News Analysis India

Tag: Black Panther

  • Ruth E Carter becomes 1st Black woman to win 2 Oscars

    By Associated Press

    LOS ANGELES: Ruth E. Carter made history: The costume designer behind the “Black Panther” films became the first Black woman to win two Oscars.

    Carter took home best costume design Sunday night at the 95th Academy Awards for the Marvel sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Carter also won in 2018 for “Black Panther,” which made her the first African American to win in the category.

    In her acceptance speech, Carter thanked the film’s director Ryan Coogler and asked if “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman could look after her mother, Mabel Carter, who she said died “this past week.” Boseman died in 2020 of cancer at 43.

    “This is for my mother. She was 101,” Carter said. “This film prepared me for this moment. Chadwick, please take care of mom.”

    Carter then paid tribute to her mother backstage.

    “I had a great relationship with her in her final years. The same relationship I always had with her. I was her ride-or-die. I was her road dog. I was her sidekick,” she said. “I know she’s proud of me. I know that she wanted this for me as much as I wanted it for myself.”

    “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” grappled with the grief of losing Boseman, its superhero.

    In her career, Carter has been behind-the-scenes in some of Hollywood’s biggest films. She’s received Oscar nominations for her work in Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X” and Steven Spielberg’s “Amistad” and received praise for her period ensembles in other projects such as Lee Daniels’ “The Butler,” Ava DuVernay’s “Selma” and the reboot of “ROOTS.” She’s created costumes for Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, Eddie Murphy and even Jerry Seinfeld for the “Seinfeld” pilot.

    Carter played an influential role as lead costume designer in making “Black Panther” a cultural phenomenon as she infused the pride of African diaspora into the character’s stylish and colorful garments to help bring Wakanda to life. She wanted to transform the presence of Queen Ramonda – played by Oscar nominee Angela Bassett — as a queen in the first film to being a ruler in the sequel.

    “Angela always wanted to play a queen, so to amplify her, we added vibranium … we gave her the royal color of purple, and adorned her in gold as she wore the crown at the UN,” Carter said. “When she sits on the throne, she’s in a gray one shouldered dress. The exposed shoulder shows her strength — Angela, she got those guns, right?”

    Carter said she was able to pull off the win against a “tough lineup.” She was up against designers from “Elvis,” “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” and “Babylon.”

    She got her start in 1988 on Lee’s “School Daze,” the director’s second film. They’ve since collaborated on more than 10 films, including “Do the Right Thing” and “Jungle Fever.” She’s also worked with Robert Townsend on “The Five Heartbeats” and Keenen Ivory Wayans on “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.”

    “I pulled myself up from my bootstraps,” Carter said. “I started in a single parent household. I wanted to be a costume designer. I studied. I scraped. I struggled with adversity in an industry that sometimes didn’t look like me. And I endured.”

    Through the Oscar-nominated “Malcolm X,” she reached new heights. That film, starring Denzel Washington, propelled her into the “Hollywood makeup,” offering her more opportunities to work with directors who had different points-of-views and scripts.

    Carter’s wish is that her historic win Sunday will offer more opportunities to women of color.

    “I hope this opens the door for others … that they can win an Oscar, too,” Carter said.

    LOS ANGELES: Ruth E. Carter made history: The costume designer behind the “Black Panther” films became the first Black woman to win two Oscars.

    Carter took home best costume design Sunday night at the 95th Academy Awards for the Marvel sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Carter also won in 2018 for “Black Panther,” which made her the first African American to win in the category.

    In her acceptance speech, Carter thanked the film’s director Ryan Coogler and asked if “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman could look after her mother, Mabel Carter, who she said died “this past week.” Boseman died in 2020 of cancer at 43.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “This is for my mother. She was 101,” Carter said. “This film prepared me for this moment. Chadwick, please take care of mom.”

    Carter then paid tribute to her mother backstage.

    “I had a great relationship with her in her final years. The same relationship I always had with her. I was her ride-or-die. I was her road dog. I was her sidekick,” she said. “I know she’s proud of me. I know that she wanted this for me as much as I wanted it for myself.”

    “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” grappled with the grief of losing Boseman, its superhero.

    In her career, Carter has been behind-the-scenes in some of Hollywood’s biggest films. She’s received Oscar nominations for her work in Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X” and Steven Spielberg’s “Amistad” and received praise for her period ensembles in other projects such as Lee Daniels’ “The Butler,” Ava DuVernay’s “Selma” and the reboot of “ROOTS.” She’s created costumes for Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, Eddie Murphy and even Jerry Seinfeld for the “Seinfeld” pilot.

    Carter played an influential role as lead costume designer in making “Black Panther” a cultural phenomenon as she infused the pride of African diaspora into the character’s stylish and colorful garments to help bring Wakanda to life. She wanted to transform the presence of Queen Ramonda – played by Oscar nominee Angela Bassett — as a queen in the first film to being a ruler in the sequel.

    “Angela always wanted to play a queen, so to amplify her, we added vibranium … we gave her the royal color of purple, and adorned her in gold as she wore the crown at the UN,” Carter said. “When she sits on the throne, she’s in a gray one shouldered dress. The exposed shoulder shows her strength — Angela, she got those guns, right?”

    Carter said she was able to pull off the win against a “tough lineup.” She was up against designers from “Elvis,” “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” and “Babylon.”

    She got her start in 1988 on Lee’s “School Daze,” the director’s second film. They’ve since collaborated on more than 10 films, including “Do the Right Thing” and “Jungle Fever.” She’s also worked with Robert Townsend on “The Five Heartbeats” and Keenen Ivory Wayans on “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.”

    “I pulled myself up from my bootstraps,” Carter said. “I started in a single parent household. I wanted to be a costume designer. I studied. I scraped. I struggled with adversity in an industry that sometimes didn’t look like me. And I endured.”

    Through the Oscar-nominated “Malcolm X,” she reached new heights. That film, starring Denzel Washington, propelled her into the “Hollywood makeup,” offering her more opportunities to work with directors who had different points-of-views and scripts.

    Carter’s wish is that her historic win Sunday will offer more opportunities to women of color.

    “I hope this opens the door for others … that they can win an Oscar, too,” Carter said.

  • Ruth E Carter becomes 1st Black woman to win 2 Oscars

    By Associated Press

    LOS ANGELES: Ruth E. Carter made history: The costume designer behind the “Black Panther” films became the first Black woman to win two Oscars.

