Wakanda Forever: Celebrating Chad Boseman’s Legacy and the Strong Representation of Mesoamerican and African Diaspora Culture on Disney Plus
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After months of anticipation, Wakanda Forever dropped on Disney Plus and changed the game. Not only did audiences experience an incredible story with an emotional roller-coaster of a ride, but the representation of Mayan, Aztec, and African cultures blew viewers away. From the vibrant costumes to the powerful music and traditional dance, Wakanda Forever gave viewers a refreshing and awe-inspiring look into the beauty and strength of these cultures.
After months of waiting for the infamous Wakanda Forever to finally be available on Disney Plus, I decided to watch the film last night. I cried, I laughed and was entirely captivated.
The movie’s opening scene hits home almost immediately, and applaud not just the actors and directors behind it but Marvel and Disney for the memorable celebration of Chadwick Boseman’s legacy, AKA the Black Panther, who passed away due to cancer in August 2020.
Boseman was adored and loved by many worldwide and praised as the only iconic Black Panther character who took Wakanda to where it stands today. Since its release, Wakanda Forever has generated $782 million in box office earnings worldwide. This is a significant drop from the first Black Panther movie, which grossed $1.3 billion.
The concept of Wakanda Forever pays homage to cultures from the fictional African nation of Wakanda and the African diaspora and its history. “Black Panther” made its much-awaited debut in 2018. Directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Chadwick Boseman in the titular role, the film is an adaptation of the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Set in the fictional African nation of Wakanda, the story follows T’Challa (Boseman) as he ascends to the throne of Wakanda. This technologically advanced nation has remained hidden from the rest of the world.
The film received widespread critical and commercial success. It became the first superhero film nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. In addition to its groundbreaking success, “Black Panther” is widely credited with bringing to the forefront the issue of representation of African Americans in cinema and inspiring a…
