Revenues of more than 1.3 billion. Three Oscars. Four other citations, including one for best picture. An undeniable cultural phenomenon. In 2018, Black Panther exceeded all expectations. Then, in August 2020, Chadwick Boseman, who wore the Black Panther costume, died of cancer at the age of 43. How to direct the follow-up? One week before the release of Black Panther: Wakanda Foreverwe discussed it with part of the film crew.
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“After a while, the shock of his passing turned into questioning, ‘What should we do?'” Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige said during a virtual press conference attended by The Press has assisted. Pretty quickly, we determined that the notable characters and world that were created for the film needed to continue their story. »
Thus, the director Ryan Coogler and his co-writer Joe Robert Cole reoriented the scenario of the sequel, Wakanda Forever, placing mourning at the center. Both wanted to pay tribute to their deceased friend by tapping into their emotions and those of their colleagues.
PHOTO KEVIN MAZUR, GETTY IMAGES
The director of Black Panther: Wakanda ForeverRyan Coogler, at a recent promotional event in New York
We started the film in the middle of the pandemic and I think everyone felt a certain loneliness at that time. It was great to see each other again and give each other a huge hug. Grieving is also easier when you don’t have to go through it alone.
Ryan Coogler, director of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
For the actors, the shooting had a therapeutic effect. “In making this film, we walked through our pain. At times, it was very intense, because Chadwick was like an anchor and without him you could have the impression of drifting, confides the interpreter of Okoye, Danai Gurira, in a virtual interview with The Press. Ironically, his absence hung up on us, because what we were doing was to honor him. It was difficult, but we felt that our work had meaning. »
PHOTO ELI ADÉ, PROVIDED BY MARVEL STUDIOS
Danai Gurira and Letitia Wright, who portray Okoye and Shuri respectively
General Dora Milaje, a powerful all-female protective unit of Wakanda, was not spared during the events of Wakanda Forever. “In her head, she carries the responsibility for her country’s security on her shoulders. Whatever the mission, whatever the threat, she will do what is necessary to protect her people and the royal family, which she considers her own family, underlines Danai Gurira. Thus, she does not allow herself to experience her grief as she should. I think her missteps may be because she doesn’t let herself be slowed down, but, at the same time, it’s her personality and she has a job to do. »
From the depths
In addition to coping with the mourning of King T’Challa, who was also Wakanda’s protector as Black Panther, the country must also deal with pressure from different nations over access to vibranium, this metallic element with many properties that are only found in Wakandan territory.
While continuing the exploration of this society so distinct in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), this second chapter introduces the underwater city of Talokan, ruled by King Namor. The Mexican Tenoch Huerta embodies this mutant with superhuman strength and endurance, who can both breathe underwater and fly thanks to the small wings on his ankles.
PHOTO ELI ADÉ, PROVIDED BY MARVEL STUDIOS
Tenoch Huerta plays Namor, who is making his MCU debut.
It’s difficult to play this type of antagonist, because I have to try to destroy something that is significant not only in the story, but for many people as well.
Tenoch Huerta
“Many people identify with Wakanda, and I am one of them, because it is a symbol of representativeness, indicated Tenoch Huerta at a press conference. Ryan [Coogler] found a way to justify Namor’s actions. That doesn’t excuse it, but it helps to understand it. There are several possible reactions to the loss of a loved one or to a threat. It shows that he is human and I find it beautiful. »
They are back
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARVEL STUDIOS
Shuri (Letitia Wright)
Princess of Wakanda, T’Challa’s little sister, resents her brother’s absence. Gifted, she immerses herself in the development of new technologies to forget her pain. -
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARVEL STUDIOS
Ramonda (Angela Bassett)
Queen of Wakanda since the death of her son, Ramonda tries to both support her daughter and her people, protect her country from invaders and overcome her own pain. -
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARVEL STUDIOS
Nakia (Lupita Nyong’O)
The former lover of T’Challa is more discreet in this second chapter, but she is a specialist in espionage after all… -
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARVEL STUDIOS
Okoye (Danai Gurira)
Ever so devoted to Wakanda and the royal family, Okoye takes on the responsibility of keeping her people safe in the absence of her protector, Black Panther.
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Convince Rihanna
While rapper Kendrick Lamar had collaborated with composer Ludwig Göransson for the soundtrack of the first film, the latter provides almost alone the musical aspect of the second part. However, for the main song of Wakanda Forever, Ryan Coogler and his team “were looking for a great artist who could tell the story of the film”. “It was logical that it was a woman, because motherhood is one of the main themes and for Rihanna, the moment was good, since she is at this stage in her life”, specified the filmmaker.
Interested in the proposal, Rihanna was convinced by the trailer, then asked to see the film and finally accepted. Before Lift Me Upshe hadn’t released a solo song since 2016.
« Quand elle nous a fait entendre la pièce, elle nous a dit qu’elle l’avait faite pour Chad… En parler me fait réaliser que les quatre acteurs à côté de moi, je vous ai vus jouer bien avant de vous connaître et j’espérais pouvoir travailler avec vous un jour. […] It was Chad who brought us together. He always gives it to us and I’m so grateful that Rihanna is his last gift to our family. »
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens November 11.