    Carter took home best costume design Sunday night at the 95th Academy Awards for the Marvel sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Carter also won in 2018 for “Black Panther,” which made her the first African American to win in the category.

    In her acceptance speech, Carter thanked the film’s director Ryan Coogler and asked if “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman could look after her mother, Mabel Carter, who she said died “this past week.” Boseman died in 2020 of cancer at 43.

    “This is for my mother. She was 101,” Carter said. “This film prepared me for this moment. Chadwick, please take care of mom.”

    Carter then paid tribute to her mother backstage.

    “I had a great relationship with her in her final years. The same relationship I always had with her. I was her ride-or-die. I was her road dog. I was her sidekick,” she said. “I know she’s proud of me. I know that she wanted this for me as much as I wanted it for myself.”

    “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” grappled with the grief of losing Boseman, its superhero.

    In her career, Carter has been behind-the-scenes in some of Hollywood’s biggest films. She’s received Oscar nominations for her work in Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X” and Steven Spielberg’s “Amistad” and received praise for her period ensembles in other projects such as Lee Daniels’ “The Butler,” Ava DuVernay’s “Selma” and the reboot of “ROOTS.” She’s created costumes for Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, Eddie Murphy and even Jerry Seinfeld for the “Seinfeld” pilot.

    Carter played an influential role as lead costume designer in making “Black Panther” a cultural phenomenon as she infused the pride of African diaspora into the character’s stylish and colorful garments to help bring Wakanda to life. She wanted to transform the presence of Queen Ramonda – played by Oscar nominee Angela Bassett — as a queen in the first film to being a ruler in the sequel.

    “Angela always wanted to play a queen, so to amplify her, we added vibranium … we gave her the royal color of purple, and adorned her in gold as she wore the crown at the UN,” Carter said. “When she sits on the throne, she’s in a gray one shouldered dress. The exposed shoulder shows her strength — Angela, she got those guns, right?”

    Carter said she was able to pull off the win against a “tough lineup.” She was up against designers from “Elvis,” “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” and “Babylon.”

    She got her start in 1988 on Lee’s “School Daze,” the director’s second film. They’ve since collaborated on more than 10 films, including “Do the Right Thing” and “Jungle Fever.” She’s also worked with Robert Townsend on “The Five Heartbeats” and Keenen Ivory Wayans on “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.”

    “I pulled myself up from my bootstraps,” Carter said. “I started in a single parent household. I wanted to be a costume designer. I studied. I scraped. I struggled with adversity in an industry that sometimes didn’t look like me. And I endured.”

    Through the Oscar-nominated “Malcolm X,” she reached new heights. That film, starring Denzel Washington, propelled her into the “Hollywood makeup,” offering her more opportunities to work with directors who had different points-of-views and scripts.

    Carter’s wish is that her historic win Sunday will offer more opportunities to women of color.

    “I hope this opens the door for others … that they can win an Oscar, too,” Carter said.

    LOS ANGELES: Ruth E. Carter made history: The costume designer behind the “Black Panther” films became the first Black woman to win two Oscars.

    Carter took home best costume design Sunday night at the 95th Academy Awards for the Marvel sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Carter also won in 2018 for “Black Panther,” which made her the first African American to win in the category.

    In her acceptance speech, Carter thanked the film’s director Ryan Coogler and asked if “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman could look after her mother, Mabel Carter, who she said died “this past week.” Boseman died in 2020 of cancer at 43.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “This is for my mother. She was 101,” Carter said. “This film prepared me for this moment. Chadwick, please take care of mom.”

    Carter then paid tribute to her mother backstage.

    “I had a great relationship with her in her final years. The same relationship I always had with her. I was her ride-or-die. I was her road dog. I was her sidekick,” she said. “I know she’s proud of me. I know that she wanted this for me as much as I wanted it for myself.”

    “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” grappled with the grief of losing Boseman, its superhero.

    In her career, Carter has been behind-the-scenes in some of Hollywood’s biggest films. She’s received Oscar nominations for her work in Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X” and Steven Spielberg’s “Amistad” and received praise for her period ensembles in other projects such as Lee Daniels’ “The Butler,” Ava DuVernay’s “Selma” and the reboot of “ROOTS.” She’s created costumes for Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, Eddie Murphy and even Jerry Seinfeld for the “Seinfeld” pilot.

    Carter played an influential role as lead costume designer in making “Black Panther” a cultural phenomenon as she infused the pride of African diaspora into the character’s stylish and colorful garments to help bring Wakanda to life. She wanted to transform the presence of Queen Ramonda – played by Oscar nominee Angela Bassett — as a queen in the first film to being a ruler in the sequel.

    “Angela always wanted to play a queen, so to amplify her, we added vibranium … we gave her the royal color of purple, and adorned her in gold as she wore the crown at the UN,” Carter said. “When she sits on the throne, she’s in a gray one shouldered dress. The exposed shoulder shows her strength — Angela, she got those guns, right?”

    Carter said she was able to pull off the win against a “tough lineup.” She was up against designers from “Elvis,” “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” and “Babylon.”

    She got her start in 1988 on Lee’s “School Daze,” the director’s second film. They’ve since collaborated on more than 10 films, including “Do the Right Thing” and “Jungle Fever.” She’s also worked with Robert Townsend on “The Five Heartbeats” and Keenen Ivory Wayans on “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.”

    “I pulled myself up from my bootstraps,” Carter said. “I started in a single parent household. I wanted to be a costume designer. I studied. I scraped. I struggled with adversity in an industry that sometimes didn’t look like me. And I endured.”

    Through the Oscar-nominated “Malcolm X,” she reached new heights. That film, starring Denzel Washington, propelled her into the “Hollywood makeup,” offering her more opportunities to work with directors who had different points-of-views and scripts.

    Carter’s wish is that her historic win Sunday will offer more opportunities to women of color.

    “I hope this opens the door for others … that they can win an Oscar, too,” Carter said.

  • ‘Wakanda Forever’ set to cross $350 mn in N. America, despite dull week in theatres

    By IANS

    Marvel’s ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ is having no trouble staying above the competition at the North American Thanksgiving box office, even handily trouncing fellow Disney release ‘Strange World’, reports ‘Variety’.

