Making history and headlines

It seems at this point that every Marvel film that comes out in theaters is an immediate blockbuster—just take a look at all Captain America films, all Iron Man movies and all the Thor chapters. Each cast member is a star in his or her own right and every movie only adds to the credibility and popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

But while we have the likes of Deadpool 2 and Infinity War at the back of our minds, something that promises to be just as magnificent is only a week away and is practically within reach: Black Panther.

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The story

We got our first look at the MCU’s Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War and it was a great and powerful glimpse at what King T’Challa could do. It perfectly lay down what he thought was important, what he stood for and what he was capable of.

In Black Panther, we follow the events after Civil War and T’Challa is back home in Wakanda. But then two enemies conspire to take down his kingdom and he finds himself in a partnership with CIA agent Everett K. Ross as well as members of the Dora Milaje.

Not much else is known about the plot at this point (aka no spoilers please), but we do know that the movie is likely setting the stage for Infinity War—and that in itself is a big reason to watch it.

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The cast

In an industry that has been called out for whitewashing and shamelessly stereotyping, Black Panther is a necessary breath of fresh air. In a rare occasion, an African American lead is starring in his own superhero film and is surrounded by men and women of color that are just as strong, intelligent and courageous.

Sure, this isn’t the first time that Hollywood has tried to bring diversity to the screen. Marlo Wayans was originally set to play Robin back in the 90s, though the role was eventually passed on to Chris O’Donnell. In 2004, Halle Berry headlined Catwoman, though it pretty much tanked in the box office. Then in 2016, Will Smith donned the suit of Deadshot in Suicide Squad. We also have Blade, Men In Black, Hancock and Django Unchained.

But if we’re talking a film with the caliber, popularity and outright wow-factor of Black Panther? Practically unheard of.

Let’s run it down: Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther/T’Challa. Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger. Lupita Nyong’O as Nakia. Danai Guirir as Okoye. Angela Bassett as Ramonda. Daniel Kaluuya as W’Kabi. Florence Kasumba as Ayo. Sterling K. Brown as N’Jobu. Latitia Wright as Shuri. Atandwa Kani as T’Chaka.

It can’t go unsaid that there are a lot of female characters in the film as well. Why so? Because Wakanda’s all-important Dora Milaje is an all-female Special Forces unit.

The red carpet premiere

Last week, Black Panther premiered in Hollywood. And while there was a lot of anticipation for the film and story itself, all this was forgotten when the stars hit the red carpet. It was clear that Chadwick, Lupita, Michael, Donald, Danai, Angela and the rest of the cast had every intention to kill it before the opening scene even showed.