Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a 2022 American superhero film produced by Marvel Studios and directed by Ryan Coogler.
It serves as the sequel to the critically acclaimed Black Panther (2018) and is the 30th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film stars Letitia Wright as Shuri, who takes on the mantle of Black Panther, alongside returning cast members Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, and Angela Bassett. New characters are introduced, including Tenoch Huerta as Namor, the king of a hidden undersea nation.
Set in the wake of King T'Challa's death, the film explores the challenges faced by the people of Wakanda as they mourn their leader while defending their nation from external threats. Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), and the Dora Milaje must navigate political intrigue and forge new alliances to protect their homeland from world powers seeking to exploit Wakanda's resources. The film delves into themes of grief, legacy, and resilience, paying tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, who portrayed T'Challa in the original film.
Wakanda Forever premiered at the El Capitan Theatre and the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on October 26, 2022, and was released in the United States on November 11, 2022. The film received a strong box office performance, grossing approximately $859.2 million worldwide against a budget of $200–250 million. It was well-received by critics, who praised its emotional depth, visual effects, and performances, particularly that of Bassett and Wright. The film holds a rating of 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, with many reviewers noting its poignant tribute to Boseman and its ability to move the franchise forward.
The film won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design and received several nominations, including for Best Supporting Actress for Angela Bassett and Best Original Song. It became a significant cultural moment, further solidifying the Black Panther legacy within the MCU and setting the stage for future stories in Wakanda. Overall, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever stands out as an ambitious and emotionally rewarding sequel that honors its predecessor while expanding the narrative of the beloved franchise.