    After bringing in $8.1 million on Thanksgiving, the superhero sequel exploded on Friday, adding $18.2 million more in ticket sales to its haul. ‘Wakanda Forever’ is the only resounding box office success story this season, on target to push beyond a $350-million domestic gross through Sunday.

    Overall, it’s been a fairly dire weekend for theatres. The five-day frame is projected to net $125.4 million in ticket sales across all releases, down 12 per cent from last year’s Thanksgiving weekend — which had the additional handicap of arriving during a time of heightened COVID-19 precautions. This year’s crop of films aren’t connecting as strongly as offerings last year, such as ‘Encanto’ and ‘House of Gucci’, ‘Variety’ notes.

    Case in point: Disney’s new release ‘Strange World’ netted $5.2 million on Friday, pushing its domestic total to $11.8 million. That’s a terrible kickoff for the animated film, despite the overall nod it got from critics, especially because it is opening in a prime holiday window with children out of school and weighted by an $180-million production budget to recoup.

    Theatres may, however, be receiving a stealth boost from ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’, which Netflix has released in approximately 600 theatres across North America for a limited one-week run.

    Even with the streamer limiting supply and taking its first stab at marketing a major theatrical engagement, the film seems to be performing impressively, with some competition predicting a silent third-place finish for the weekend. Netflix does not report theatrical grosses, adds ‘Variety’.

    Marvel’s ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ is having no trouble staying above the competition at the North American Thanksgiving box office, even handily trouncing fellow Disney release ‘Strange World’, reports ‘Variety’.

    After bringing in $8.1 million on Thanksgiving, the superhero sequel exploded on Friday, adding $18.2 million more in ticket sales to its haul. ‘Wakanda Forever’ is the only resounding box office success story this season, on target to push beyond a $350-million domestic gross through Sunday.

    Overall, it’s been a fairly dire weekend for theatres. The five-day frame is projected to net $125.4 million in ticket sales across all releases, down 12 per cent from last year’s Thanksgiving weekend — which had the additional handicap of arriving during a time of heightened COVID-19 precautions. This year’s crop of films aren’t connecting as strongly as offerings last year, such as ‘Encanto’ and ‘House of Gucci’, ‘Variety’ notes.

    Case in point: Disney’s new release ‘Strange World’ netted $5.2 million on Friday, pushing its domestic total to $11.8 million. That’s a terrible kickoff for the animated film, despite the overall nod it got from critics, especially because it is opening in a prime holiday window with children out of school and weighted by an $180-million production budget to recoup.

    Theatres may, however, be receiving a stealth boost from ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’, which Netflix has released in approximately 600 theatres across North America for a limited one-week run.

    Even with the streamer limiting supply and taking its first stab at marketing a major theatrical engagement, the film seems to be performing impressively, with some competition predicting a silent third-place finish for the weekend. Netflix does not report theatrical grosses, adds ‘Variety’.

  • ‘A very special project’: JJ Valaya on teaming up with Ruth Carter for ‘Wakanda Forever’

    By PTI

    PANAJI: His expertise in designing regal ensembles at home led him to embark on another creative adventure with Ruth Carter, says ace Indian couturier JJ Valaya, who collaborated with the celebrated American costume designer for Marvel Studio’s latest release “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”.

    One of the most celebrated couturiers in the country, Valaya joined hands once again with Carter, this time to create clothes for Angela Bassett’s Queen Ramonda in the Hollywood film.

    According to Valaya, his brand was first discovered by the famed Hollywood costumer designer while working on the Eddie Murphy-starrer movie “Coming 2 America” which released in 2021.

    Oscar-winner Carter soon came back to Valaya’s eponymous brand with a new collaboration in the form of the “Black Panther” sequel.

    For the Delhi-based fashion designer, working with an accomplished creative personality like Carter was a “privilege”.

    “I know that whenever she thinks of royalty in a movie, she thinks of us. We were thrilled to work with her because she had won the Academy Award for best costume in ‘Black Panther’. It’s always a privilege working with accomplished creative individuals from anywhere in the world’,” Valaya told PTI in an interview.

    “She came to us with ‘Wakanda Forever’ and said she’d love to work with us again. True to what we are known for, she said she would like us to work on clothes for Queen Ramonda,” he added.

    The Marvel Studios project, known for its sci-fi take on the fictional African nation of Wakanda, is dominated by superhero suits but Queen Ramonda was an exception.

    The ensembles for Bassett included floor-length gowns and headgear with detailed embroidery, crafted in shades ranging from a sombre white, beige to royal red and purple.

    “The film otherwise has costumes which are very sci-fi and it’s only Queen Ramonda who has sort of grandeur and glory,” noted the 55-year-old designer.

    What made the whole experience even more exclusive was the way the makers, including director Ryan Coogler, were paying a tribute to the late lead star Chadwick Boseman through the film, he said.

    “We were thrilled because this project was so special and especially after the main lead’s demise, everything had to be very special. It’s just a case of two people working wonderfully well together from the two corners of the world,” he added.

    Boseman, who played the titular role of Black Panther aka T’Challa in the film, passed away in August 2020 following a secret battle with colon cancer.

    He was 43.

    Valaya, whose involvement in the film was kept a secret till the release of the movie on November 11, revealed creating the look for Queen Ramonda was the result of endless discussions that went on for several days.

    “When she approached us, she sent us the preliminary sketches as she understood the entire plot from the director and people at Disney and Marvel. Once the sketches came, we had long conversations to and fro deciding on the fabrics and silhouettes. Then, we worked on the muslins, which were sent to Los Angeles for fittings. Simultaneously we started development of prints and embellishments so that we are in sync with Ruth’s vision,” he said.

    Costume design is significantly different from fashion, said the couturier, who has over three decades of experience.

    But working with a “maestro” like Carter made the whole experience joyful.

    “Ruth is a maestro and is absolutely phenomenal. Besides being very creative, what is amazing about her is that she is a wonderful human being. We’ve all worked really seamlessly and that is how I think the magic is created. There’s never been any word friction or trying too hard. That has a lot to do with the person she is. She is just so appreciative of the other person’s contribution, that is a joy,” he said.

    The designer said he worked on the outfits for over eight months and when he saw the film on the big screen it was a wonderful experience.

