In a recent post on Village Voice, film critic Erin Maxwell shares their thoughts on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the much-anticipated Marvel release. Wrapped up in grief, the film is both a powerful tribute and a standard superhero story that allows for the growth of the franchise and a creation of a new champion. In her review, Maxwell asks, “How do you carry on a film franchise when the heart and soul of the story is gone?” Referring to the late, beloved Chadwick Boseman, who starred in Black Panther and tragically passed away from colon cancer in 2020, at age 43, two years later. 

“As the film begins, the characters are in a state heartbreak after T’challa/‘The Black Panther’ dies from a sudden, unknown illness,” writes Maxwell. “To remember the fallen hero, there’s a special MCU opening scroll made up of images of Boseman. It informs the audience that there will be no Black Panther franchise without him. This movie seeks to move forward.”

Read the whole story on the Village Voice here.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.