance is much easier said than done. Following the first set of early Black Panther: Wakanda Forever reactions, fans will surely be more eager to learn how Marvel brings MCU Phase 4 to a close.
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Takes real artistry to make something as huge & expansive as Wakanda Forever feel intimate and heartfelt. All hail the mighty Coogler. Loved it.— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) October 27, 2022
I saw #WakandaForever and trying to hold space to really gather my thoughts. Will share more soon but for now I will say it is a beautiful depiction of how grief and love co-exist, and the healing in the depths of some of our greatest pain. #BlackPanther pic.twitter.com/FVNrNdiCJh— Kay-B (@TheLadyKayB) October 27, 2022
Ryan Coogler's #BlackPantherWakandaForever, above all else, is cathartic. An emotional movie about loss, legacy and healing. The story is intimate, but vast with global power struggles and palace intrigue. Tenoch Huerta's Namor is a FORCE, better than I hoped. So much to discuss. pic.twitter.com/cDFVcPYHRR— Sean O'Connell (@Sean_OConnell) October 27, 2022
#WakandaForever is outstanding. It handles loss, grief and revenge with a maturity and seriousness rarely seen in the MCU. Black Panther continues to be their crown jewel. Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett and Tenoch Huerta all bring some of the best acting I've seen all year. pic.twitter.com/ECqGxfEyFi— Lando (@orlandoenelcine) October 27, 2022
It's hard to shake the emotional weight #BlackPanther #WakandaForever carries throughout the entire film. More serious in tone, a wonderful conclusion to Phase Four. It celebrates women as the fiercest protectors of all. Angela Bassett. Tenoch Huerta. Michaela Coel. RIHANNA! pic.twitter.com/9V2gcmKJpA— espooky bloody marie \ud83c\udf83 (@TheJosieMarie) October 27, 2022
#WakandaForever is exactly the cathartic experience I hoped it would be, helping us move past our grief while watching the Wakandans fight to do the same. The intro of Namor was incredible, the story bittersweet and packed with emotionally charged twists. pic.twitter.com/3k3AGYHXq7— Travis Hopson (@punchycritic) October 27, 2022
#WakandaForever is easily the best Marvel film since Avengers: Endgame. The scope, the camera work, the acting, and the raw emotions on and off screen can be felt throughout! This is the Marvel I’ve missed! I had one word in my heart all night; “WOW…” – #TeamJVS— Samuel Leggett Jr @ #AIF2022 (@SuperSel0320) October 27, 2022
#WakandaForever is fantastic! Coogler delivers a soulful, wondrous sequel that packs an emotional punch & effectively explores relevant world themes. A beautiful tribute to Boseman’s legacy. Letitia & Tenoch are great, & the mid-credits scene is really moving. #BlackPanther pic.twitter.com/dqoSSfnTR9— Fico (@FicoCangiano) October 27, 2022
#WakandaForever's bigger in scope and scale than #BlackPanther, but its story is also one of Marvel's most intimate and heartfelt. It's definitely a Comic Book Movie, but it’s one that centers grief and the grieving process rather than superheroics and série. Full review soon pic.twitter.com/MzIjwVzjBd— Charles, Witch from Mercury (@CharlesPulliam) October 27, 2022
#WakandaForever is blockbuster filmmaking on another level. It surpasses the incredible first film with high stakes and and thrilling world-building.It’s an emotional, dark journey, leading to a full-scale war, but always feels personal.This may be the best Marvel movie yet. pic.twitter.com/ZMPMBaJ6In— Daniel Howat (@howatdk) October 27, 2022
Black Panther: #WakandaForever is Marvel's most poignant and powerful film to date. It's heavy and dark in the way that it needed to be, and mostly abandons the studio's trademark tone. The craft work levels up in every conceivable way, and the performances rise to the occasion. pic.twitter.com/aAK7jjRMra— Brian Davids (@PickYourBrian) October 27, 2022