    “They are beyond extraordinary. It all fell into place. I think they look wonderful on screen as well. I’d say that it’s a journey that was enjoyable. More than anything else, I’m very pleased to get the opportunity to be working with probably the best company in the world and certainly one of the best costume designers,” he added.

    Valaya teased a third collaboration with Carter in the near future, but said he can’t divulge any details.

    “There may be a third project in the pipeline but I can’t talk about it. Being one of the pioneer designers of the country I’ve always liked the organic way. The project has to appeal to me. I wouldn’t do anything just for the sake of being in it.”

    “Wakanda Forever”, backed by Disney-led Marvel Studios, also features Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Florence Kasumba, Winston Duke, Martin Freeman, Tenoch Huerta and Riri Williams.

    Coogler and Joe Robert Cole have penned the screenplay.

    The film is produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore.

    David J Grant is co-producer.

    PANAJI: His expertise in designing regal ensembles at home led him to embark on another creative adventure with Ruth Carter, says ace Indian couturier JJ Valaya, who collaborated with the celebrated American costume designer for Marvel Studio’s latest release “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”.

    One of the most celebrated couturiers in the country, Valaya joined hands once again with Carter, this time to create clothes for Angela Bassett’s Queen Ramonda in the Hollywood film.

    According to Valaya, his brand was first discovered by the famed Hollywood costumer designer while working on the Eddie Murphy-starrer movie “Coming 2 America” which released in 2021.

    Oscar-winner Carter soon came back to Valaya’s eponymous brand with a new collaboration in the form of the “Black Panther” sequel.

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by JJ VALAYA OFFICIAL (@jjvalaya)

    For the Delhi-based fashion designer, working with an accomplished creative personality like Carter was a “privilege”.

    “I know that whenever she thinks of royalty in a movie, she thinks of us. We were thrilled to work with her because she had won the Academy Award for best costume in ‘Black Panther’. It’s always a privilege working with accomplished creative individuals from anywhere in the world’,” Valaya told PTI in an interview.

    “She came to us with ‘Wakanda Forever’ and said she’d love to work with us again. True to what we are known for, she said she would like us to work on clothes for Queen Ramonda,” he added.

    The Marvel Studios project, known for its sci-fi take on the fictional African nation of Wakanda, is dominated by superhero suits but Queen Ramonda was an exception.

    The ensembles for Bassett included floor-length gowns and headgear with detailed embroidery, crafted in shades ranging from a sombre white, beige to royal red and purple.

    “The film otherwise has costumes which are very sci-fi and it’s only Queen Ramonda who has sort of grandeur and glory,” noted the 55-year-old designer.

    What made the whole experience even more exclusive was the way the makers, including director Ryan Coogler, were paying a tribute to the late lead star Chadwick Boseman through the film, he said.

    “We were thrilled because this project was so special and especially after the main lead’s demise, everything had to be very special. It’s just a case of two people working wonderfully well together from the two corners of the world,” he added.

    Boseman, who played the titular role of Black Panther aka T’Challa in the film, passed away in August 2020 following a secret battle with colon cancer.

    He was 43.

    Valaya, whose involvement in the film was kept a secret till the release of the movie on November 11, revealed creating the look for Queen Ramonda was the result of endless discussions that went on for several days.

    “When she approached us, she sent us the preliminary sketches as she understood the entire plot from the director and people at Disney and Marvel. Once the sketches came, we had long conversations to and fro deciding on the fabrics and silhouettes. Then, we worked on the muslins, which were sent to Los Angeles for fittings. Simultaneously we started development of prints and embellishments so that we are in sync with Ruth’s vision,” he said.

    Costume design is significantly different from fashion, said the couturier, who has over three decades of experience.

    But working with a “maestro” like Carter made the whole experience joyful.

    “Ruth is a maestro and is absolutely phenomenal. Besides being very creative, what is amazing about her is that she is a wonderful human being. We’ve all worked really seamlessly and that is how I think the magic is created. There’s never been any word friction or trying too hard. That has a lot to do with the person she is. She is just so appreciative of the other person’s contribution, that is a joy,” he said.

    The designer said he worked on the outfits for over eight months and when he saw the film on the big screen it was a wonderful experience.

    “They are beyond extraordinary. It all fell into place. I think they look wonderful on screen as well. I’d say that it’s a journey that was enjoyable. More than anything else, I’m very pleased to get the opportunity to be working with probably the best company in the world and certainly one of the best costume designers,” he added.

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by JJ VALAYA OFFICIAL (@jjvalaya)

    Valaya teased a third collaboration with Carter in the near future, but said he can’t divulge any details.

    “There may be a third project in the pipeline but I can’t talk about it. Being one of the pioneer designers of the country I’ve always liked the organic way. The project has to appeal to me. I wouldn’t do anything just for the sake of being in it.”

    “Wakanda Forever”, backed by Disney-led Marvel Studios, also features Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Florence Kasumba, Winston Duke, Martin Freeman, Tenoch Huerta and Riri Williams.

    Coogler and Joe Robert Cole have penned the screenplay.

    The film is produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore.

    David J Grant is co-producer.

  • Shuri and I share parallel of emotions in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’: Letitia Wright 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: From dealing with a “heartbreaking” tragedy to converting sorrow into strength, Hollywood star Letitia Wright says “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” shares many parallels with her real life.

    The much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 blockbuster “Black Panther” explores the aftermath of Wakanda’s loss of its beloved king T’Challa, a change introduced in the script following lead star Chadwick Boseman’s sudden death from colon cancer in August 2020.

    Wright reprises her fan-favourite character of Shuri, a brilliant tech wiz and princess of the fictional country of Wakanda, from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

    “When performing, in so many ways Shuri and I share a parallel of emotions in this film. We’re both dealing with something that has broken our hearts in ways that were very painful,” the Guyanese-British actor said.

    “But we see the ways in which Shuri, she literally has to bite away at the things that are hurting her. So, she does that and we see how grief turns into strength,” she added.

    The actor said the film, set to arrive in the theatres on Friday, will see Shuri understand herself better as she deals with the death of her brother T’Challa.

    “We definitely explore the ways in which she’s dealing with her emotions. She’s facing things that are really challenging for her. So, we see how she develops and expands. She is trying to understand herself and her emotions. We see how everybody is trying to gather around her to support her at this time.”

