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Tag: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

  • 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.

  • ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ to debut on Disney+ Hotstar on February 1 

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” will arrive on Disney+ Hotstar on February 1, the streaming platform announced on Friday.

    The sequel to 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.

    “Disney+ Hotstar rang in the New Year with fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, announcing the February1 streaming debut of Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ The movie will be available to stream in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam,” a press note from the streamer read.

    The film marks the return of Angela Bassett as Queen Ramonda, Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia, Letitia Wright as Shuri, 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.

    “Wakanda Forever”, which was released in theatres in November last year, also stars Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena and Alex Livinalli.

    The film is produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore.

    MUMBAI: “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” will arrive on Disney+ Hotstar on February 1, the streaming platform announced on Friday.

    The sequel to 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.

    “Disney+ Hotstar rang in the New Year with fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, announcing the February1 streaming debut of Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ The movie will be available to stream in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam,” a press note from the streamer read.

    The film marks the return of Angela Bassett as Queen Ramonda, Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia, Letitia Wright as Shuri, 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.

    “Wakanda Forever”, which was released in theatres in November last year, also stars Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena and Alex Livinalli.

    The film is produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore.

  • ‘Wakanda Forever’ was a father-son story before Boseman’s death, says Ryan Coogler

    By IANS

    LOS ANGELES: Director Ryan Coogler has revealed the story behind his original script for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’.

    The ‘Black Panther’ director, 36, said that he and fellow screenwriter Joe Robert Cole had planned to centre the sequel on Chadwick Boseman’s character T’Challa struggling to learn how to be a father, before Boseman’s death to colon cancer in 2020, reports People magazine.

    He made the revelation in The New York Times interview. “It was going to be a father-son story from the perspective of a father, because the first movie had been a father-son story from the perspective of the sons,” Coogler said, noting that they had shared the script with Boseman in 2020.

    According to People, Coogler said that they had to work around the idea of the “blip” which took place in Avengers: Infinity War and led to T’Challa and several other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) characters disappearing for five years. He said T’Challa was supposed to come back from the event to find out that he had a son named Toussaint, with his former love Nakia, played by Lupita Nyong’o.

    “In the script, T’Challa was a dad who’d had this forced five-year absence from his son’s life,” Coogler said. “The first scene was an animated sequence. You hear Nakia talking to Toussaint. She said, ‘Tell me what you know about your father.’ You realise that he doesn’t know his dad was the Black Panther’”.

    “He’s never met him, and Nakia is remarried to a Haitian dude,” he added. “Then, we cut to reality and it’s the night that everybody comes back from the Blip. You see T’Challa meet the kid for the first time. Then it cuts ahead three years and he’s essentially co-parenting.”

    The writers eventually ended up keeping that story element in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, introducing Toussaint to T’Challa’s sister Shuri, played by Letitia Wright, in an end credits scene.

    LOS ANGELES: Director Ryan Coogler has revealed the story behind his original script for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’.

    The ‘Black Panther’ director, 36, said that he and fellow screenwriter Joe Robert Cole had planned to centre the sequel on Chadwick Boseman’s character T’Challa struggling to learn how to be a father, before Boseman’s death to colon cancer in 2020, reports People magazine.

    He made the revelation in The New York Times interview. “It was going to be a father-son story from the perspective of a father, because the first movie had been a father-son story from the perspective of the sons,” Coogler said, noting that they had shared the script with Boseman in 2020.

    According to People, Coogler said that they had to work around the idea of the “blip” which took place in Avengers: Infinity War and led to T’Challa and several other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) characters disappearing for five years. He said T’Challa was supposed to come back from the event to find out that he had a son named Toussaint, with his former love Nakia, played by Lupita Nyong’o.

    “In the script, T’Challa was a dad who’d had this forced five-year absence from his son’s life,” Coogler said. “The first scene was an animated sequence. You hear Nakia talking to Toussaint. She said, ‘Tell me what you know about your father.’ You realise that he doesn’t know his dad was the Black Panther’”.

    “He’s never met him, and Nakia is remarried to a Haitian dude,” he added. “Then, we cut to reality and it’s the night that everybody comes back from the Blip. You see T’Challa meet the kid for the first time. Then it cuts ahead three years and he’s essentially co-parenting.”

    The writers eventually ended up keeping that story element in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, introducing Toussaint to T’Challa’s sister Shuri, played by Letitia Wright, in an end credits scene.

  • On a dismal film weekend, ‘Wakanda’ tops North American box office

    By AFP

    LOS ANGELES: Disney and Marvel’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” has again led the North American box office, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday, but the film’s estimated weekend take of just USD 11.1 million reflected a deep slump in moviegoing.

    Hollywood has suffered from a dearth of big new films and the growing popularity of home streaming services. This weekend’s top 12 films grossed under USD 35 million, one of the year’s worst totals, analysts said.

