A new trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has revealed several new story details for the upcoming film.
Unveiled at D23 2022 – but not before the stage erupted into the Captain America musical number – the trailer opens with Angela Bassett’s character appearing at the UN. She’s asked about vibranium and how it can be used as a weapon for mass destruction, facing criticism for its threat to the global order.
The next scene shows soldier’s invading a Wakandan outreach centre and bend the soldiers to their will. Flashing back to the Queen, she calls the UN liars, and declares: The King is dead. The Black Panther is gone. They have lost the protector.” Back at the lab, Dora Milaje appear and fight the soldiers before appearing at the UN with them as prisoners.
The trailer then flashes through several scenes: Shuri in a funeral garb, a shot of Namor, the throne room on fire. The Queen can be seen talking to Namor who is later attacked by M’baku, though M’baku’s staff is broken as a result. Another quick shot shows Iron Heart very briefly before the new Black Panther hero – who remains a mystery – lands on a snowy field.
Director Ryan Coogler discussed Wakanda Forever after the trailer, paying respects to the late Chadwick Boseman alongside cast members Winston Duke, Tenoch Huerta, and Bassett.
“It was just an amazing experience and we absolutely looking forward to bringing it to you,” Coogler said. “This is the calm before the amazing storm. Our heart Chadwick, he paved the way – he showed us the way – and we had to meet his level of excellence.”
Duke added that everything is bigger and everything is new in Wakanda Forever. “The tech is fun, the tech is different, the tech is nothing you’ve seen, it’s Wakanda.”
The sequel to the beloved Black Panther has been a long time coming; following the immense success of the original, Wakanda Forever’s production was initially shaken by the tragic death of star Chadwick Boseman. With the decision made to not continue with a CGI version of Boseman’s T’Challa, the film was reshaped to be respectful of Boseman but also find a new direction. But since starting filming, production has been hindered by COVID and delays. The set recently had to be closed due to an outbreak, and was previously halted due to an on-set injury suffered by star Letitia Wright.