Don’t worry. I’ll try and keep Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as spoiler free as possible. I gotcha.
2018’s Black Panther goes down as one of my favorite entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and overall superhero films period. In addition to being a fun, visually striking romp with enough action, humor, and heart to stand toe-to-toe with the MCU’s best, its themes of family, tradition, and learning from the mistakes of the past to carve out a brighter path are as socially resonant today as they were four years ago. This was due largely in part to a meticulous production staff, tight scripting, Ryan Coogler’s keen eye for direction, and an incredible star-studded cast, led by its charismatic lead, Chadwick Boseman as King T’Challa aka Black Panther.
Fast-forward to 2020, a disastrous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the unforeseen deaths of several celebrities including that of Chadwick. His passing hit me hard. Aside from playing what would become one of my favorite superheroes, I had watched Chadwick’s star rise ever since his portrayal of Jackie Robinson in the 2013 biopic “42”. But as with all tragic passings, the world moves on, and one question that swirled around my head as I’m sure it did with many others was, what now?
When Marvel announced that they would be moving forward with a Black Panther sequel without its titular character, I was confused. It’d be like making Rocky II without Sylvester Stallone. Sure, the first film’s supporting cast was spectacular, but Chadwick’s performance was the tether that held everyone together. I understood and appreciated Marvel’s honorable decision not to recast the character even though I felt it’d be to the film’s detriment.
After two years, an on-set injury, and some COVID vaccine controversy, we finally got Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Now, I’m going to be honest. In an MCU phase that has proven to be its weakest yet, Wakanda Forever serves as a bright spot, but pales in comparison to the accomplishments of its predecessor. Overall, it’s a film I didn’t care for. Without getting into my grievances with the film, it suffers from an overlong runtime, a middling second act, and repetitive action scenes and character arcs. As the chapter in the MCU that bridges phases four and five, the film is a disappointment. Trust me, I hate feeling that way as much as I hate writing it.
However, one area that Wakanda Forever soars (and has accomplished better than any other MCU film to date) is its meditation on what it means to grieve, heal, and move on from what can feel like insurmountable loss. I’ve suffered a few personal losses in the last couple of years, and Wakanda Forever’s approach to the passing of its titular character feels as grounded as it could be in a film with a literal flying fish man. The characters reeling from T’Challa’s passing go through every emotion you can think of from overwhelming sorrow to unbridled rage. And it all feels real.
Maybe it’s because these actors really knew Chadwick and channeled their emotions into powerful performances. By centering the film around the loss of Black Panther, director Ryan Coogler was able to explore the anguish, confusion, and animosity that comes with losing a loved one. Of course, the MCU has killed off characters in the past, but for the first time, the grim and sorrowful circumstances of a real world that we endure daily seeped into the narrative, offering a true sense of authenticity and realism.
Do I feel like the role should’ve been recast? Yes. Am I upset that this movie was a two-hour and forty-five-minute tribute to Chadwick? Absolutely not. If there was anyone deserving of such an honor, it was him. (Minor spoiler for Avengers: Endgame) When Tony Stark died in Endgame it was a sad moment for sure, but Robert Downey is still out there even if his character isn’t. Hell, who knows. We might see him again before it’s all said and done. For the first time since the MCU’s conception in 2008, reality had penetrated our fantasy world. By killing off T’Challa, Marvel had decided to link the two worlds, which meant the emotions on screen couldn’t feel marginalized nor dramatized. These characters needed to feel how Chadwick’s real-life friends, family, and fans felt. How we felt, and how we’re still feeling.
While I wasn’t particularly a fan of the movie overall, I still tip my hat to Ryan Coogler, Marvel, and Co. for making a film about loss in a time where many of us are living with that pain daily. Do I feel Wakanda Forever is a great superhero film or even one of Marvel’s best? No, but after watching the movie a second time, I’m starting to realize it didn’t need to be. If Wakanda Forever helped even one person come to terms with or understand what it means to overcome grief, or simply relate to what these characters are feeling, then the film stands as a testament to its cast and crew and all they’ve accomplished.
Comments