The Marvel Cinematic Universe is by far one of the most iconic movie franchises of all time, as it has raked in more than $25 billion worldwide across all of its blockbuster hit movies. In 2018, within the third phase of the MCU franchise, the original “Black Panther” came out, with the leading role played by Chadwick Boseman. Boseman played T’Challa, son of the previous King of Wakanda, T’Chaka, played by John Kani in other MCU movies like “Captain America: Civil War” and “Black Panther.” 

Audiences were astonished by Boseman’s outstanding performance, as he was the first leading Black superhero in the MCU. The first “Black Panther” movie earned $1.348 billion at the worldwide box office, breaking numerous records. Black Panther is a warrior king from the fictional African nation of Wakanda. Wakanda is the home of vibranium, one of the world’s strongest metals that is used to develop highly advanced technology and weaponry, and was even used to make Captain America’s shield. However, they pose themselves as a third-world country to the rest of the world while concealing their high-tech society from public view. 

Chadwick Boseman’s Passing

In 2016, Chadwick Boseman was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer, and by 2020, it progressed to stage IV. Although he never spoke publicly about his diagnosis, he battled alongside his friends and family, some not even knowing the severity of his cancer. During some of his last projects, like “Da 5 Bloods” and “Marshall,” he was still undergoing numerous procedures and chemotherapy and still completed the productions. 

On Aug. 28, 2020, Boseman passed away at only 43 years old. On the day of his death, his family sent out a tweet announcing it, and it has now become the most-liked tweet in history, reaching 7.1 million likes. Many of his co-stars reached out over social media to honor Boseman’s memory and spread messages about his life. Boseman’s family has continued to spread his legacy by running his social media accounts and bringing awareness to Black storytellers. For more information about Boseman and his legacy: http://www.chadwickbosemanfoundation.org/ 

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”

In the upcoming film “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” debuting Nov. 11, characters like Nakia, Shuri, Queen Ramonda and more take on new fights to protect their nation of Wakanda from intervening world powers after King T’Challa’s death. Following the death of Chadwick Boseman in 2020, the director Ryan Coogler almost walked away from the entire movie, as they did not know what to do without him. Although, the sequel to the original “Black Panther” movie is now upon us. Fans have many questions headed into the movie: Who will play the new Black Panther? How will they show T’Challa’s death in the movie? How will the storyline make sense after T’Challa’s on-screen passing? 

For starters, there are rumors that Letitia Wright, who plays T’Challa’s younger sister Shuri, presumably will be the new Black Panther. Historically, as stated in an SYFY article, the powers of the Black Panther are passed down through the generations of the royal family, making Shuri the apparent choice. Other speculations include Nakia, a Wakandan spy and T’Challa’s love interest, played by Lupita Nyong’o. Next, M’Baku, leader of the Jabari tribe, played by Winston Duke, and Okoye, the general of the Dora Milaje, played by Danai Gurira.

Fans have been speculating and wanting answers to many questions like “how will Marvel relay Boseman’s death to T’Challa’s?” With many more questions to answer and in hopes that this movie is as spectacular as the first film, fans of “Black Panther” need T’Challa’s passing to be as powerful, jaw-dropping and simply breathtaking as Chadwick Boseman was. MCU fans want to see T’Challa and Boseman go respectfully and honorably.

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Hi, I’m Catie Pusateri, the Editor-in-Chief of A Magazine. My staff and I are committed to bringing you the most important and entertaining news from the realms of fashion, beauty and culture. We are full-time students and hard-working journalists. While we receive support from the student media fee and earned revenue such as advertising, both of those continue to decline. Your generous gift of any amount will help enhance our student experience as we grow into working professionals. Please go here to donate to A Magazine.