Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), directed by Ryan Coogler, is not just a superhero movie—it’s a powerful tribute, a story of grief, legacy, and resilience. It picks up after the death of King T’Challa, honoring the late Chadwick Boseman, while expanding the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with new characters and conflicts.
Detailed Summary
A Nation in Mourning
The film opens with the death of King T’Challa, whose passing is due to an unspecified illness. Shuri (Letitia Wright), his sister, desperately tries to recreate the Heart-Shaped Herb to save him, but fails. His death leaves Wakanda vulnerable and emotionally devastated. The nation holds an elaborate funeral, blending Afro-futurism and African traditions, giving viewers—and fans—an emotional goodbye to Boseman.
Wakanda vs. the World
With Wakanda no longer hiding its vibranium from the world, powerful nations now see it as a threat or resource to control. Meanwhile, the U.S. discovers vibranium in the ocean, thanks to a device built by MIT student Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), leading to the emergence of a new player: Namor (Tenoch Huerta), ruler of the underwater kingdom Talokan.
Namor sees Wakanda as an ally or a threat—nothing in between. He wants Wakanda to help him destroy the surface world before it comes for both of their nations. When Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) refuses to yield, Namor retaliates with a devastating attack on Wakanda, killing Ramonda in the process.
Shuri’s Transformation
Shuri, devastated by her mother’s death and still grappling with T’Challa’s loss, is pushed to the edge. With the help of Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), she travels to Talokan and learns about Namor’s history—how he’s a mutant born from a Mesoamerican civilization that fled colonization by retreating underwater.
Determined to protect Wakanda, Shuri recreates the Heart-Shaped Herb using Namor’s people’s vibranium-infused plant and becomes the new Black Panther. Her journey is darker than T’Challa’s—she’s driven not by justice, but vengeance.
The Final Battle
The climax features a battle between Wakandan forces and Talokan’s army in the ocean. Shuri and Namor face off one-on-one. She defeats him, but instead of killing him, she shows mercy, choosing peace over revenge. The two leaders form a fragile truce, and Namor retreats with his people, warning that Wakanda will need them again when the world turns hostile.
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Movie Ending
After the battle, Wakanda begins to heal. M’Baku (Winston Duke) steps up as a new leader figure, challenging for the throne in Shuri’s absence. Meanwhile, Shuri visits Nakia in Haiti to perform a private ritual of mourning and finally burn her funeral garments, symbolizing her acceptance of loss.
In a touching postscript, Nakia introduces Shuri to her and T’Challa’s secret son, Toussaint, whose Wakandan name is also T’Challa, revealing the continuation of the Black Panther’s legacy. It’s a moving, hopeful ending that links past, present, and future.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
Yes, there is one mid-credits scene, but no post-credits scene at the very end.
The mid-credits scene is emotionally significant: Nakia introduces Shuri to her son, Toussaint, and reveals that his Wakandan name is T’Challa. This quiet scene sets the stage for future stories in the MCU while also providing emotional closure.
Type of Movie
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a superhero film wrapped in layers of drama, political intrigue, action, and fantasy. It’s also a tribute film, making it one of the most emotionally resonant entries in the MCU.
Cast
- Letitia Wright as Shuri / Black Panther
- Angela Bassett as Queen Ramonda
- Tenoch Huerta as Namor
- Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia
- Danai Gurira as Okoye
- Winston Duke as M’Baku
- Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams / Ironheart
- Martin Freeman as Everett Ross
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine
- Mabel Cadena and Alex Livinalli as Namora and Attuma
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Ludwig Göransson, who also composed the first Black Panther soundtrack. His work blends traditional African instruments with modern orchestration and includes Mexican indigenous influences to reflect Namor’s heritage. Rihanna’s original song “Lift Me Up“ serves as a heartfelt tribute to Chadwick Boseman and was nominated for an Oscar.
