Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 film Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler. The film addresses the aftermath of the death of King T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) and explores the complex legacy of the Black Panther and the nation of Wakanda.

Set in the wake of T’Challa’s passing, Wakanda Forever follows Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), Okoye (Danai Gurira), and the rest of Wakanda as they mourn the loss of their king while facing new external threats. The world, having learned of Wakanda’s vibranium resources, seeks to exploit the nation’s secrets, resulting in global tensions.

The primary antagonist of the film is Namor (Tenoch Huerta), the king of the underwater nation of Talokan, a hidden civilization with powers rivaling Wakanda’s. Namor, feeling threatened by surface-world nations, declares war on Wakanda in an attempt to protect his people and their way of life.

As the film progresses, Shuri steps into the role of the Black Panther, taking up her brother’s mantle to defend her nation and preserve its legacy.

The story weaves together themes of grief, family, and identity while introducing new characters, like Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), a young genius inventor who creates her own suit of armor, and exploring the cultural clash between the surface world and the hidden realms of Wakanda and Talokan.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is both a tribute to Chadwick Boseman and a continuation of the Black Panther saga.

The film blends action, emotional depth, and cultural significance, dealing with the loss of a beloved hero while pushing the narrative forward into new and unexpected directions. The movie received critical acclaim for its handling of grief, strong performances (especially Bassett and Wright), and the world-building that introduces Talokan as a new, rich part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.