    “Wakanda Forever” also marks the return of Angela Bassett as Queen Ramonda, Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia, Danai Gurira as the Dora Milaje’s General Okoye, Florence Kasumba as Ayo, Winston Duke as M’Baku and Martin Freeman as Everett K Ross.

    Acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Coogler, who helmed the first movie, has directed the sequel as well. The first “Black Panther” movie was a huge global hit and raised USD 1.3 billion worldwide.

    The film was nominated in seven categories at the 91st Academy Awards and was also the first superhero movie to earn a best picture nomination.

    When it comes to dealing with fans’ expectations, Wright said the team has tried to make a beautiful art piece that is “positive and encouraging”.

    “The ways in which we handle expectations is just by focusing on what we’re making. We’re just focusing on the script and telling the story. When we release, the art belongs to the people. So, we just want to release something that we feel is beautiful, positive and encouraging.”

    “Black Panther” has been credited by many for introducing the richness of the African diaspora to the world audience.

    Backed by Disney-owned Marvel Studios, it was the first superhero film to feature a predominantly Black cast.

    ALSO READ | Rihanna returns to music with new song in upcoming film ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    According to Wright, the film brought African tales to the forefront, leading to more stories being mined out of the continent.

    “I would like to think that ‘Black Panther’ definitely opened up our eyes to see the richness of the African diaspora and the richness of stories with African people at the centre, and how successful it can be, how innovative and impactful it can be. I feel like that has definitely led on for other films and other projects to be appreciated and celebrated in ways that maybe it wouldn’t have back in the day,” she said.

    Following Boseman’s demise, there were speculations about Wright taking over the role of titular superhero Black Panther in the sequel.

    But the actor refrained from giving out any details about her character’s arc in the new movie.

    “That is a loaded question that I don’t know how to answer because I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she responded to the question of her leading Wakanda. The film was also an opportunity for the 29-year-old star to honour Boseman.

    “I definitely wanted to work really hard. I definitely wanted to honour Chadwick with all my scenes. Shuri is creating new technology. And it would be really exciting to see the new ways in which she creates things even though she’s carrying a broken heart,” she added.

    ALSO READ | Ryan Coogler on how ‘Terminator 2’ inspired ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    “Wakanda Forever” introduces Tenoch Huerta’s Namor the Sub-Mariner, Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams aka Ironheart, Michaela Coel as Aneka, Mabel Cadena as Namora, Alex Livinalli as Attuma, and Lake Bell in an undisclosed role.

    Wright described the relationship between Shuri and Riri as that of two “geniuses” who make a great team.

    “Ironheart is a beautiful introduction to Riri Williams’ character. She is innovative and smart and the relationship between Riri and Shuri is one of just two geniuses trying to connect. The ways in which they connect are very special for us to see. I love it. They just have this combined personality that’s so beautiful. They make for a great team.”

    Coogler and Joe Robert Cole have penned the screenplay of “Wakanda Forever”, which is produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore. David J. Grant is the co-producer. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso and Barry Waldman are executive producers.

    NEW DELHI: From dealing with a “heartbreaking” tragedy to converting sorrow into strength, Hollywood star Letitia Wright says “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” shares many parallels with her real life.

    The much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 blockbuster “Black Panther” explores the aftermath of Wakanda’s loss of its beloved king T’Challa, a change introduced in the script following lead star Chadwick Boseman’s sudden death from colon cancer in August 2020.

    Wright reprises her fan-favourite character of Shuri, a brilliant tech wiz and princess of the fictional country of Wakanda, from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

    “When performing, in so many ways Shuri and I share a parallel of emotions in this film. We’re both dealing with something that has broken our hearts in ways that were very painful,” the Guyanese-British actor said.

    “But we see the ways in which Shuri, she literally has to bite away at the things that are hurting her. So, she does that and we see how grief turns into strength,” she added.

    The actor said the film, set to arrive in the theatres on Friday, will see Shuri understand herself better as she deals with the death of her brother T’Challa.

    “We definitely explore the ways in which she’s dealing with her emotions. She’s facing things that are really challenging for her. So, we see how she develops and expands. She is trying to understand herself and her emotions. We see how everybody is trying to gather around her to support her at this time.”

    “Wakanda Forever” also marks the return of Angela Bassett as Queen Ramonda, Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia, Danai Gurira as the Dora Milaje’s General Okoye, Florence Kasumba as Ayo, Winston Duke as M’Baku and Martin Freeman as Everett K Ross.

    Acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Coogler, who helmed the first movie, has directed the sequel as well. The first “Black Panther” movie was a huge global hit and raised USD 1.3 billion worldwide.

    The film was nominated in seven categories at the 91st Academy Awards and was also the first superhero movie to earn a best picture nomination.

    When it comes to dealing with fans’ expectations, Wright said the team has tried to make a beautiful art piece that is “positive and encouraging”.

    “The ways in which we handle expectations is just by focusing on what we’re making. We’re just focusing on the script and telling the story. When we release, the art belongs to the people. So, we just want to release something that we feel is beautiful, positive and encouraging.”

    “Black Panther” has been credited by many for introducing the richness of the African diaspora to the world audience.

    Backed by Disney-owned Marvel Studios, it was the first superhero film to feature a predominantly Black cast.

    ALSO READ | Rihanna returns to music with new song in upcoming film ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    According to Wright, the film brought African tales to the forefront, leading to more stories being mined out of the continent.

    “I would like to think that ‘Black Panther’ definitely opened up our eyes to see the richness of the African diaspora and the richness of stories with African people at the centre, and how successful it can be, how innovative and impactful it can be. I feel like that has definitely led on for other films and other projects to be appreciated and celebrated in ways that maybe it wouldn’t have back in the day,” she said.

    Following Boseman’s demise, there were speculations about Wright taking over the role of titular superhero Black Panther in the sequel.

    But the actor refrained from giving out any details about her character’s arc in the new movie.

    “That is a loaded question that I don’t know how to answer because I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she responded to the question of her leading Wakanda. The film was also an opportunity for the 29-year-old star to honour Boseman.

    “I definitely wanted to work really hard. I definitely wanted to honour Chadwick with all my scenes. Shuri is creating new technology. And it would be really exciting to see the new ways in which she creates things even though she’s carrying a broken heart,” she added.

