The first Black Panther film was much more than just a movie, and more akin to a global cultural experience. All things being equal, just the task of trying to follow that film with a sequel is an extremely tall order. Add in the heart-breaking and unexpected passing of star Chadwick Boseman, and the sequel, Wakanda Forever, felt like it was facing impossible odds.
Today at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, director Ryan Coogler and the Wakanda Forever cast introduced the first teaser trailer, which was subsequently released online. The trailer might very well be the best trailer of any Marvel film and has an argument for best trailer ever.
With an appropriately somber yet defiant tone, the teaser felt like a public declaration that this cast and crew have every intention of delivering a film that is worthy of its predecessor. Prior to the teaser’s release, I was curious how the film would handle Boseman’s passing and whether it would play coy with the in-universe status of his character, T’Challa. Instead, the teaser makes it clear that T’Challa has also passed and his family, loved ones and people are not only grieving, but dealing with the consequences.
In a bit of a surprise, T’Challa’s mother, Queen Ramonda (played by the ageless Angela Bassett) takes center stage, delivering powerful lines in a mostly dialogue free treaser. We also see the long awaited introduction of Namor, the king of the underwater kingdom that plays Wakanda’s antagonist in the film. And of course, the teaser does what it’s supposed to do by ending with a final scene that provides an all-too-brief glimpse of the new Black Panther…with no clues as to who is in the suit.
Beyond Queen Ramonda, the music is the MVP of the teaser, with a truly masterful cover by Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems of Bob Marley’s No Woman No Cry that transitions towards the end to Kendrick Lamar’s Alright. If that moment doesn’t make you feel emotional, then I don’t know what will.
Check out the incredible teaser below. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premieres in theaters November 11th and none of us are truly ready.
In Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba), fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.Introducing Tenoch Huerta as Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation, the film also stars Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena and Alex Livanalli.
Ron is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of POC Culture. He is a big believer in the power and impact of pop culture and the importance of representation in media.
