The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will unravel Phase 4 in the most significant way possible in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and the new trailer makes this very clear.
‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ trailer highlights
On Monday, comic know-it-alls were treated to a scintillating spectacle when Marvel released the official full-length trailer for the Black Panther sequel.
First premiered at Disney’s D23 Expo in September 2022, the teasing footage introduces essential characters to the ‘Wakanda’ storyline. We see the film’s antagonist, Namor of Atlantis (played by Tenoch Huerta), for the first time.
Riri Williams (played by Dominique Thorne), aka Ironheart, also features prominently in the trailer, suggesting she may be a crucial cog in the way the story unfolds.
A first look at the trailer suggests the grief-stricken Wakanda is a long way from restoring peace in the mystical supercity.
Speaking on the closure Wakanda Forever brings to die-hard fans of Chadwick Boseman, the original Black Panther, director Ryan Coogler teased that “this is the calm before the amazing storm.”
“Our heart Chadwick, he paved the way – he showed us the way – and we had to meet his level of excellence,” he said, per Hollywood Life.
Are ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ tickets available in South Africa?
The Black Panther sequel premieres in theatres on Friday, 11 November 2022.
Ticket sales in global markets went live on Monday. In South Africa, the two theatres, Ster-Kinekor and NuMetro, have yet to release an update on ticket availability.
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Five massive clues you should know about
Here are five massive clues we found in the new Black Panther: Wakanda Forever trailer:
Does M’Baku become the new king of Wakanda?
In the first Black Panther, Lord M’Baku challenged T’Challa (formerly played by Chadwick Boseman) for the throne, and while he remained an enemy, his role in the death of Eric Killmonger pretty much saved Wakanda.
In the sequel, the leader of the Jabari tribe is seen donning a claw necklace similar to Black Panther‘s, suggesting that, perhaps, in the absence of a leader, he may be an interim king.
However, according to Wakanda folklore, a king is anointed to the throne by duel and/or blood. While this makes for an interesting clue, it is almost certain that M’Baku is not the new Black Panther that takes over the reins from T’Challa.
Is this the scene where Chadwick Boseman is killed off the script?
One of the chief reasons behind the anticipated commercial success of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the posthumous appearance of Boseman. The 43-year-old died in 2020 after a lifelong battle with colon cancer.
In this scene showing Ramonda (Angela Bassett) and Rita sharing looks of concern as they stare out of a window, the clue is very easy to miss. But, if you look very closely, the silhouette of what appears to be T’Challa engaged in a battle is reflected in the window.
Could this be the one tear-jerking moment that will sweep every theatre across the multiverse with intense emotions?
Shuri could be the next Black Panther
Toward the end of the trailer, talk of a female Black Panther is validated when an unknown figure drops into frame in a upgraded suit decked with Shuri‘s (Letitia Wright) signature nanotechnology.
Word on the comic alley suggests T’Challa‘s sister could be next in line to lead Wakanda. For one, she is the next sibling with a valid royal claim. Also, in the comics, Shuri is not just a smartie. She is also an advanced martial artist with masterful expertise in vibranium technology.
The only hurdle is Shuri is a woman, and Wakanda, much like African kingdoms, has never deviated from its tradition of passing heirship to a prince.
But… is there another plot twist in the works?
Is Nakia carrying T’Challa’s child?
It’s long been speculated that Marvel has a trick up its sleeve in carrying the Black Panther storyline post-Boseman’s era. While we do not necessarily see much of Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), it’s believed her character is crucial in the story’s development.
According to the rumour mill, fans could be in for a shocker toward the end of the movie, as Nakia will reportedly give birth to a boy, the son of T’Challa, who automatically gains a stake in the throne.
Will Namor flood Wakanda?
In the sequel, Namor is the villain who disturbs the peace in the grief-stricken Wakanda. It remains to be seen how this will unfold, but the trailer suggests Atlantis will likely launch a devastating attack on Wakanda and that the hidden supercity may need assistance from fellow Marvel superheroes.