The death of Black Panther’s Chadwick Boseman shocked the world in 2020. The loss of the legendary actor weighed heavily on the world’s shoulders. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever director Ryan Coogler even recently admitted he’s thought about it “Get Away From This Business” all in all.
Luckily he didn’t, and behind-the-scenes creatives joined forces to continue Wakanda’s legacy in hopes of honoring the late actor. Now the world is gifted with a film that celebrates Boseman and his unforgettable character, T’Challa.
There’s no doubt that the film will be an emotional ride for any viewer and possibly one of the most difficult watches the MCU will ever have.
While fans will have to wait a little longer, select members of the press now have the opportunity to see Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in full.
So what were they thinking?
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever First Reviews
Wonder
Select press have ended their screenings of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and their social media reactions are starting to flood the internet.
Orlando Maldonado by Rotten Tomatoes proclaimed the film to be “terrific,” and “deal with loss, grief and revenge with a maturity and seriousness rarely found in the MCU:”
“Wakanda Forever is outstanding. It deals with loss, grief and revenge with a maturity and seriousness rarely found in the MCU. Black Panther is still their crown jewel. Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett and Tenoch Huerta all bring some of the best acting I’ve seen all year.”
press member Kevin McCarthy made it clear that the film “is a wonderfully cathartic tribute to the legacy of Chadwick Boseman:”
“WAKANDA FOREVER is a beautifully cathartic tribute to the legacy of Chadwick Boseman. Reminds us of his monumental impact and that he really is still here. Great performances by Gurira, Bassett, Wright & Thorne. Huerta was INCREDIBLE. Loved Rihanna’s song & Ludwig’s score.”
Karl Pulliam von Verge praised it for “[centering] Grief and the grieving process instead of superheroes:”
“Wakanda Forever is larger than Black Panther in scope and scope, but its story is also one of Marvel’s most intimate and heartfelt. It’s definitely a comic book film, but it’s one that focuses on grief and the grieving process rather than superheroes and spectacle. Full review coming soon.”
Ryden Scarnato of Heroic Hollywood firmly believes in it “There has never been a CBM like this:”
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a powerful film and a great tribute to Chadwick Boseman. There’s never been a CBM like this. Really strong performances all around. Namor’s motivation was a bit weak and I felt the running time but it’s still on the top Stage 4 for me.”
Brian Davids revealed that the film “Mostly abandons the studio’s signature tone:”
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is Marvel’s most poignant and powerful film to date. It’s heavy and dark, as it had to be, and largely abandoning the studio’s signature tone for the occasion.”
Movie review Fico Cangiano from CineXpressPR specifically praises Letitia Wright and Tenoch Huerta, but also notes this “The mid-credits scene is really moving:”
Wakanda Forever is awesome! Coogler delivers a soulful, wondrous sequel that packs an emotional punch and effectively explores relevant world issues. A beautiful tribute to Boseman’s legacy. Letitia & Tenoch are great and the mid-credits scene is really moving.”
Travis Hopson as pointed out by Punch Drunk Critics “Namor’s intro was incredible”, and the overall plot of the film was “packed with emotionally charged twists:”
“Wakanda Forever is exactly the cathartic experience I was hoping for. She helps us overcome our grief as we watch the Wakandas struggle to do the same. Namor’s intro was incredible, the story bittersweet and full of emotionally charged twists.”
The Direct belongs Jack McBryan stated that Wakanda is Forever “by far the best MCU project of phase 4”, while also heavily praising the film’s score:
“Wakanda Forever is phenomenal. Easily the best MCU project of Phase 4. I can’t stress enough how masterful the score is from start to finish. There are no weak links in the cast but I have to give a special shout out to Angela Basset. Letitia Wright who really blew me away.”
Sean O’Connellby Cinema Blend, called Tenoch Huertas Namor “a force,” and “better than [he had] hoped:”
“Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther: WakandaForever is above all cathartic. An emotional film about loss, legacy and healing. The story is intimate but powerful with global power struggles and palace intrigues. Tenoch Huerta’s Namor is a POWER better than I hoped. So much to discuss.”
critic Samuel Leggett Jr. mentioned as “The raw emotion on and off the screen is felt throughout:”
“Wakanda Forever is easily the best Marvel film since Avengers: Endgame. The scope, camerawork, acting and raw emotions on and off the screen are everywhere! This is the Marvel I’ve been missing! I had a word in my heart all night; “WOW…”
colliders Stephen Weintraub remarked that he was aware that many wouldn’t believe the hype surrounding a world premiere, but he pounded on how “[the] Movie is awesome:”
“I know you don’t believe it when people come out of a world premiere and say a movie is great…but Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is an amazing sequel and a great movie. I knew it was going to be emotional and it was. Expect your eyes to be licked. Great job Ryan Coogler.
Perry Nemiroffalso by Collider, called it “an immensely powerful story of progression:”
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is excellent. An immensely powerful story of progression – sometimes upsetting, but also wonderfully cathartic and encouraging. Can’t get over how well the film deserves that title.”
she continued in a second tweet indicating that Marvel “Couldn’t have found a better Namor:”
“Remains one of my favorite ensembles out there. M’Baku is still my #1, but Letitia Wright’s Shuri is the beating heart of this film. And Tenoch Huerta? You couldn’t have found a better Namor.”
Wakanda forever!
It certainly seems like Wakanda Forever is going to be just as emotional as anticipated.
Somehow, Ryan Coogler seems to have pulled it off and delivered an amazing film – quite possibly one of Marvel Studios’ best, judging by those reactions.
It sounds like there’s also a shift in tone away from the usual Marvel Studios that will make Wakanda Forever a very special journey. If ever there was an MCU project that shouldn’t be brought down by an overly comedic tone, this would be it.
Tenoch Huerta’s Namor seems to have been fantastically received, with no negative word in sight about his character’s introduction. The character is a huge part of the Marvel world in the comics, so no doubt many will be happy to hear that justice has been done for him.
The acting in general seems to be a highlight of the project – which isn’t surprising given how personal the film was for almost everyone involved.
Given the quality this film appears to be, perhaps Marvel Studios will start considering Ryan Coogler to direct Avengers: Secret Wars.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters worldwide on November 11.