First reactions to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever praise a soulful and powerful Marvel sequel

Can Marvel's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever live up to expectations? Judging from the initial reactions, it sounds like the studio has scored a slam dunk with the Marvel sequel, honouring the legacy of the late Chadwick Boseman while moving the mythology in bold new directions.

On that note, have you heard the movie's new title track, Lift Me Up, from Rihanna? Here is the music video, which promises an adventure painted in bold and heart-wrenching colours.


No previous Marvel movie has had to grapple with the tragic death of its leading man. Wakanda Forever is, therefore, set to be infused with a level of poignancy beyond what we've come to expect from the superhero franchise. Of course, Boseman's passing has also informed a complete narrative restructure, and the wider ramifications of his absence will only become clear in the final product.

Writer-director Ryan Coogler, who helmed the first Black Panther, has been open about infusing a distinct air of grief into the movie. He and his team, including returning stars Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong'o and Letitia Wright, had to exorcise their emotions while working through the production, in effect putting to bed their air of sadness while embracing the possibilities of a hopeful future.

Here are some of the reactions that promise a memorable and enveloping Black Panther experience.

  • Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a beautiful tribute to Chadwick Boseman. Visual stunner, with Angela Bassett commanding every scene she inhabits. Rihanna's "Lift Me Up" will do that for many. Another great post-credit scene that's genuinely a jaw-dropper. Don't know about Oscars.  – Clayton Davis, Variety

 

  • This means so much more after seeing #WakandaForever last night. Riri Williams is such a big personality character, she instantly fits right in and feels like she belongs in the MCU. I think she might be the breakout character of the film other than Namor. #Ironheart – Travis Hopson, Punch Drunk Critics

 

  • #BlackPanther Wakanda Forever is excellent. An immensely powerful story of forging forward — shattering at times, but also beautifully cathartic and heartening. Cannot get over how well the film earns that title. – Perri Nemiroff, Collider

 

  • #BlackPantherWakandaForever prioritizes sentiment over spectacle and for the most part it’s a transporting and engrossing triumph. Arguably Marvel Studio’s most deeply felt and emotional resonant extravaganza. Also Ludwig’s score is an all timer. 🐆 – Drew Taylor, The Playlist

 

  • #WakandaForever is blockbuster filmmaking on another level. It surpasses the incredible first film with high stakes and and thrilling world-building. It’s an emotional, dark journey, leading to a full-scale war, but always feels personal. This may be the best Marvel movie yet. – Daniel Howat, Next Best Picture

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is released at Cineworld on November 11 and you can book your tickets here.

Did you know that we're screening the movie in the uniquely immersive, 270-degree experience of ScreenX? Check out the following video and discover how you'll be engulfed by the scope and majesty of the Black Panther sequel.