    ALSO READ | Ryan Coogler on how ‘Terminator 2’ inspired ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    “Wakanda Forever” introduces Tenoch Huerta’s Namor the Sub-Mariner, Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams aka Ironheart, Michaela Coel as Aneka, Mabel Cadena as Namora, Alex Livinalli as Attuma, and Lake Bell in an undisclosed role.

    Wright described the relationship between Shuri and Riri as that of two “geniuses” who make a great team.

    “Ironheart is a beautiful introduction to Riri Williams’ character. She is innovative and smart and the relationship between Riri and Shuri is one of just two geniuses trying to connect. The ways in which they connect are very special for us to see. I love it. They just have this combined personality that’s so beautiful. They make for a great team.”

    Coogler and Joe Robert Cole have penned the screenplay of “Wakanda Forever”, which is produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore. David J. Grant is the co-producer. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso and Barry Waldman are executive producers.

  • Ryan Coogler on how ‘Terminator 2’ inspired ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    By Express News Service

    Ryan Coogler, the Black Panther director is known for penning meaningful and unique antagonists. With the first film, he introduced Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), whose ambitions were opposite to that of T’Challa. 

    With Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Coogler shows us Namor the Sub-Mariner (Tenoch Huerta), and how Namor may pose a threat to Wakanda, but his battles are for Talocan, his undersea realm.

    Ryan shared that the inspiration for this character came from Terminator 2: Judgement Day. In an interview with Collider he said, “Actually, for me, I don’t see them as villains. These rivals are strictly antagonists. I choose to see these characters through all lenses. From Namor’s vantage point, what he does is just and necessary.”

    Wakanda Forever marks the return of Letitia Wright as Shuri, Angela Bassett as Queen Ramonda, Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia, Danai Gurira as the Dora Milaje’s General Okoye, Florence Kasumba as Ayo, Winston Duke as M’Baku and Martin Freeman as Everett K. Ross.

    In addition to Huerta’s Namor, the sequel also introduces Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams (aka Ironheart), Michaela Coel as Aneka, Mabel Cadena as Namora, Alex Livinalli as Attuma, and Lake Bell in an undisclosed role.

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premieres in theatres on November 11.

    Ryan Coogler, the Black Panther director is known for penning meaningful and unique antagonists. With the first film, he introduced Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), whose ambitions were opposite to that of T’Challa. 

    With Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Coogler shows us Namor the Sub-Mariner (Tenoch Huerta), and how Namor may pose a threat to Wakanda, but his battles are for Talocan, his undersea realm.

    Ryan shared that the inspiration for this character came from Terminator 2: Judgement Day. In an interview with Collider he said, “Actually, for me, I don’t see them as villains. These rivals are strictly antagonists. I choose to see these characters through all lenses. From Namor’s vantage point, what he does is just and necessary.”

    Wakanda Forever marks the return of Letitia Wright as Shuri, Angela Bassett as Queen Ramonda, Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia, Danai Gurira as the Dora Milaje’s General Okoye, Florence Kasumba as Ayo, Winston Duke as M’Baku and Martin Freeman as Everett K. Ross.

    In addition to Huerta’s Namor, the sequel also introduces Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams (aka Ironheart), Michaela Coel as Aneka, Mabel Cadena as Namora, Alex Livinalli as Attuma, and Lake Bell in an undisclosed role.

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premieres in theatres on November 11.

  • It was too soon to recast T’Challa in sequel: Marvel CEO Kevin Feige

    By Express News Service

    Chadwick Boseman was cast as T’Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Captain America: Civil War. He went on to reprise his role in Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Sadly, after a four-year battle with colon cancer, Boseman passed in August 2020.

    In the wake of his passing, there have been varying opinions on the recasting of the character as the sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is heading towards a release. Marvel Studios, however, decided against a recast. While speaking to Empire Magazine recently, Marvel CEO Kevin Feige spoke about the studio’s decision not to recast the iconic character explaining that it felt “too soon” to do so. 

    Here are Feige’s comments: “Stan Lee always said that Marvel represents the world outside your window. And we had talked about how, as extraordinary and fantastical as our characters and stories are, there’s a relatable and human element to everything we do. The world is still processing the loss of Chad. And Ryan poured that into the story.”

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will be released in theatres on November 11.

    Chadwick Boseman was cast as T’Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Captain America: Civil War. He went on to reprise his role in Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Sadly, after a four-year battle with colon cancer, Boseman passed in August 2020.

    In the wake of his passing, there have been varying opinions on the recasting of the character as the sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is heading towards a release. Marvel Studios, however, decided against a recast. While speaking to Empire Magazine recently, Marvel CEO Kevin Feige spoke about the studio’s decision not to recast the iconic character explaining that it felt “too soon” to do so. 

    Here are Feige’s comments: “Stan Lee always said that Marvel represents the world outside your window. And we had talked about how, as extraordinary and fantastical as our characters and stories are, there’s a relatable and human element to everything we do. The world is still processing the loss of Chad. And Ryan poured that into the story.”

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will be released in theatres on November 11.

  • Chadwick Boseman wins posthumous Creative Arts Emmy for ‘What If

    By PTI

    LOS ANGELES: “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman received a posthumous Creative Arts Emmy Award for his voice performance in the Disney+ series “What If.

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, Boseman’s wife Taylor Simone Ledward accepted the honour on his behalf during Saturday’s ceremony at downtown Microsoft Theater here. It marked both the actor’s first win and first Emmy nomination.

    Boseman, who played Wakanda King T’Challa aka superhero Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), won the award in the outstanding character voice-over performance category in the “What If. T’Challa Became a Star-Lord?” episode.

    The character of Star-Lord/ Peter Quill is played by Chris Pratt in the MCU.

    Ledward said when she learned that her husband was nominated for the award, she started thinking about everything that was going on in their life when an ailing Boseman was recording for the series.

    “And what a beautifully aligned moment it really is that one of the last things he would work on would not only be revisiting a character that was so important to him and his career and to the world, but also that it be an exploration of something new, diving into a new potential future — particularly with everything he spoke about purpose and finding the reason that you are here on the planet on this very time,” she said.

    “You can’t understand your purpose unless you’re willing to ask, ‘What if,’ unless you’re willing to say, ‘What if the universe is conspiring in my favour, what if it’s me?’ Thank you so much for the honour – Chad would be so honoured, and I’m honoured on his behalf,” she added.

