The first trailer for the highly anticipated Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has arrived, teasing powerful scenes, including a subtle tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman.
Marvel released the first look at the blockbuster sequel, directed by Ryan Coogler, during the third day of San Diego Comic-Con 2022 on Saturday.
The trailer, lasting just over two minutes, takes on a poignant tone with the characters appearing to be in mourning for King T’Challa, the titular character played by Boseman, who died in August 2020 at the age of 43 after a private battle with colon cancer.
The clip opens with touching scenes where Nakia (Nyong’o) looks out on a beach, while Ramonda (Angela Bassett) sits on her throne.
Interspersed with clips of T’Challa’s sister Shuri (Letitia Wright) are shots of Okoye (Danai Gurira) gearing up for action while flanked by Wakandan warriors. Elsewhere, we see a woman giving birth underwater, as airships make their way through a frozen landscape and a royal chamber goes up in flames.
Iron Man’s sequel Ironheart (Dominique Thorne) makes its debut as viewers also catch a glimpse of new cast member Michaela Coel, before a massive battle between Wakanda fighters and Atlanteans ensues.
It’s not clear who will replace Boseman as T’Challa, as Marvel bosses decided not to rewrite his famous role, but a figure can be seen donning the character’s costume.
Ramonda later gives an address and says, “I’m the queen of the most powerful in the world, and all my family is gone!”
But arguably the trailer’s most powerful moment is Boseman’s mural marked on the side of a building as an obvious tribute to the beloved late actor.
The cast of Wakanda Forever attended Comic-Con this weekend, along with director Coogler, who explained how the production team “put our love for Chadwick into this film.”
The filmmaker recalled sitting with Boseman at an earlier Comic-Con and said, “Chadwick had these huge hands and he just squeezed my shoulders. I felt his hand for the rest of the day.
“I promise I can feel his hand on me now.”
He continued, “Chad’s passion and brilliance and his culture and the impact he has made on this industry will be felt forever.
“We put our love for Chadwick into this film.
‘We also use our passion. This movie has a lot of action and humor. It’s also a roller coaster of a movie. It’s going to new places in Wakanda that we’ve never been to, but to other corners of the MCU.”
Boseman’s co-star Letitia added: “It’s a blessing, we’ve grown so much.
“It’s an honor to bring this film to you and honor big brother.”
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters in November.
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