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Diamonds aren’t the only things that are forever. Part two of of the greatest super hero story ever told is finally here.
Marvel’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” will be released November 11, 2022. “Forever” is the sequel to 2018’s lauded “Black Panther,” both based on the OG Marvel comic book character first introduced by Stan Lee in 1966.
Writer and director Ryan Coogler, who helmed the original “Black Panther” film returns for the sequel alongside cast members Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong’O, Letitia Wright and Abraham Clinkscales.
“Wakanda Forever” features some new additions to the cast including Tenoch Huerta as big bad, salt water daddy Namor and Dominique Thorne as wunderkid Ironheart.
Pisces priestess Rihianna lends her voice to the power ballad “Lift Me Up” the first single from the “Wakanda Forever” soundtrack. Rihanna co-wrote the song with Coogler to honor the memory of “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman. Boseman, who played King T’Challa in the original film, died in 2020 following a battle with colon cancer. Out of reverence for Boseman and his iconic turn as Black Panther, his role as King of Wakanda has not been recast. News of this decision, coupled with the “Black Panther 2” trailer left audiences wondering who the new Black Panther will be, with a last frame silhouette suggesting a woman will wear the sacred mantle in the sequel. Amen.
In celebration of the life of Boseman and the legacy of Black Panther, we bring you a list of the film’s characters through the zodiac signs. Read on, and as ever, Wakanda Forever!
Aries is ruled by warrior planet Mars and Okoye, played by Danai Gurira, is the distinguished leader of the Dora Milaje, the fierce all female fighting unit tasked with defending the royal family. Never subtle but always effective, Okoye is a skilled martial artist who counts the spear as her weapon of choice. Typical of an Aries, she looks great in red and is known to intervene in fights she is asked to stay out of and abjectly refuses to back down in battle, even when squaring off against her husband.
Stubborn to the hilt and nursing a grudge that will destroy him, W’Kabi played by Daniel Kaluuya, calls to mind some of the less than stellar qualities of the bull people. Taurus folk are noted for their loyalty though often, in their pursuit of what they think is just and what they believe they deserve, they lose sight of the big picture and come galloping in on a rhino ready to kill their countrymen in an ill advised, lose lose vendetta. Taurus is ruled by Venus, planet of love and attachment, and in yielding to his wife Okoye in battle, W’Kabi ultimately proved himself more lover than fighter.
A dicey, irritable CIA operative who deals in espionage and sarcasm, Everett Ross is distinctly Gemini in disposition. Apropos of an air sign, he’s an aces pilot and an expert interrogator. Playing both sides, winning at mind games, vaguely untrustworthy and fair to middling albeit enthusiastic about learning another language? All in keeping with the Gemini spirit.
In the case of M’Baku, played by Winston Duke, a tough guy exterior guards a very tender heart.
