HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 26: Letitia Wright attends Marvel Studios' "Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever" Premiere at Dolby Theatre on October 26, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Movies - TV
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Early Reactions: Wakanda Enters a
New Era
By ERIN BRADY
After months of hype, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” will soon release in theaters, and some critics who have been able to see the film early have shared their opinions. The sequel has not only been getting attention for its introduction of two fan-favorite characters but also because of the passing of Chadwick Boseman and the decision not to recast his character.
The critics have been praising “Wakanda Forever,” with many calling it “Marvel’s most powerful and poignant work to date” and applauding its loss, grief, and catharsis themes. Director Ryan Coogler had a difficult task making the film without Boseman, but it seems his efforts have paid off, as many critics have commended Coolger’s handling of Boseman’s tragic passing.
Some critics like The Verge’s Charles Pulliam says, “It's definitely a Comic Book Movie, but it's one that centers grief and the grieving process rather than superheroics and spectacle.” Erik Voss diverged from the universal praise, observing that the film “makes it clear how precious Chadwick Boseman and T'Challa were to the MCU. Without him, the film sometimes yearns for a heartbeat.”
While the loss of Boseman still lingers, it’s encouraging to hear that the film directly addresses his death and weaves it into the fabric of its story. It seems like “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” will live up to all the hype, and fans can look forward to seeing it when it hits theaters on November 11, 2022.