Black Panther: Wakanda Forever First Reactions: Epic, Emotional, and a Fitting Tribute to Chadwick Boseman
Critics on social media who attended the film's world premiere say this is one of Marvel's best films yet, with outstanding performances, complex themes, and a heartfelt appreciate of its former star.
Never mind what you think of the MCU’s Phase 4, because it’s going out with a bang. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever held its world premiere this week, and the first reactions from critics on social media is overwhelmingly positive. Could we expect anything less from the sequel to Marvel’s first Black Panther movie? Reportedly, Ryan Coogler has done it again, despite not having the late Chadwick Boseman in the lead – and in fact, critics say the movie honors his absence very well.
Here’s what critics are saying about Black Panther: Wakanda Forever:
Has Marvel done it again?
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is fantastic!
– Fico Cangiano, CineXpress
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is as epic as Marvel sequels get.
– Germain Lussier, io9.com
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is an emotional journey well worth the wait.
– Aaron Perine, ComicBook.com
This may be the best Marvel movie yet.
– Daniel Howat, Next Best Picture
Marvel Studios’ most deeply felt and emotional resonant extravaganza.
– Drew Taylor, The Playlist
(Photo by Marvel Entertainment)
Does it live up to the first Black Panther?
It surpasses the incredible first film with high stakes and thrilling world-building.
– Daniel Howat, Next Best Picture
Black Panther continues to be [Marvel’s] crown jewel.
– Orlando Maldonado, Orlando en el Cine
Are there any standouts in the cast?
Letitia Wright’s Shuri is quite the beating heart of this film. And Tenoch Huerta? They couldn’t have found a better Namor.
– Perri Nemiroff, Collider
Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett and Tenoch Huerta all bring some of the best acting I’ve seen all year.
– Orlando Maldonado, Orlando en el Cine
Everyone ups their game from the first film with standout performances from Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, and Tenoch Huerta.
– Matt Neglia, Next Best Picture
The entire ensemble is phenomenal, but Tenoch Huerta bursts onto the scene with a brilliant, complex turn as Namor.
– Daniel Howat, Next Best Picture
Riri Williams is such a big personality character, she instantly fits right in and feels like she belongs in the MCU. I think she might be the breakout character of the film other than Namor.
– Travis Hopson, Punch Drunk Critics
(Photo by ©Marvel Studios)
Does it honor Chadwick Boseman?
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a moving tribute to Chadwick Boseman & a powerful continuation of his legacy.
– Matt Neglia, Next Best Picture
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a beautiful tribute to Chadwick Boseman.
– Clayton Davis, Variety
A beautiful tribute to Boseman’s legacy.
– Fico Cangiano, CineXpress
It honors Chadwick perfectly.
– Tessa Smith, Mama’s Geeky
Exactly the cathartic experience I hoped it would be, helping us move past our grief while watching the Wakandans fight to do the same.
– Travis Hopson, Punch Drunk Critics
Does it have a strong villain?
Namor is one of the better villains the MCU has had to offer. Tenoch Huerta just kills it!
– Brandon Davis, ComicBook.com
Namor is an incredible & powerful villain.
– Tessa Smith, Mama’s Geeky
How is the writing?
The story is hugely ambitious & thematically rewarding with gut-wrenching twists and turns throughout.
– Germain Lussier, io9.com
Outstanding. It handles loss, grief, and revenge with maturity and seriousness rarely seen in the MCU.
– Orlando Maldonado, Orlando en el Cine
An immensely powerful story of forging forward — shattering at times, but also beautifully cathartic and heartening. Cannot get over how well the film earns that title.
– Perri Nemiroff, Collider
Spends way too much time setting up future MCU projects and coping with its non-fiction tragedy.
– Scott Mendelson, Forbes
Is it another great spectacle of action and effects?
Ryan Coogler ups his game on the action.
– Brandon Davis, ComicBook.com
[The effects are] leaps and bounds better than the first Black Panther. Excellent overall.
– Daniel Howat, Next Best Picture
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever prioritizes sentiment over spectacle and for the most part it’s a transporting and engrossing triumph.
– Drew Taylor, The Playlist
(Photo by ©Marvel Studios)
Are there any problems at all?
You feel the length but it’s fun.
– Germain Lussier, io9.com
It also often feels like a mix-and-match of prior (frankly inferior) Marvel movies.
– Scott Mendelson, Forbes
Is there a good end credits scene?
The best credits scene in Marvel history, no contest.
– Germain Lussier, io9.com
ONE mid-credits scene, that’s all, but it’s super sweet.
– Orlando Maldonado, Orlando en el Cine
The mid-credits scene is really moving.
– Fico Cangiano, CineXpress
Another great post-credit scene that’s genuinely a jaw-dropper.
– Clayton Davis, Variety
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens in theaters everywhere onNovember 11, 2022.
