Marvel Fans Celebrate One of Phase 4’s Best Titles Ahead of Avengers: Doomsday Release

Marvel Phase 5 has certainly been a mixed experience for fans. While some films like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and the Deadpool and Wolverine crossover performed well at the box office, many others fell flat, with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania being a notable low point.

As anticipation builds for Spider-Man: Brand New Day and the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, fans are turning back to earlier MCU films. Recently, a user on Reddit shared their thoughts after rewatching Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, sparking a wave of nostalgia and appreciation for the Ryan Coogler-directed sequel, with many suggesting that its value will only increase over time.

The original poster, Educational-Tea-6572, emphasized the film’s pacing and its extended runtime, arguing that the additional half hour allowed for a deeper exploration of character introductions and plot elements. They also commended the decision not to recast the late Chadwick Boseman’s character, highlighting how the film effectively portrayed themes of grief and loss.

One commenter reflected on Shuri’s crisis of faith, noting its personal resonance and describing the film as a coming-of-age story. They appreciated the depth and intentionality present in the narrative, which often goes unrecognized.

Another fan pointed out the parallels between Shuri’s journey and T’Challa’s arc in Civil War, viewing it as a tribute to T’Challa while also allowing Shuri’s character to shine in her own right. This unique twist on her story added layers to her development.

Featuring Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, and Angela Bassett, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens with Shuri and Queen Ramonda mourning T’Challa’s death due to illness. However, they must set aside their grief to protect their kingdom when Namor, the ruler of the underwater nation of Talokan, threatens them after corrupt officials attempt to seize vibranium.

Fans have praised Namor’s portrayal, noting that instead of being another “Aquaman” clone, he was given a distinct cultural background that resonated well. The Aztec influences were particularly appreciated, and many found his character compelling, with the execution of his ankle wings exceeding expectations.

One bold fan even claimed that Wakanda Forever surpasses the original Black Panther, praising its handling of grief, anger, revenge, and family dynamics. They noted the stellar performances across the board, the film’s stunning visuals, and Namor’s role as a refreshing take on the villain archetype, which the MCU has been in need of.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is currently available for streaming.