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Tag: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

  • Tenoch Huerta on Whether or Not Namor is the Villain of ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    Tenoch Huerta on Whether or Not Namor is the Villain of ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    With Black Panther: Wakanda Forever having its World Premiere last night, the world now waits in anticipation for its turn to see the Marvel Studios sequel. One of the major standouts from the early reactions has been Tenoch Huerta, who portrays film’s main antagonist: Namor the Sub-Mariner. While talking with Variety during the premiere’s red carpet, this is what Huerta, disagreed with the notion that he’s the villain of the film.

    This is a guy who protects his people, his culture, every meaningful thing in his kingdom. From my perspective, everyone around the world can identify with this. So I don’t know if he’s a “villain” or is just a guy trying whatever the cost is to protect.

    Tenoch Huerta

    The concept of relatability has been a generally consistent factor with some of the best Marvel Cinematic Universe villains, and it certainly is an exciting notion to hear about this trait with Namor. One of the most compelling elements of Namor and the whole of Talokan in Wakanda Forever is the heavy influence of Mayan culture on their civilization. It provides Ryan Coogler with the opportunity to world-build another historically-based culture into the Marvel Cinematic Universe made up of generally underrepresented peoples in the film industry. This is a concept that Huerta has definitely appreciated when it comes to this film.

    It’s important for the people to see themselves in the movies in this way. It was made with a lot of respect for the Mesoamerican culture, especially Mayan culture. It’s the root of almost everybody Latin American. We have indigineous roots, we have black roots, and a few white roots. But it’s fantastic to be here and represent this kind of movie.

    Tenoch Huerta

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens exclusively in theaters on November 11. You can take a look at a collection of first impressions of the film here. 

  • First Reactions to ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Hit Social Media

    First Reactions to ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Hit Social Media

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is set to premiere worldwide earlier next month but select members of the press have now been able to experience the highly anticipated Black Panther sequel and are making their thoughts known. With the social media embargo lifted, here are some of the early reactions to, what seems to be, another Ryan Coogler masterpiece:

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever debuts in theaters November 11th.

  • “Lift Me Up” from the ‘Wakanda Forever’ Soundtrack Hitting Friday

    “Lift Me Up” from the ‘Wakanda Forever’ Soundtrack Hitting Friday

    After weeks of guessing, Marvel Studios has officially announced that Rihanna will have the lead single off the soundtrack to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The single, titled “Lift Me Up,” is said to have been written as a tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Chadwick Boseman. It was written by Tems, Oscar winner Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna and Ryan Coogler and produced by Göransson.

    “After speaking with Ryan and hearing his direction for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I’ve lost in my life. I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them. Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor.”

    Tems

    The soundtrack for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, titled Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By – will be available on Nov. 4th through Roc Nation Records/Def Jam Recordings/Hollywood Records. It’s being produced by Coogler, Göransson, Archie Davis and Dave Jordan. While the original score, composed and produced by Göransson, will hit on Nov. 11th through Hollywood Records.

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever stars Angela Bassett, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Danai Gurira, Florence Kasumba, Lupita Nyong’o, Martin Freeman, Tenoch Huerta, Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena and Alex Livinalli. It’s set to hit theaters on Nov. 11th. Tickets are available now.

  • Rihanna Releasing New Song from ‘Wakanda Forever’ This Week

    Rihanna Releasing New Song from ‘Wakanda Forever’ This Week

    Last week, it was rumored that Rihanna had recorded songs for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. Now, Marvel Studios has confirmed the singer is set to release a new song for the movie later this week. The news was revealed by the studio on social media, with the Wakanda Forever changing into a lone ‘R’ with 10.28.2002 written beneath it.

    News of Rihanna‘s involvement with the movie was first reported by Hits Daily Double. At the time, the station claimed the singer had recorded two songs for the soundtrack. While it remains to be seen how many songs Rihanna contributed to the soundtrack overall, fans will surely be excited just to have new music from the singer.

    Kendrick Lamar curated the soundtrack for the first movie, Black Panther, that included the likes of Lamar, The Weeknd, Zacari and Jorja Smith. The soundtrack also spawned the hit singles “All the Stars” and “Pray for Me.” As of this writing, the remainder of the soundtrack’s artists has not been revealed.

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is co-written and directed by Ryan Coogler. It is set to hit theaters on Nov. 11th. Tickets are on sale now.

  • ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Tracking for $175 Million Domestic Opening

    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Tracking for $175 Million Domestic Opening

    With less than a month until Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters, the Marvel Studios sequel is hitting tracking in a big way. The Hollywood Reporter has revealed the sequel to 2018’s Black Panther is on track for a $175 million opening stateside. That number is pretty in line with the projection provided by Box Office Pro earlier in the month – $180 million to $200 million.

