Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a superhero sequel of epic proportions, so it’s no surprise Marvel’s latest blockbuster has been racking up glittering reviews left, right and centre.
Director Ryan Coogler makes the return to Wakanda deliriously enjoyable and returning cast members Letitia Wright (Shuri), Lupita Nyong'o (Nakia) and Danai Gurira (Okoye) are - needless to say - spectacular, while Tenoch Huerta brings the heat as villain Namor, the mutant son of a princess and sea captain.
But, of course, the sequel is tinged with grief (poignantly portrayed by Coogler) following the death of the first film’s star, Chadwick Boseman, who passed away from cancer in 2020. Speaking to LADbible ahead of Wakanda Forever’s release, Wright revealed the cast made sure to pay tribute to their late co-star before filming commenced.
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Asked how the Black Panther cast honoured Chadwick, Wright explained: “One of the first things we [did] was privately connect to where our brother is laid to rest.”
The actor continued: “We got to collectively share some words, share some memories, and it kind of fuelled us to go back into the film.”
Wright added: “You know, we didn't start just being on set like, ‘Yep, here we are’.
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“It’s kind of like we went to just spend time and honour him. And that really fuelled us and helped us to start on a journey of healing.”
Wright also touched upon Shuri’s trailblazing character arc in Wakanda Forever, saying: “[The film] flips [expectations of Shuri] on the head. What people think she is and who she is. It just shows the ways in which life can help you grow. I'm really excited for people to see Shuri flow into womanhood.”
Huerta also caught up with LADbible ahead of Wakanda Forever’s release, and gave an insight into what it was like filming his epic underwater scenes (Namor does, after all, hail from the underwater city of Atlantis).
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When asked about his underwater shoots, Huerta gushed: “It was a great experience, it’s like meditation. I’m able to hold my breath for five minutes.”
He also revealed: “Even when I wasn’t [in the scene] I used to go down and watch the scene, I wanted to see the scene. It was an excuse to be down there. Because it’s so peaceful and wonderful.”
Wakanda Forever’s official synopsis reads: “Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M'Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T'Challa's death.
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“As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with Nakia and Everett Ross to forge a new path for their beloved kingdom.”
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits cinemas on 11 November
Topics: TV and Film, Chadwick Boseman, Black Panther, Marvel
Aisha Nozari