The sudden death of Chadwick Bosemen threw a serious wrench in Marvel’s works as it meant the narrative direction of the phenomenal Black Panther would have to be changed.
The impact of Chadwick’s performance as Black Panther was one that is universally acclaimed and the fear we all felt was how well the director, Ryan Coogler was going to adapt to still maintain public interest in the character. I am glad to say Black Panther Wakanda Forever is a worthy sequel to the first film and in many ways feels superior to what came before.
Where BP:WF suffers is the lack of Chadwick Boseman. His absence is felt pretty much throughout the film where his usual grace, and onscreen magnetism brought the movie to life.
The director’s decision to use Chadwick’s death to handle the issues of grief, forgiveness and reconciliation was so well done. You could tell the actors used the movie as therapy to deal with their grief from his passing. In so many ways Black Panther Wakanda Forever did a far better job of treating the issues of loss and sorrow than the abysmal Thor: Love & Thunder and Dr. Strange: Multiverse of madness. Whereas Taika Watiti opted to treat the loss of Thor’s family as comic relief plus his obvious lack of any grieving whatsoever, Black Panther used theirs as a strong foundation to allow their make-believe characters and the real-world viewers to mourn the loss of a beloved hero both virtual and real.
Dr. Strange Multiverse of Madness failed at giving Wanda resolution for her loss despite the fact that she got her own TV Show to go through and resolve that loss. Black Panther excelled at theirs marvelously.
Plot wise, shifting the narrative to Shuri was the logical option and one that worked even if it was a little light. Her character went through the stages of grief in a powerful way that saw her grow as a person. It was a startling arc to witness as she literally battled her demons in order to carry the mantle her brother left behind.
The highlight of BP:WF was Namor. The introduction of the Marvel Submariner is a refreshing addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His Character felt relevant and his motivations were deeply relatable.
I found myself so drawn in by him I was actually rooting for him during his rampage.
Ryan Coogler and The Russo Brothers have managed to shape the world of movies by creating villains and antiheroes you can sympathize and empathize with, without questioning your mental state.
Namor stands out for me because he doesn’t wear muscles, doesn’t wield any weapon and isn’t even menacing. He is ordinary, yet carries such incredible power.
Watch Black Panther Wakanda forever and see it as therapy for a world that lost a remarkable talent that will never be replaced. The story has far-reaching implications for the Marvel Universe and I for one can’t wait to see where they will take it.
Let’s see how far Shuri will carry the mantle as Wakanda’s Protector while hoping to see more of Namor in the future.
Author-Yao Mawutor Fianu
