“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” will be released in U.S. theaters on Nov. 11.
Marvel is bringing fans back to Wakanda in the first trailer for "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."
The trailer moves between images of Wakanda aquatic environments, futuristic technology, and what appears to be a funeral with crowds of Wakandans dressed in white, with a lyrical motif of "We going to be alright" from Kendrick Lamar "Alright."
"I am Queen of the most powerful nation in the world, and my entire family is gone," Ramonda, played by Angela Bassett, declares.
The trailer begs the question, "Who will take on the mantle of the Black Panther?" At the end of the trailer, a figure in the hero suit is seen, but it is unclear who is wearing the costume.
The footage debuted at the end of Marvel Studios' massive panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday evening, preceded by a fanfare for the sequel's panel performed by a group of traditional African singers.
After that, writer-director Ryan Coogler, who directed the first "Black Panther," took the stage to talk about the sequel and reflect on the death of the series former star, Chadwick Boseman. Boseman, who played the lead character T'Challa, died in August 2020 after a four-year battle with colon cancer.
"It's going to be difficult to follow that up," Coogler said. "I haven't been here in five years." I was sitting around there when we premiered the first footage from 'Black Panther 1,' and next to me was our T'Challa, the late great Chadwick Boseman."
While watching the first footage, Coogler revealed that Boseman was squeezing the director shoulder. "I swear I can feel his hand on me right now."
Coogler also revealed details about the sequel, stating that "it goes to new places in Wakanda that we haven't seen before, as well as new places in the Marvel Cinematic Universe."
Coogler then introduced "Black Panther" stars Lupita Nyong'o, Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira, Florence Kasumba, and Winston Duke on the Comic-Con stage.
"It's a labour of love, and I'm grateful to be a part of it and share it with you," Duke said of the sequel.
"It's a gift." "We've all grown so much as a family, and it feels great to see you guys while also honouring big bro," Wright said.
Newcomers to the series include Michaela Coel, Dominique Thorne, Alex Nivilani, Mabel Cadena, and Tenoch Huerta. In the film, Huerta will play Namor, the Submariner, a character from Marvel Comics.
"I'm excited and thrilled to be here," Huerta said. "I'd like to say something quickly about inclusion." I'm from the hood, and I'm here because of inclusion. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't included. A lot of kids from the neighbourhood are looking at us, hoping to be here. And they're going to succeed! They're going to succeed!"
Coel praised the opening musical performance, saying, "It feels really special seeing the drummers and dancers." It reminded me what a privilege it was to be a part of this cast."
Wright told Variety in May that Boseman death had a significant impact on the cast, and that the new film is "an incredible honour" to the late actor.
"We honoured him by committing ourselves to the story he began, the legacy he established with this franchise," Wright told Variety. "And we just committed to working hard every day, regardless of the circumstances — and we faced a lot of circumstances, a lot of difficult situations — but we came together as a team, and we poured everything into this movie, so I'm excited for you to see it."
Watch the full trailer below.