    The actor was nominated in the category alongside F Murray Abraham (“Moon Knight”), Julie Andrews (“Bridgerton”), Maya Rudolph (“Big Mouth”), Stanley Tucci (“Central Park”), Jessica Walter (“Archer”) and Jeffrey Wright (“What If.?”).

    Boseman passed away in 2020 after a private battle with colon cancer at the age of 43.

    He was previously nominated for a posthumous Oscar for lead actor for his role in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”.

    LOS ANGELES: “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman received a posthumous Creative Arts Emmy Award for his voice performance in the Disney+ series “What If.

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, Boseman’s wife Taylor Simone Ledward accepted the honour on his behalf during Saturday’s ceremony at downtown Microsoft Theater here. It marked both the actor’s first win and first Emmy nomination.

    Boseman, who played Wakanda King T’Challa aka superhero Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), won the award in the outstanding character voice-over performance category in the “What If. T’Challa Became a Star-Lord?” episode.

    The character of Star-Lord/ Peter Quill is played by Chris Pratt in the MCU.

    Ledward said when she learned that her husband was nominated for the award, she started thinking about everything that was going on in their life when an ailing Boseman was recording for the series.

    “And what a beautifully aligned moment it really is that one of the last things he would work on would not only be revisiting a character that was so important to him and his career and to the world, but also that it be an exploration of something new, diving into a new potential future — particularly with everything he spoke about purpose and finding the reason that you are here on the planet on this very time,” she said.

    “You can’t understand your purpose unless you’re willing to ask, ‘What if,’ unless you’re willing to say, ‘What if the universe is conspiring in my favour, what if it’s me?’ Thank you so much for the honour – Chad would be so honoured, and I’m honoured on his behalf,” she added.

    The actor was nominated in the category alongside F Murray Abraham (“Moon Knight”), Julie Andrews (“Bridgerton”), Maya Rudolph (“Big Mouth”), Stanley Tucci (“Central Park”), Jessica Walter (“Archer”) and Jeffrey Wright (“What If.?”).

    Boseman passed away in 2020 after a private battle with colon cancer at the age of 43.

    He was previously nominated for a posthumous Oscar for lead actor for his role in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”.

  • ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ trailer garners 172 million views in 24 hours

    By IANS

    LOS ANGELES: The ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ trailer has got 172 million views in its first 24 hours, turning out to be one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s top trailer debuts for a superhero movie.

    A source close to Marvel confirmed the viewership number to ‘Variety’.

    The ‘Wakanda Forever’ teaser’s viewership nearly doubled the 88 million views the original ‘Black Panther’ teaser garnered in 2017, reports ‘Variety’.

    The teaser also set social media ablaze, with topics relating to ‘Black Panther’ garnering over 893,000 mentions. Chadwick Boseman, Namor, Shuri, T’Challa, Ryan Coogler and Angela Bassett all became national trending topics after the teaser’s debut, and the hashtag #WakandaForever held the No. 1 trending spot for over five consecutive hours.

    By pulling in 172 million views in its first 24 hours, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ becomes one of the top trailer launches for a standalone Marvel movie following titles like the ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ teaser and the ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ teaser.

    Four ‘Avengers’ trailers also pulled in bigger numbers: ‘Avengers: Endgame’ teaser, ‘Avengers: Endgame’ final trailer, ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ teaser and ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ final trailer.

    The teaser marked the first unveiling of the ‘Black Panther’ sequel, which marks the next feature film entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    The footage showcases the nation of Wakanda going to war against an army of Atlanteans, led by the fearful Namor (Tenoch Huerta). Lupita Nyong’o, Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira, Florence Kasumba Winston Duke and Angela Bassett are reprising their roles from the original ‘Black Panther’, joined by series newcomer Michaela Coel, Dominique Thorne, Alex Nivilani and Mabel Cadena.

    Before the teaser was shown to the Hall H crowd at Comic-Con, director Ryan Coogler and several members of the film’s ensemble took the stage to introduce the film and discuss the legacy of the late Chadwick Boseman, who led the original 2018 ‘Black Panther’ before he died in 2020 after a private battle with colon cancer.

    “It’s going to be hard to follow that up, but we’ll try,” Coogler told the crowd.

    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ will hit theaters on November 11.

    LOS ANGELES: The ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ trailer has got 172 million views in its first 24 hours, turning out to be one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s top trailer debuts for a superhero movie.

    A source close to Marvel confirmed the viewership number to ‘Variety’.

    The ‘Wakanda Forever’ teaser’s viewership nearly doubled the 88 million views the original ‘Black Panther’ teaser garnered in 2017, reports ‘Variety’.

    The teaser also set social media ablaze, with topics relating to ‘Black Panther’ garnering over 893,000 mentions. Chadwick Boseman, Namor, Shuri, T’Challa, Ryan Coogler and Angela Bassett all became national trending topics after the teaser’s debut, and the hashtag #WakandaForever held the No. 1 trending spot for over five consecutive hours.

    By pulling in 172 million views in its first 24 hours, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ becomes one of the top trailer launches for a standalone Marvel movie following titles like the ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ teaser and the ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ teaser.

    Four ‘Avengers’ trailers also pulled in bigger numbers: ‘Avengers: Endgame’ teaser, ‘Avengers: Endgame’ final trailer, ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ teaser and ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ final trailer.

    The teaser marked the first unveiling of the ‘Black Panther’ sequel, which marks the next feature film entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    The footage showcases the nation of Wakanda going to war against an army of Atlanteans, led by the fearful Namor (Tenoch Huerta). Lupita Nyong’o, Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira, Florence Kasumba Winston Duke and Angela Bassett are reprising their roles from the original ‘Black Panther’, joined by series newcomer Michaela Coel, Dominique Thorne, Alex Nivilani and Mabel Cadena.

    Before the teaser was shown to the Hall H crowd at Comic-Con, director Ryan Coogler and several members of the film’s ensemble took the stage to introduce the film and discuss the legacy of the late Chadwick Boseman, who led the original 2018 ‘Black Panther’ before he died in 2020 after a private battle with colon cancer.

    “It’s going to be hard to follow that up, but we’ll try,” Coogler told the crowd.

    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ will hit theaters on November 11.

  • Disney announces two new Marvel ‘Avengers’ films at Comic-Con

    By AFP

    SAN DIEGO: Disney announced a slew of Marvel superhero movies including two new “Avengers” films Saturday at Comic-Con, as it offered screaming fans an emotional first glimpse at its upcoming “Black Panther” sequel.