Filming Locations
- Atlanta, Georgia (primary shooting and studio work)
- Puerto Rico and Mexico (used for Talokan and underwater sequences)
- Haiti (used for the emotional epilogue)
- Some aerial shots and landscapes were taken in Nigeria and South Africa to depict Wakanda
These locations were chosen not only for their cinematic beauty but also for their cultural ties to the story’s African and Mesoamerican roots.
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Awards and Nominations
- Won: Academy Award for Best Costume Design (Ruth E. Carter)
- Nominated:
- Best Supporting Actress (Angela Bassett)
- Best Original Song (“Lift Me Up”)
- Best Visual Effects
- Best Makeup and Hairstyling
- Best Production Design
Angela Bassett made history as the first actor in a Marvel movie to be nominated for an Oscar in an acting category.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Chadwick Boseman’s death led to a complete rewrite of the script.
- Letitia Wright suffered an on-set injury that temporarily halted filming.
- Tenoch Huerta didn’t know how to swim before being cast as Namor; he trained intensively.
- The underwater sequences were filmed using advanced blue-screen and wire-rigging technology to simulate realistic movement.
- Costume designer Ruth E. Carter created separate cultural identities through wardrobe—African for Wakanda, Mayan-influenced for Talokan.
Inspirations and References
- Based on the Marvel Comics Black Panther and Namor the Sub-Mariner.
- Talokan and Namor were reimagined from Atlantis in the comics to a Mesoamerican civilization, referencing Mayan mythology and colonial history.
- Themes of grief and loss reflect real-world mourning after Chadwick Boseman’s passing.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Several scenes were cut or restructured, including:
- A longer subplot with Okoye dealing with her removal from the Dora Milaje.
- Additional backstory for Namora and Attuma, Namor’s generals.
- An extended funeral sequence with more focus on Wakandan rituals.
No alternate ending has been officially confirmed, though early drafts had more political tension with the U.S. and other world powers.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film isn’t based on a single comic book arc but draws from multiple sources:
- Namor’s character is inspired by Sub-Mariner comics but heavily adapted.
- Shuri has become Black Panther in the comics, but in different circumstances.
- The Wakanda-Talokan conflict is unique to the film.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- T’Challa’s funeral procession: a visually stunning, emotional farewell.
- Namor’s introduction and origin story: showing the birth of Talokan.
- Ramonda’s speech to the UN: “We have lost the protector of our nation. And now is the time to show strength.”
- Queen Ramonda’s death: a shocking, pivotal moment.
- Final battle on the sea platform: emotionally and visually intense.
Iconic Quotes
- Ramonda: “Have I not given everything?”
- Shuri: “Vengeance has consumed us. We cannot let it consume our people.”
- Namor: “I am not a king of the surface. I am Kukulkan, the feathered serpent god.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- T’Challa’s son shares his name, setting up a future storyline with a new Black Panther.
- Riri’s AI is named “Mark,” likely a nod to Tony Stark (Iron Man).
- Namor’s ankle wings are comic-accurate and symbolic of his mutant nature.
- The word “mutant” is used for the first time in Wakanda Forever, linking to the upcoming X-Men integration.
Trivia
- Angela Bassett did her own underwater scenes without a stunt double.
- The film’s working title was “Summer Break.”
- Rihanna returned from a 6-year musical hiatus to perform “Lift Me Up.”
- Director Ryan Coogler considered stepping away from filmmaking after Boseman’s death.
Why Watch?
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is not just a Marvel movie—it’s a cultural experience, a tribute to a beloved actor, and a deep exploration of grief and leadership. It expands the MCU with fresh ideas while remaining deeply personal and emotional. If you’re a fan of superhero stories with heart, political nuance, and stunning visuals, this one stands out.
Director’s Other Movies
- Black Panther (2018)
- Creed (2015)
- Fruitvale Station (2013)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
- Black Panther (2018)
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
- Aquaman (2018)
- The Woman King (2022)
- Creed III (2023)