With the introduction of many new role models, like King T’Challa and Shuri, the film not only inspired younger POCs but moved my own inner-child. Chadwick Boseman’s, Rest in Power, performance as T’Challa is one of importance and shall always stay with Black Panther fans; hence the upcoming sequel’s title – Wakanda Forever. Opening with the song ‘No Woman No Cry’, the film’s official teaser touches upon King T’Challa’s passing whilst seamlessly transitioning into the narrative of Queen Ramonda’s (Angela Bassett) rule and WOC power.
Though being released 4 years later, I found my emotional connection to still be strongly tethered to the characters, tearing up before also feeling empowered when the Dora Milaje (the most badass all-female warriors) graced my screen with Lamar’s ‘Alright’ playing in the background. Wakanda Forever introduces Michaela Coel (Chewing Gum, I May Destroy You, Black Earth Rising) to the MCU and seeing her beside Danai Guirira's Okoye (The Walking Dead) made me audibly scream in excitement.
Just from the teaser trailer, goosebumps returned at the sight and sound of panther talons as well as the whispered title, making the franchise seem even more legendary. If this was only two minutes, I fervently look forward to the feeling after two-plus hours when leaving the cinema on November 11th; that same everlasting ear-to-ear smile my cousins and I shared back in 2018.
*POC - Person of Colour
*WOC - Woman of Colour