    That number is slightly lower than Black Panther‘s $202 million domestic debut in 2018. However, that was pre-pandemic, and the box office has struggled to regain that traction since. Thankfully, superhero films – and a few other blockbusters – have been least impacted by COVID-19, with films like The Batman and Spider-Man: No Way Home still managing to perform well at the box office. As the release of Wakanda Forever nears, it’s entirely possible estimates for the movie will continue to grow.

    The first movie starred the excellent Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa and quickly went on to become a cultural phenomenon after being the first Marvel Studios film to feature a predominantly Black cast. The journey to Wakanda Forever has been a difficult one following the unexpected death of Boseman. Director Ryan Coogler, who co-wrote the sequel with Joe Robert Cole, managed to craft a sequel that both honors Boseman’s legacy as T’Challa, while also pushing the franchise forward.

    Wakanda Forever is set to hit theaters on Nov. 11th. Tickets are on sale now.

    Source: THR.

  • Lupita Nyong’o Comments on the Marvel Movie Debate

    Lupita Nyong’o Comments on the Marvel Movie Debate

    Marvel Studios has been the top player in the superhero genre for quite some time now, and with more titles still yet to come, the studio has become the subject of some big debates among creatives. In the past, we’ve seen creatives such as Martin Scorsese, Bong Joon-ho, Ridley Scott, Francis Ford Coppola, Jodie Foster, and Alejandro G. Iñárritu speak out against Marvel movies – and often superhero films in general. They seem to feel that these projects are hurting smaller projects, are not true cinema, or are simply for children.

    During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter to promote Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, actress Lupita Nyong’o was asked to weigh in on this debate. Especially as, not only was Black Panther nominated for Best Picture, but Nyong’o has moved between franchise films and indie films throughout the years. As it puts it, it all boils down to what one deems art and what one deems to be its purpose.

    “It becomes a philosophical question about what is art and what is its purpose. I believe that art plays a role in moving the people that experience it, and a lot of people are moved by Marvel. Is you being moved by this thing less important than me being moved by Picasso?”

    Using sugar as a metaphor, the actress continues to explain why she feels options are not necessarily a bad thing. And that, just because something is a small character-driven film, it doesn’t mean it lacks an emotional pull.

    “I think to be culturally prosperous, to be artistically prosperous as a people, is to have options. In Kenya, sugar was sugar, it was brown or it was white. You come to the States, and a whole section in the supermarket is dedicated to sugars. So many different sugars. That is a symbol of prosperity, when you have options. So I personally love a good Marvel movie, but it doesn’t take me away from really wanting the little character-driven film. I believe in the fight for those things to be kept alive because the one thing we always want, the ultimate privilege, is choice.”

    While superhero films and television shows have been a mainstay for a while now, they’re not merely just mindless titles for children. As Nyong’o explains, there’s nothing wrong with giving people a choice.

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, a film meant to honor the late Chadwick Boseman, will hit theaters on Nov. 11th. Tickets are on sale now.

    Source: THR.

  • Nyong’o on Why She’s Glad T’Challa Wasn’t Recast

    Nyong’o on Why She’s Glad T’Challa Wasn’t Recast

    Following the incredible success of Black Panther, many were curious when a sequel to the blockbuster film would follow. Fans were eager for more of Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, as well as more of the Dora Milaje and Letitia Wright’s Shuri. What no one knew, though, was that Boseman was terminally ill. His untimely passing was a shock to nearly everyone, including the cast and crew of Black Panther, and in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lupita Nyong’o discussed what it was like to lose him.

    As the actress noted, Marvel Studios and the rest of the cast and crew from Black Panther didn’t know how – or if they could – revisit the franchise without their leading man. As Nyong’o explains, director and co-writer Ryan Coogler had already drafted a screenplay for the sequel before Boseman’s passing. That film would’ve heavily focused on T’Challa and it was expected to “delve deeply into his psyche and situation.” Many fans had expected Marvel Studios to recast the role, but out of respect, the studio opted not to. The sequel was later reworked, instead turning Wakanda Forever into a film meant to honor T’Challa and Boseman without recasting the role – a decision the actress wholeheartedly agrees with.

    “That is not the death of the Black Panther, that’s the whole point. It’s laying to rest [T’Challa] and allowing for real life to inform the story of the movies. I know that there are all sorts of reasons why people want him to be recast, but I don’t have the patience. I don’t have the presence of mind, or I don’t have the objectivity to argue with that. I don’t. I’m very biased.”

