We Up Next: Black Panther
America, mark your calendars.
This February, during Black History Month no less, Marvel Studies is debuting an instant classic.
The world will officially meet its hero - Black Panther.
Given this country’s tumultuous racial climate, Black Panther is not only timely, but will prove to be a historic film.
There’s still time to get ready, so keep scrolling and take notes.
It’s time to get in formation for Black Panther.
Here are three great reasons to grab your tickets and be first in line for this film when it debuts on February 9, 2018.
1. The Story
IMDb lists Black Panther with the following description:
“T’Challa, after the death of his father, the king of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king.”
Take a peek at the trailer for a glimpse into the premise of this movie:
Following the events of Captain America: Civil War (2016), T’Challa (Black Panther) returns to Wakanda to serve as his country’s new leader, but when two foes conspire to destroy his nation, he must team up with a C.I.A. Agent and members of the all-female Dora Milaje special forces to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war. (IMDb).
Black Panther will provide a refreshing burst of diversity in the genres of Action, Drama and Sci-Fi, where there is often a lack of representation for black artists.
Like the other Marvel films, this movie is an adaptation of the comic book series.
Follow this link to explore the exciting history of the Black Panther comics:
Black Panther’s first appearance in a 1961 edition of Fantastic Four.
So what can you expect?...
Martial arts.
High-tech inventions.
African pride.
Black excellence.
2. The Stars
Pictured above, left to right: Forest Whitaker as Zuri, David Kaluuya as W’Kabi, Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger, Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia, Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa/ Black Panther,
Angela Bassett as Ramonda, Danai Gurira as Okoye and Letitia Wright as Shuri.
The promotional photos for this movie look like the best of Black Hollywood had a family reunion and decided to create a masterpiece. Film legends Whitaker and Bassett provide poise and integrity to this action movie. Led by an impressive ensemble of up-and-coming actors Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o and Michael B. Jordan, audiences will flock to see these Hollywood favorites who bring genuine energy and authenticity to their roles.
Chadwick Boseman has already stepped into the shoes of multiple prestigious black figures including:
Jackie Robinson
James Brown
Thurgood Marshall
He has already made his mark on Hollywood, but it seems that the eloquent and talented actor was born to embody T’Challa.
This film will cement Boseman as a Hollywood legend.
3. The Significance
When was the last time you saw Marvel present a film with a black leading man, predominantly black ensemble and a black director?
never.
Let’s examine the state of Black America in 2017
168 black people have been shot and killed by police (The Washington Post)
African Americans now constitute nearly 1 million of the total 2.3 million incarcerated population (NAACP)
African Americans serve virtually as much time in prison for a drug offense (58.7 months) as whites do for a violent offense (NAACP).
The Black Lives Matter is a force not only across social media platforms but in the world's communities.
On August 28, 2017, Reverend Al Sharpton rallied 1,000 ministers for an interfaith gathering and march on Washington to protest racism.
Black Panther debuted during the Civil Rights Movement, a time when Black America was mobilizing and fighting for justice. It is both incredible and unfortunate to know that as it premieres in 2018, the fight for freedom continues.
We could use a black superhero right about now.
By buying your ticket and taking your place in the audiences of theaters this February, you are not only making the choice to
support black art, but taking part in black history.
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