Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Black Panther

  • Marvel Studios Wanted to Adapt Namor for 18 Years

    Marvel Studios Wanted to Adapt Namor for 18 Years

    Namor is finally making his Marel Cinematic Universe in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. While the character is known as one of the first ever introduced into the Marvel canon, it still took Marvel Studios some time to finally get the right project together that would introduce the character to the world. As it turns out, Marvel had the character on their list for almost 18 years and was hoping to get the character to live-action even in the days before the current MCU was formed.

    Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige doesn’t go into details during the red carpet event for Wakanda Forever but does highlight that they’ve been trying to find the right idea to bring the character to life. Luckily, it seems that Ryan Coogler already pitched the idea of a war between kingdoms during the first Black Panther film and went on to develop the more culturally distinct take on the character for this sequel.

    Forever it’s been on our list. I remember 18 years ago putting together a list, I think we even commissioned a script 18 years ago. And the timing was never right and the idea was never right. Ryan Coogler on the first movie started pitching wars between kingdoms. And if you actually added a cultural specificity to Namor, and that’s certainly what he has done in this movie. It’s not Atlantis, it’s Talokan.

    Kevin Feige

    It definitely seems like the wait was well worth it, as it both only did it lead to a very distinct take on the character but a powerful performance by Tenoch Huerta going by early reactions. We still have to wait a little longer for the film’s release but it’s definitely going to be quite the experience once it hits theaters on November 11th and who knows what the future has in store for the character moving forward.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Star Teases How They Shot Underwater

    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Star Teases How They Shot Underwater

    Expectations are high on what Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will deliver. The first reactions from the film’s premiere are definitely quite positive; especially with the film’s emotional arc but they also tease the excitement for the newcomer, Namor the Submariner. Tenoch Huerta takes on the role of a leader of a long-sunken Mayan civilization.

    With the film taking place under water, there’s no surprise that a big part of it will also feature its stars floating about but it was unclear if they’d actually film underwater or mostly rely on CG. According to actor Alex Livinalli, who plays Attuma in the film, they filmed quite a bit underwater and it seems like they had a lot o fun with the challenge.

    We had the training underwater. Don’t get me wrong, it was hard, it was a lot of hard work but it was so exciting. Everything that we shot underwater was on one breath; meaning that everyone–the whole crew, the actors–were at the surface, then everyone took a breath, we went down and shot for as long as [until] the first person came up, then we all came up. In what other project would you get to do something like that?

    Alex Livinalli

    It definitely sounds like it was a challenge to film as much as you could with everyone holding their breath for as long as possible. There is a fun irony in the mention of “what other project would you get to do something” like Wakanda Forever with Avatar: The Way of the Water on the horizon, but it’s great to see the technology being used to full effect this year.

    Source: Deadline

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • ‘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

  • New Character Posters Released for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    New Character Posters Released for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    With a month until Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters, Marvel Studios has unveiled a slew of new character posters for the film. The posters, as shown below, feature Michaela Coel (Aneka), Alex Livinalli (Attuma), Florence Kasumba (Ayo), Winston Duke (M’Baku), Lupita Nyong’o (Nakia), Tenoch Huerta (Namor), Mabel Cadena (Namora), Danai Gurira (Okoye), Angela Bassett (Queen Ramonda), Dominique Thorne (Riri Williams), Martin Freeman (Everett Ross) and Letitia Wright (Shuri).

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. © 2022 MARVEL.

    Along with the posters, Marvel Studios released a brand new featurette for the movie featuring director Ryan Coogler, Nyong’o, Wright, and Huerta.

    In the film, Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. When Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation, alerts them to a global threat and his disturbing plan to thwart it, the Wakandans band together with the help of War Dog Nakia and Everett Ross and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.

    Tickets for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever are on sale now. The movie will hit theaters on Nov. 11th, 2022.