    In its five weeks out, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” has now taken in a domestic total of USD 409.8 million. But that is far from the USD 700.4 million grossed by the original 2018 film, and “Wakanda” is expected to be knocked off its reigning perch next weekend.

    Brendan Cowell, from left, Jamie Flatters, Jack Champion, producer Jon Landau, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet, director James Cameron, Sigourney Weaver, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Zoe Saldana, Bailey Bass, Sam Worthington, Joel David Moore, and Steve Asbell pose for photographers upon arrival at the World premiere of the film ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ in London on Dec. 6, 2022 | AP

    The release December 16 of 20th Century’s much anticipated “Avatar: The Way of Water” “can’t come soon enough,” said BoxOfficeMojo.com. “Until then, the box office is slowing to a crawl.”

    In second place this weekend was Universal’s action comedy “Violent Night,” at USD 8.7 million for the Friday-through-Saturday period. David Harbour stars as a sledgehammer-wielding Santa who takes on some bad guys trying to ruin one family’s Christmas.

    Disney’s computer-animated sci-fi film “Strange World” again placed third, with ticket sales of USD 3.6 million. Searchlight’s horror-comedy “The Menu,” starring Ralph Fiennes, held fourth place, taking in USD 2.7 million.

    And fifth was Sony’s “Devotion,” about the friendship of two US fighter pilots during the Korean War, at USD 2 million.

    One weekend bright spot, said Variety.com, was A24’s “The Whale,” which in limited release took in USD 360,000 from just six theatres, the best per-screen average this year. Brendan Fraser, in a prosthetic suit, stars as a 600-pound (270-kilogram) man who tries to reconnect with his daughter.

    Brendan Fraser in a scene from “The Whale.” (Photo | AP)

    Rounding out the top 10 were:

    “Black Adam” (USD 1.3 million)

    “The Fabelmans” (USD 1.2 million)

    “Met Opera: The Hours” (USD 791,000)

    “I Heard the Bells” (USD 751,000)

    “Spoiler Alert” (USD 700,000)

    LOS ANGELES: Disney and Marvel’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” has again led the North American box office, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday, but the film’s estimated weekend take of just USD 11.1 million reflected a deep slump in moviegoing.

    Hollywood has suffered from a dearth of big new films and the growing popularity of home streaming services. This weekend’s top 12 films grossed under USD 35 million, one of the year’s worst totals, analysts said.

    In its five weeks out, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” has now taken in a domestic total of USD 409.8 million. But that is far from the USD 700.4 million grossed by the original 2018 film, and “Wakanda” is expected to be knocked off its reigning perch next weekend.

    Brendan Cowell, from left, Jamie Flatters, Jack Champion, producer Jon Landau, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet, director James Cameron, Sigourney Weaver, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Zoe Saldana, Bailey Bass, Sam Worthington, Joel David Moore, and Steve Asbell pose for photographers upon arrival at the World premiere of the film ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ in London on Dec. 6, 2022 | AP

    The release December 16 of 20th Century’s much anticipated “Avatar: The Way of Water” “can’t come soon enough,” said BoxOfficeMojo.com. “Until then, the box office is slowing to a crawl.”

    In second place this weekend was Universal’s action comedy “Violent Night,” at USD 8.7 million for the Friday-through-Saturday period. David Harbour stars as a sledgehammer-wielding Santa who takes on some bad guys trying to ruin one family’s Christmas.

    Disney’s computer-animated sci-fi film “Strange World” again placed third, with ticket sales of USD 3.6 million. Searchlight’s horror-comedy “The Menu,” starring Ralph Fiennes, held fourth place, taking in USD 2.7 million.

    And fifth was Sony’s “Devotion,” about the friendship of two US fighter pilots during the Korean War, at USD 2 million.

    One weekend bright spot, said Variety.com, was A24’s “The Whale,” which in limited release took in USD 360,000 from just six theatres, the best per-screen average this year. Brendan Fraser, in a prosthetic suit, stars as a 600-pound (270-kilogram) man who tries to reconnect with his daughter.

    Brendan Fraser in a scene from “The Whale.” (Photo | AP)

    Rounding out the top 10 were:

    “Black Adam” (USD 1.3 million)

    “The Fabelmans” (USD 1.2 million)

    “Met Opera: The Hours” (USD 791,000)

    “I Heard the Bells” (USD 751,000)

    “Spoiler Alert” (USD 700,000)

  • Producer Nate Moore on whether Namor will get a standalone film 

    By Express News Service

    Nate Moore, the producer of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, has commented on the future of Namor in the MCU and whether he will get his own standalone film in the near future. In an interview with TheWrap, producer Nate Moore said that Namor, “can return” but Disney won’t be able to make a standalone film since the rights to the Marvel character is currently being held by Universal Pictures. 

