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Tag: Wakanda Forever

  • ‘Wakanda Forever’ Executive Producer Teases the New Meaning of Namor’s Name

    ‘Wakanda Forever’ Executive Producer Teases the New Meaning of Namor’s Name

    One of Marvel’s first characters, Namor, is going through quite a bit of a change in his introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Tenoch Huerta will take on the iconic role that is now strongly inspired by Mayan culture. The first teasers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever teased his new design and went on to reveal that his own people of Talocan describe him as a God. Yet, we never heard him referred to as Namor.

    As it turns out, the team behind Wakanda Forever may have found a clever way to establish his name, as revealed by executive producer Victoria Alonso. It seems that the meaning of Namor’s name is short for “El niño sin amor” which means “the boy who grew up without love.”

    It definitely is a clever way to find way to still use his name of “Namor” and tie it once again to the new origin. In some way, it also seems like the title of the name may tie into his story of the Black Panther sequel. He likely is a child of two worlds, especially with a massive tease of a burning home in the first trailer, and that he lost his family before becoming the leader of an underwater kingdom.

    Marvel continues to showcase how they can cleverly reinterpret these characters that have existed for countless years. It not only adds new layers to these characters but also offers some unique takes that make them stand out. The Mayan-inspiration also makes one of the most interesting additions that could open up many more new takes on classic Namor storylines for the future. So, we’ll see what the future has in store for Huerta‘s take on the character.

    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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Ryan Coogler on Bringing Namor to the Marvel Cinematic Universe

    Ryan Coogler on Bringing Namor to the Marvel Cinematic Universe

    One of Marvel Comics’ oldest characters is making his MCU debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Namor, the Sub-Mariner first appeared in Marvel Comics in 1939 and has remained present as a hero, anti-hero and even outright villain over the years. From the footage seen over the course of two trailers, Namor certainly looks like the antagonist of the Black Panther sequel and while his origins have been greatly changed from the comics, director Ryan Coogler made sure that some of his trademark features remained.

    In an interview with EW, Coogler explained that while developing Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, he wanted to “lean into” the character’s comic book origins even while creating a new take on Namor. Now the emperor of the hidden kingdom of Talocon-as opposed to Atlantis-the MCU’s Namor is steeped in new mythology while staying true to his iconic look from the comics.

    I think with making these types of movies, you’ve got to lean into the weird stuff, or you risk missing what makes it fun. He’s got really unique features and things that don’t necessarily go together. He can breathe underwater, obviously, but he’s got these little wings on his ankles. He’s got pointy ears and walks around in his underwear. It’s all fun, man.

    Ryan Coogler

    The latest trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever certainly leans into that weird stuff as it shows Namor taking to the air to attack the Queen’s location and to avoid projectiles from a Wakandan ship. Given the character’s comic book history with Wakanda and the looks of the trailer, it appears that Coogler has stayed true to the character’s nature as well, making him an incredible threat to the nation.

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters November 11th.

    Source: EW

  • ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Trailer Teases an Ancient, Evil Artifact

    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Trailer Teases an Ancient, Evil Artifact

    As is often the case with Marvel Studios, the second trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever gave audiences a little more insight into the plot of the upcoming film. The new trailer featured quite a bit more dialogue, giving audiences an idea of what Wakanda is up against in the film as the hidden kingdom of Talocan, led by Namor, comes into conflict with them. One bit of dialogue spoken by M’Baku, however, stood out as particularly interesting as it opens the possibility of one of Marvel Comics’ most dangerous artifacts making its mark on the MCU.

    Speaking to a group of Wakandans, M’Baku explains that the people of Talocan don’t refer to Namor as either king or general, but rather “K’uk’ulkan, the feather serpent god.” While Ryan Coogler went to great lengths to create a new origin for Namor, one that strayed away from the comic books’ Atlantean heritage, Namor’s title calls to mind an artifact that has ties to an Elder god and has caused quite a bit of chaos over the years.

    Before the Great Cataclysm drove their kingdom below the sea, ancient Atlanteans created the Serpent Crown. The crown served as a vessel for the power of the Elder god, Set, who created an entire race of Serpent-Men to do his evil bidding in ancient times. The Serpent Crown has popped up in the comics on several occasions and, needless to say nothing good comes of it. It’s found its way back to Atlantis several times, including recently when Namor wore it in the event Atlantis Attacks.

    Could the helmet seen on the MCU’s Namor be the Serpent Crown? And if so, is it just an Easter egg or could it become the same type of cursed artifact it’s become in the comics? It’s an interesting thought but one that we’ll have to wait to flesh out as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever doesn’t hit theaters for another 5 weeks.

  • REPORT: ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Runtime Makes It the MCU’s Second Longest Film

    REPORT: ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Runtime Makes It the MCU’s Second Longest Film

    The final film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase Four, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever may be one of Marvel Studios’ longest features to date. According to new listings on the Cineplex and Regal websites, the Ryan Coogler-directed sequel will be 161 minutes (two hours and 41 minutes) long. If true, that runtime makes it the longest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe behind Avengers: Endgame, which ran over three hours.

    While still unconfirmed, a longer runtime could suggest that Wakanda Forever is taking its time to explore a larger story amidst the heavy nature of the film stemming from the passing of Chadwick Boseman in 2020. According to the film’s synopsis, Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira), and the Dora Milaje fight to protect Wakanda from intervening world powers as the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, along with War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman). Tenoch Huerta will be making his appearance in the MCU as Namor, and the sequel also features Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams, ahead of the Ironheart Disney+ series.

    While runtimes ultimately say quite little about the contents of a film, fans love to speculate. Before they were released, Eternals was deemed too long and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was deemed too short by those on social media. If Wakanda Forever does end up being the longest non-Avengers film in the MCU, it could be the result of a packed storyline, a slower-paced narrative, or both. In any event, the filmmakers likely took their time crafting the emotional follow-up to the iconic Black Panther.

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters on November 11, 2022.

    Source: Cineplex and Regal