    The record-breaking Marvel movies have dominated Hollywood and global box offices in recent years, with 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame” briefly becoming the highest-grossing film of all time at more than $2.79 billion.

    “I wonder if you guys wouldn’t mind looking ahead a little bit?” studio president Kevin Feige asked the wildly cheering hall of die-hard superhero fans toward the end of a raucous hour-plus presentation at a San Diego convention center.

    “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” and “Avengers: Secret Wars” will hit theaters in 2025, he then announced.

    The films will aim to follow in the footsteps of “Avengers: Endgame,” which built unprecedented hype by rounding off storylines presented in all the preceding Marvel films.

    The two new “Avengers” titles will conclude the next “saga” of more than a dozen inter-connected films and television shows in the “Marvel Cinematic Universe,” said Feige.

    “That will complete the second saga of the MCU, which of course is ‘The Multiverse Saga,’” he said.

    The Marvel franchise in recent films and shows has explored the “multiverse” concept popularized by superhero comic books, in which infinite universes — and infinite versions of each hero and villain — exist in parallel realities

    ‘Black Panther’ returns

    The Marvel presentation capped off the biggest day at Comic-Con, and drew the week’s loudest and most frenzied cheers in the 6,000 capacity Hall H, where many had camped in line for days to gain access.

    It ended with the first trailer for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” a sequel to the first comic book film to win a best picture Oscar nomination, set to premiere November 11.

    Returning director Ryan Coogler, taking to the San Diego stage with a colorful troupe of African drummers and dancers, paid an emotional tribute to the first film’s star, the “late, great Chadwick Boseman.”

    Boseman died from cancer in 2020, and his role is not being taken over by another actor in the new film. “I promise you, I can feel his hand on me right now,” said Coogler.

    “Chad is no longer with us physically, but his spirit, his passion, his genius, his pride in his culture, and the impact he made on this industry will be felt forever.”

    Coogler then presented new characters in the franchise being played by Michaela Coel and Tenoch Huerta.

    Coel, who won an Emmy for “I May Destroy You,” praised the unique “energy” of the first “Black Panther” film, which was widely seen as a breakthrough for Black representation in mainstream Hollywood movies.

    “I think it’s got something to do with a Black superhero, padded out a clan of Black superheroes and what that kind of does for Black people,” she said.

    Marvel A-listers 

    Other Marvel films announced Saturday by Disney at the world’s most famous pop culture gathering included “Thunderbolts” and “Fantastic Four,” both due in 2024.

    Feige also set out dates for “Blade” — in theaters November 2023 — and the newly titled “Captain America: New World Order” coming May 2024.

    Bill Murray and Olivia Colman join the ranks of Hollywood A-listers flocking to the Marvel franchise, appearing in first-look footage from movie “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and Disney+ series “Secret Invasion” respectively.

    Chris Pratt, Paul Rudd, and Lupita Nyong’o also appeared on stage Saturday along with Jonathan Majors, whose “Kang the Conqueror” character appears poised to become a major new supervillain for the franchise.

    SAN DIEGO: Disney announced a slew of Marvel superhero movies including two new “Avengers” films Saturday at Comic-Con, as it offered screaming fans an emotional first glimpse at its upcoming “Black Panther” sequel.

    The record-breaking Marvel movies have dominated Hollywood and global box offices in recent years, with 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame” briefly becoming the highest-grossing film of all time at more than $2.79 billion.

    “I wonder if you guys wouldn’t mind looking ahead a little bit?” studio president Kevin Feige asked the wildly cheering hall of die-hard superhero fans toward the end of a raucous hour-plus presentation at a San Diego convention center.

    “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” and “Avengers: Secret Wars” will hit theaters in 2025, he then announced.

    The films will aim to follow in the footsteps of “Avengers: Endgame,” which built unprecedented hype by rounding off storylines presented in all the preceding Marvel films.

    The two new “Avengers” titles will conclude the next “saga” of more than a dozen inter-connected films and television shows in the “Marvel Cinematic Universe,” said Feige.

    “That will complete the second saga of the MCU, which of course is ‘The Multiverse Saga,’” he said.

    The Marvel franchise in recent films and shows has explored the “multiverse” concept popularized by superhero comic books, in which infinite universes — and infinite versions of each hero and villain — exist in parallel realities

    ‘Black Panther’ returns

    The Marvel presentation capped off the biggest day at Comic-Con, and drew the week’s loudest and most frenzied cheers in the 6,000 capacity Hall H, where many had camped in line for days to gain access.

    It ended with the first trailer for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” a sequel to the first comic book film to win a best picture Oscar nomination, set to premiere November 11.

    Returning director Ryan Coogler, taking to the San Diego stage with a colorful troupe of African drummers and dancers, paid an emotional tribute to the first film’s star, the “late, great Chadwick Boseman.”

    Boseman died from cancer in 2020, and his role is not being taken over by another actor in the new film. “I promise you, I can feel his hand on me right now,” said Coogler.

    “Chad is no longer with us physically, but his spirit, his passion, his genius, his pride in his culture, and the impact he made on this industry will be felt forever.”

    Coogler then presented new characters in the franchise being played by Michaela Coel and Tenoch Huerta.

    Coel, who won an Emmy for “I May Destroy You,” praised the unique “energy” of the first “Black Panther” film, which was widely seen as a breakthrough for Black representation in mainstream Hollywood movies.

    “I think it’s got something to do with a Black superhero, padded out a clan of Black superheroes and what that kind of does for Black people,” she said.

    Marvel A-listers 

    Other Marvel films announced Saturday by Disney at the world’s most famous pop culture gathering included “Thunderbolts” and “Fantastic Four,” both due in 2024.

    Feige also set out dates for “Blade” — in theaters November 2023 — and the newly titled “Captain America: New World Order” coming May 2024.

    Bill Murray and Olivia Colman join the ranks of Hollywood A-listers flocking to the Marvel franchise, appearing in first-look footage from movie “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and Disney+ series “Secret Invasion” respectively.

    Chris Pratt, Paul Rudd, and Lupita Nyong’o also appeared on stage Saturday along with Jonathan Majors, whose “Kang the Conqueror” character appears poised to become a major new supervillain for the franchise.