    While moving ahead with the sequel was emotionally difficult for all involved, Nyong’o said that Coogler had successfully crafted something to honor Boseman, while still carrying the story forward.

    “Ryan wrote something that so honored the truth of what every one of us was feeling, those of us who knew Chadwick. He created something that could honor that and carry the story forward. By the end, I was weeping.”

    Fans will get the chance to help honor Boseman’s legacy when Wakanda Forever hits theaters on Nov. 11th.

    Source: THR.

  • RUMOR: Rihanna Has Recorded Songs for the ‘Wakanda Forever’ Soundtrack

    RUMOR: Rihanna Has Recorded Songs for the ‘Wakanda Forever’ Soundtrack

    A new rumor suggests that Rihanna might be lending her voice to a forthcoming soundtrack. The folks over at Hits Daily Double claim to have heard the superstar has recorded two songs for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.

    This, of course, should be taken with a grain of salt for the time being. However, it is worth noting Marvel Studios and writer-director Ryan Coogler did work with Kendrick Lamar on delivering a curated soundtrack for the first Black Panther film. That soundtrack featured songs by Lamar, The Weeknd, Zacari and Jorja Smith. While a soundtrack for Wakanda Forever has not yet been officially revealed, it wouldn’t be entirely surprising if Marvel Studios once again got some of the biggest acts to deliver new songs for the film.

    However, this isn’t the first time rumors of Rihanna being involved with the Black Panther franchise have circulated. The singer and actress was also rumored for a role in the sequel in late 2020 – that rumor has since been proven false. With the movie’s release less than a month away, here’s to hoping we get some more concrete information regarding the movie’s potential soundtrack.

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is co-written and directed by Ryan Coogler. It is set to hit theaters on Nov. 11th. Tickets are on sale now.

    Source: Hits Daily Double.

  • ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Tracking for Massive Debut

    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Tracking for Massive Debut

    With less than a month until release, Marvel Studios’ Black Panther sequel, Wakanda Forever, is tracking for a massive debut. Box Office Pro has unveiled the latest tracking for the film, and as it stands, Wakanda Forever could potentially set a new November record.

    Box Office Pro believes Wakanda Forever could open between $180 million and $225 million. Working in the film’s favor, of course, is that Black Panther was a phenomenon and demolished records with its $202 million domestic debut. The character later went on to become a big part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in both Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, and later in an episode of What If…? on Disney+. With a huge gap between films, fans have been eagerly awaiting Wakanda Forever‘s release, helping to push the film’s trailer views past those of its predecessor.

    Of course, given that we are still very much in a pandemic, it’s possible the film could open lower than expected. The box office has struggled since COVID first hit in 2019, and it’s still struggling to return to normal. Moviegoers don’t seem as ready to head to theaters like they once did. It doesn’t help either that Thor: Love and Thunder had such a mixed reception, or that many feel as though there’s too much content hailing from Marvel Studios thanks to Disney+.

    Wakanda Forever is set to hit theaters on Nov. 11th. Tickets are on sale now.

    Source: Box Office Pro.

  • ‘Black Panther’ Director Reveals When ‘Wakanda Forever’ Takes Place

    ‘Black Panther’ Director Reveals When ‘Wakanda Forever’ Takes Place

    Many have wondered when exactly the upcoming Black Panther sequel, Wakanda Forever, will take place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline. Especially this project had many wondering as we know the project will act as a tribute to Chadwick Boseman with T’Challa also having died in this universe. Many assumed the project would start off with the direct aftermath of that event, but it seems that the film actually explores the aftermath a year after his in-universe passing according to director Ryan Coogler.

    Ramonda realizes that it’s been a year since T’Challa’s passing and Shuri’s still not healing—she’s not taking steps to move forward in a healthy way. They take a retreat—stepping away from the city, from the technology—to sit with no distractions and perform what is essentially a grief ritual. That’s when Namor shows up.

    Ryan Coogler

    This statement was released as part of a new press release and it highlights the overall themes of this story. Just as the family is finally trying to overcome the loss, Wakanda faces its biggest threat yet. It doesn’t give away the full story but it definitely seems like the legacy of T’Challa–especially that of Chadwick Boseman–will fuel the story and the characters living through that grief.

    It’ll be interesting to see how they tackle those themes with an invasion by Namor. While the character is more of an anti-hero, he’ll take on a villainous role in this entry and grief will likely also be one of the motivators for his place in this story. For now, we’ll have to wait just one more month for it to finally release in theaters.

    Source: The Direct