Black Panther is more than just an MCU film. The 2018 blockbuster became a cultural phenomenon, serving as an inspiration to the Black community.
Directed by Ryan Coogler, Black Panther was infused with strong elements of representation throughout its narrative. This was further amplified by the strong bravado of its lead star, the late Chadwick Boseman, alongside its almost entirely Black cast.
As a result, the film provided a message of strength for the Black community while also creating a sense of hope for the culture. The film's triumph ultimately led to three Oscars wins (and three more nominations), but its groundbreaking effect continues to be memorable beyond the critical success.
Now, a timely trip down to memory lane has surfaced for Black Panther, showing off how the film was created.
A WAKANDAN CELEBRATION
In celebration of Black Panther's three-year anniversary, Marvel Studios released several behind-the-scenes photos from the set of the Oscar-winning MCU film.
The late Chadwick Boseman prepares to film a scene in this image from the set of the 2018 blockbuster.
Michael B. Jordan's Erik Killmonger shines in this latest set photo from Black Panther.
Letitia Wright's Shuri joins Lupita Nyong'o's Nakia as the duo takes a break from filming key scenes for Black Panther.
Black Panther director Ryan Coogler shares a laugh with Daniel Kaluuya on the set of the hit MCU project.
BLACK PANTHER'S EVERLASTING IMPACT
In many ways, the photos that Marvel Studios shared are a fitting reminder of the success of Black Panther. It's fascinating that it's been three years since the film's massive debut on the big screen, and the amazing part of it all is the fact that the project is still relevant.
At this stage, it's no secret that the revolutionary effect of Black Panther is still being felt today. The discussion surrounding representation has been a key topic in the realm of Hollywood ever since, and it's already a given that the MCU film will always be included in this discussion no matter what. If anything, this is a prime example of the lasting impact of the Chadwick Boseman-led project.
From being described as a “love letter to the Black community” as well as a “celebration of the Black culture,” Black Panther has no shortage of inspiring descriptions. That list of titles will become longer moving forward (especially during the forthcoming release of Black Panther 2).
Boseman's tragic passing in August 2020 was a bitter pill to swallow for everyone. This unfortunate event forced Marvel Studios and Coogler to map out a different plan for the much-anticipated sequel, but they knew how important it is for the franchise to continue due to its significance within the Black community.
The exact approach of how Coogler will pay tribute to Boseman's legacy as T'Challa is unknown at this point, but it's safe to say that key elements that made Black Panther a game-changer will remain.
For years, Black Panther acted as the champion for black culture in general, and the film's influence will continue to play a major role in other MCU shows like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
As the MCU embraces a new chapter, there's a strong chance that the monumental franchise will continue what Black Panther started in Phase 3 by pushing diversity and representation to the forefront now more than ever.
