Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is not just a sequel; it’s a 2 hour long 41 minute film — Marvel’s second-longest film to date — paying tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman. Last night, director Ryan Coogler and the cast paid tribute to their dear friends and industry luminaries during a screening in New York hosted by the Motion Picture Association.
The evening started with a red carpet inside the AMC Theater, which doubled as a temporary fashion show. Danai Gurira’s dress gleamed in the twinkling lights, while Tenoch Huerta’s embroidered floral jacket caught the eye. Jon Batiste’s striped suit was designed by young designer Stepehen Mikhail, while playwright Jeremy O. Harris was among the guests standing elegantly. But, of course, fashion is not just about beauty. It’s also about culture. Traditional clothing such as Filipino barong and Indian facial accessories were also found in the crowd. It’s a visual feast that bodes well for what audiences will soon be treated to in the actual movie.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever starts off on a heavy note, heading straight for Boseman’s pass. Spoiler alert: The opening scene depicts Black Panther’s funeral in Wakanda. Princess Shuri struggled to hold back her tears, while Queen Ramonda did everything in her power to stay strong for her, her daughter, and the country she led. Here are the opening credits from Marvel movies, often filled with punchy, superhero-esque music. This time, there was 30 seconds of complete silence.
This movie finally gives the answer: no Black Panther, Wakanda’s next What will a chapter look like? The crowd laughed at the script’s wit, jumped into chairs in action-packed scenes, and shed extra tears in moments of trial and triumph. For those planning to watch, stay longer in the closing credits for a heart-warming suspense.
To celebrate, people headed to the futuristic Hudson Yards, where they climbed the 101 floor to the top restaurant and bar . There, they encountered tunes that made guests dance to each other, “Panther Potion” and “Wakanda Forever” cocktails and juicy hors d’oeuvres. The film’s cast mingled with others while celebrating the next chapter in the Black Panther franchise with a cake-cut in honor. It was a joyous party, a wedding in an intimate setting filled with the love of the crew—perhaps the ideal situation to continue Boseman’s legacy as the first Black Panther.
