Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star Lupita Nyong’o has spoken about her emotional response to the film after initial doubts about the rework following Chadwick Boseman’s death. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will be released on November 11, 2022 and will be the sequel to the 2018 film, Black Panther. The original film featured Boseman as the protagonist and saw the young man claim his rightful place as king of Wakanda and face a powerful new enemy that threatens the safety of the Wakandan people.
Boseman was originally set to reprise the role of King T’Challa (aka Black Panther) in the Black Panther sequel. However, Boseman died in 2020 after a personal battle with colon cancer. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Black Panther director Ryan Coogler have decided not to remake T’Challa or remake it digitally. Instead, Coogler reworked Black Panther: Wakanda Forever to honor Boseman’s legacy. The sequel divided audiences, with some supporting the MCU’s decision and others spearheading the campaign to reformulate T’Challa. Now, the stars of the film are talking about their perspectives on the sequel.
In an interview with Empire Magazine, Black Panther star Nyong’o spoke about his emotional response to the film’s sequel. Nyong’o explained that he was initially hesitant about the film being reworked after Boseman’s death. After all, he was already aware of the early sequels with Boseman, making it very difficult to imagine the project without Boseman. This made him really scared of what to rework. However, when she saw the final project and the incredible way to honor Boseman, she burst into tears. Check out his statement below:
“I have no doubts, I am afraid. [Director] Ryan [Coogler] it has guided me through what the film was like when Chadwick was alive. And once we lost it, the thought of being able to move on was completely unexpected to me. What Ryan ended up sharing with me was absolutely true and beautiful. In the end, I cried.”
Black Panther 2’s new direction will make you cry
Nyong’o’s remarks give viewers an idea of what to expect from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Boseman’s tragic death left film stars, as well as audiences, unsure of the future. First, there are questions such as whether the film will continue development, whether T’Challa will be remade, or whether Boseman’s likeness will be digitally remade. Once Coogler’s decision was made clear that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever would honor Boseman’s legacy, many were still left wondering what exactly that meant. As more details were released, including the trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, it was revealed that the film would follow Wakanda’s brutal war with other tribes following T’Challa’s death.
Now, Nyong’o assures audiences they have the same reaction to the rework of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Not only doubts he has, but real terror, given his proximity to Boseman and his knowledge of early sequels. However, he chose to put his full trust in Coogler and ended up being emotionally amazed by the final product. He stated that the sequel is something beautiful, exciting and honest. Seeing Black Panther: Wakanda Forever evoked an emotional response from someone who worked directly with Boseman promising that the film will literally bring audiences to tears as it pays homage to Boseman and his legacy.
Source: Empire magazine
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