On Nov. 11 2022, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was released to the public by Marvel Studios. This film acts as the sequel to Marvel’s Black Panther, which was released in 2018. Black Panther follows the challenges of Prince T’Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman. The movie shows how T’Challa is grasping to understand how to serve the country of Wakanda as future King, as well as receiving the mantle known as the Black Panther: the rightful protector of Wakanda. Wakanda Forever is glittered with the returning stars of Letitia Wright as Shuri, Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia, Danai Gurira as Okoye, and Angela Bassett as Queen Ramonda. Ryan Coogler also returns to direct this second installment of the Black Panther series. Little did he know, he would be put in a heartbreaking and agonizing situation.

Sadly, on Aug. 28 2022, Chadwick Boseman passed away due to colon cancer. That day the world lost its Black Panther. Fans from around the world gathered together to pay their respects through beautiful tributes. Boseman will forever be remembered as a shining light. He broke boundaries by becoming the first African-American Marvel superhero to have a stand-alone series. Through his acting, he has created a brilliant character that will forever serve as a role model, inspiration, and hero in everyone’s lives.

With Boseman’s passing, Marvel had lost a vital and beautiful soul to their story. They had entered a period of mourning. Coogler wanted to make sure that Boseman’s legacy did not go ignored. That being said, he incorporated it into Wakanda Forever: a movie made to honor Boseman. Wakanda Forever follows Shuri, T’Challa’s younger sister, as she and her family battle the loss of her late brother. At the same time, Wakanda is faced with war threats from the Talokan: a secret underwater kingdom led by a superhuman called Namor.

Wakanda Forever was Marvel’s last movie in Phase 4, and they ended it with a bang. Coogler truly did an astonishing job with intertwining T’Challa’s story with Shuri’s. The audience is able to connect with Shuri as she mourns for her brother, but at the same time, they see Shuri grow as a character as she strives to create her own legacy. Audiences watch Shuri as the conflict grows between herself and Namor. This dispute soon rises to a clash that will jeopardize both Wakanda and Talokan. Marvel branches out to a conflict fans have never seen before. Both Wakanda and Talokan have striking similarities as their respective countries, yet they go to war due to different views on the outside world. Marvel makes fans assume that both countries could make perfect allies, but shows the truth that comes with disagreements between beliefs. Finally, the plot twists in this movie are absolutely jaw dropping. The story may seem straightforward to most viewers, but little do they know, there are many secrets burrowed throughout the movie that all come together in the end.

Overall, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is definitely a must-see for both Marvel and Black Panther fans alike. It was truly the most ambitious project Marvel has ever produced. In the end, it has proven to be worth the blood, sweat, and tears. Box office numbers for Wakanda Forever are raving at 800 million dollars worldwide. This movie is something fans have never seen before. It will have them on the edge of their seats, and shedding many tears. Despite the devastating passing of Chadwick Boseman, this movie is a love letter written in honor of him. He may be gone, but his spirit will live on in the Black Panther franchise forever.