In 2016 the world was introduced to Prince T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) in “Captain America: Civil War” and two years later Wakanda was brought to the big screen in “Black Panther.” Plans were underway for a sequel pretty shortly after and the script was being worked on by writer and director, Ryan Coogler. Coogler finished the script in 2020 and gave it to Boseman for feedback before pitching the script to Marvel Studios. 

However, Boseman passed away from colon cancer shortly after receiving the original script for the sequel. Coogler decided to rewrite the script, instead of recasting Boseman’s role with the goal of bringing honor to Boseman’s legacy in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” 

In Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba) fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.

The Wakandas celebrating the life of King T’Challa. ©Disney

Coogler’s work on this film soars the Black Panther franchise to new heights and will leave the audience chanting “Wakanda forever”. This epic blockbuster is one of the best, not just for phase four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but for the entire MCU as a whole. Coogler has a unique style of cinematography that creates a fantastic environment that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The runtime was two hours and 41 minutes long, making it the second longest Marvel movie, but Coogler worked hard to make sure that every second was well used.

Coogler and Joe Robert Cole wrote a powerful script that stands out, not just from a Marvel perspective, but from a cinema perspective. Their masterful writing not only allowed the characters to mourn the loss of T’Challa, but gave us a chance to mourn Boseman. The script had a perfect balance of somber moments while still being an action packed movie. While creating a tribute to Boseman, Coogler and Cole also bring a very powerful message of women’s empowerment. From Queen Ramonda to the Dora Milaje, there is something about a mainly all female story that helps bring this film to the next level.

Ludwig Göransson composed the score for both Black Panther films and his work is a masterpiece when it comes to movie scores. Göransson creates a score of excitement while also having segments of grief that kept the audience engaged the entire time.

Rihanna made her music comeback for this film despite being out of the music business for six years. She wrote a ballad, in tribute to Boseman, called “Lift Me Up.” The song brings the movie to the next level as it perfectly captures the emotions that the characters, such as Queen Ramonda and Shuri, go through while grieving T’Challa.

All of the actors were phenomenal in this film, but Wright stands out as the shining star. Her performance as Shuri in the sequel is unmatched to any other performance I have seen in the MCU. The way Wright takes her character through the grieving process was heart-wrenching to watch.

Letitia Wright at the premiere of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” paying tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman. PHOTO: AMY SUSSMAN/WIREIMAGE; DAN MACMEDAN/WIREIMAGE

It’s hard to describe the emotions going on in the theater on opening night. I could tell that everyone was just as excited as I was to see the movie, but at the same time as soon as it started this wave of emotions flooded the theater. We have all been sad before when a character we love is written off, but this was different. We were not only saying goodbye to T’Challa but saying goodbye to Boseman and thanking him for everything he did to bring the Black Panther to life. 

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” was not only the perfect film to close out phase four of the MCU but was the perfect tribute to Boseman. There was not a single thing I would have changed. I highly recommend this film to anyone as it is one of the best films Marvel has ever made, earning it a 5 out of 5 film reels. 

Image 1:  Shuri (Letitia Wright) walking in the funeral procession for her brother. ©Disney
Image 2: Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) struggles to say goodbye to her son.  ©Disney
Image 3: Namor (Tenoch Huerta) in his palace preparing for battle against Wakanda.  ©Disney
Image 4: Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) sits upon the throne after the funeral.  ©Disney
Image 5:  Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) overlooks the water while grieving T’Challa.  ©Disney