Through the years, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever had its fair share of ups and downs. The film's development suffered a major setback when lead star Chadwick Boseman tragically passed away in 2020, leaving director Ryan Coogler to map out a new narrative. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige confirmed that the studio agreed not to recast T'Challa, meaning that the sequel will have to address his absence moving forward.
Wakanda Forever will feature a returning cast led by Letitia Wright's Shuri, Danai Gurira's Okoye, Winston Duke's M'Baku, and Angela Bassett's Ramonda. These characters are expected to take a much more prominent role in the sequel while also paying tribute to the late MCU veteran.
Plot details are still being kept under wraps, but rumors and reports suggest that Wakanda Forever is poised to be a bigger film than its predecessor. Now, one of its stars has expressed a similar sentiment.
Wakanda Forever Will Top the First Movie
Angela Bassett, who portrays the MCU's Queen Ramonda of Wakanda, sat down as a guest on The Ellen Degeneres Show to talk about Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
The actress, via The Hollywood Reporter, claimed that the upcoming MCU sequel is "going to top" the first Black Panther film:
“It’s going to be amazing. It’s going to top [the first] one. Can I say that? Marvel, can I say that?”
When asked how it was tough to return to filming the sequel without the late Chadwick Boseman, Bassett agreed, saying that they "hope to raise his standard." The MCU actress continued by acknowledging director Ryan Coogler as the "perfect leader" to steer the sequel:
“It is. He was such an example, such a leader, an amazing talent — we all know that. Big heart, great intellect, and we just hope to raise his standard. It will be amazing. Our director Ryan Coogler. Writer. Director. Perfect leader.”
How Black Panther 2 Will Impact the MCU
Many would agree that Angela Bassett's latest comments boost anticipation for the upcoming sequel, especially considering the rumored plot details of the movie.
It was previously reported that Namor the Submariner would appear in the sequel, meaning that a major conflict between Wakanda and Atlantis could be in the cards. Based on that premise alone, the sequel seems poised to be bigger in terms of story than the first film.
Aside from the aforementioned conflict, Wakanda Forever will also address several plot points, such as T'Challa's fate, the confirmed debut of Dominique Thorne's Ironheart, and the African nation's impact on the world. The sequel is primed to elevate the franchise in more ways than one while still honoring Chadwick Boseman's legacy as the Wakandan leader.
All in all, Wakanda Forever will serve as an important part of MCU's Phase 4 plans moving forward.
Black Panther: Wakanda: Forever is set to premiere in theaters on November 11, 2022.
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