This year marks two years since actor Chadwick Boseman died of cancer, and with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever about to premiere next month, this has made many reminiscent of the role he played in the original.
After his death, it was revealed Boseman’s character would not be recast, but the new film would pay tribute to his legacy.
Boseman originally made his debut in Captain America: Civil War, and he went to reprise his role in Black Panther.
The king of Wakanda graced the screens again in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
In 2020, the world heard he had battled with colon cancer for four years, and he died in August.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is set to premiere in theatres on November 11.
Marvel boss Kevin Feige spoke to Empire Magazine about their decision not to recast the character, explaining it felt “too soon” to do so.
“It just felt like it was much too soon to recast. Stan Lee always said that Marvel represents the world outside your window. And we had talked about how, as extraordinary and fantastical as our characters and stories are, there’s a relatable and human element to everything we do. The world is still processing the loss of Chad. And Ryan (Coogler, the director) poured that into the story.”
The trailer from the sequel shows Wakanda reeling and coming to terms with the loss of Boseman’s character, King T’Challa.
The African kingdom faces yet another battle with Namor, played by series newcomer Tenoch Huerta. Namor, the Sub-Mariner, made his debut in Marvel Comics #1, in 1939.
In Boseman’s absence many have wondered who will now be the Black Panther, especially with Marvel Studios leading the audience hype around what Coogler’s next project has in store for them.
While there was a lot to take in with the teaser, one particular thing to note is the new-look Riri Williams.
South Africans have related to the movie as local actors were cast in the original – Connie Chiume, Atandwa Kani and John Kani.