On November 11th 2022, the highly anticipated movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, finally made its way to the big screen- and there is much to say.

 

The movie begins with a melancholy tone, revealing the death of King T’Challa due to an “undisclosed illness”: the despair and pain portrayed by each character, Princess Shuri and Queen Ramonda especially, brought the entire audience to a standstill, as it was a reflection of how we all feel after the unexpected death of the man who played the role of Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman in 2018 (may he rest in peace).

 

The movie focuses on Princess Shuri’s experience after losing her brother and mother. She, in particular, had a very strong belief that “there is no Black Panther'' to protect Wakanda any longer. Though due to the threat of the Kukulkan, she was able to recreate the heart shaped herb, and ingest it herself to become the next Black Panther. 

 

One aspect which was highlighted (and very much appreciated), was the female dominance in the movie. Princess Shuri becoming Black Panther was just an added bonus to the already female-empowering features. The female heroism was much needed, and it further reinforces the reigning significance of all the movies in the Black Panther series, and how they essentially paved the way for greater multiculturalism, as well as greater female representation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.


 

Whilst many wondered how it was going to be made after the sudden circumstances, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever beat all the allegations that it wasn’t going to be as extraordinary as the first movie. It was heartfelt, emotional, yet immensely empowering.