    Universal Pictures also has the rights to the Hulk, which is why we are yet to see a standalone Hulk film starring Mark Ruffalo in the lead. Namor the Submariner was created by writer and illustrator Bill Everett for Marvel comics in 1939. He made his live-action debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and was portrayed by Mexican actor Tenoche Huerta.

    Marvel Studios had previously faced a similar problem in 2015 when they wanted to introduce Spider-Man into the MCU but the rights for the character were held by Sony. Marvel and Sony then reached an agreement which led to Tom Holland’s Spider-Man getting a standalone film Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017. Sony also went on to create their own Spider-Verse with the animated film Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse in 2018. Both the films went on to become successful box office ventures and have several sequels planned. 

    Nate Moore, the producer of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, has commented on the future of Namor in the MCU and whether he will get his own standalone film in the near future. In an interview with TheWrap, producer Nate Moore said that Namor, “can return” but Disney won’t be able to make a standalone film since the rights to the Marvel character is currently being held by Universal Pictures. 

    Universal Pictures also has the rights to the Hulk, which is why we are yet to see a standalone Hulk film starring Mark Ruffalo in the lead. Namor the Submariner was created by writer and illustrator Bill Everett for Marvel comics in 1939. He made his live-action debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and was portrayed by Mexican actor Tenoche Huerta.

    Marvel Studios had previously faced a similar problem in 2015 when they wanted to introduce Spider-Man into the MCU but the rights for the character were held by Sony. Marvel and Sony then reached an agreement which led to Tom Holland’s Spider-Man getting a standalone film Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017. Sony also went on to create their own Spider-Verse with the animated film Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse in 2018. Both the films went on to become successful box office ventures and have several sequels planned. 

  • ‘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.

  • ‘Wakanda Forever’ notches up USD 84 million on opening day in North America

    By IANS

    LOS ANGELES: In a post-pandemic world, superhero movies seem to be the sole cinematic pieces that can pull the audience to theatres. Marvel’s ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ pretty much reaffirms this as it’s reigning over the North American box office.

    The superhero sequel earned USD 84 million from 4,396 locations on its opening day, reports Variety. Those figures includes USD 28 million in Thursday previews, which marked the 15th-highest preview gross in history and bested the first ‘Black Panther’ movie’s figure by USD 3 million.

    It is also the second biggest opening day of the year, behind the USD 90.4 million earned by fellow Marvel Cinematic Universe entry ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’.

    According to Variety, estimates heading into the weekend suggested ‘Wakanda Forever’ could net a gross between USD 185 million and USD 200 million in its opening, though some competitors are now projecting that the film will fall shy of that range.

    ‘Doctor Strange 2’ has remained the biggest opening weekend of the year since it debuted with USD 187 million in May. Whether the ‘Black Panther’ sequel can surpass it by Monday, Marvel is once again in competition with itself for box office superlatives.

    Variety further states that the arrival of the ‘Black Panther’ sequel represents a box office surge for a theatrical landscape that has been largely bereft of high-profile releases since the summer.

    To put things in perspective, ‘Wakanda Forever’ will be the first movie since July’s ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ to open above USD 100 million.

    Even further, although the Warner Bros. release ‘Black Adam’ has drawn a substantial audience in recent weeks, ‘Wakanda Forever’ looks to outgross the DC entry within its first three days of release. That’s how big a splash the film is making.

    LOS ANGELES: In a post-pandemic world, superhero movies seem to be the sole cinematic pieces that can pull the audience to theatres. Marvel’s ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ pretty much reaffirms this as it’s reigning over the North American box office.

    The superhero sequel earned USD 84 million from 4,396 locations on its opening day, reports Variety. Those figures includes USD 28 million in Thursday previews, which marked the 15th-highest preview gross in history and bested the first ‘Black Panther’ movie’s figure by USD 3 million.

    It is also the second biggest opening day of the year, behind the USD 90.4 million earned by fellow Marvel Cinematic Universe entry ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’.

    According to Variety, estimates heading into the weekend suggested ‘Wakanda Forever’ could net a gross between USD 185 million and USD 200 million in its opening, though some competitors are now projecting that the film will fall shy of that range.

    ‘Doctor Strange 2’ has remained the biggest opening weekend of the year since it debuted with USD 187 million in May. Whether the ‘Black Panther’ sequel can surpass it by Monday, Marvel is once again in competition with itself for box office superlatives.

    Variety further states that the arrival of the ‘Black Panther’ sequel represents a box office surge for a theatrical landscape that has been largely bereft of high-profile releases since the summer.

    To put things in perspective, ‘Wakanda Forever’ will be the first movie since July’s ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ to open above USD 100 million.

    Even further, although the Warner Bros. release ‘Black Adam’ has drawn a substantial audience in recent weeks, ‘Wakanda Forever’ looks to outgross the DC entry within its first three days of release. That’s how big a splash the film is making.

  • 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.

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

    By ANI

    LOS ANGELES: Good news for Rihanna fans! After a long hiatus from music, Rihanna finally announced her song.

    Rihanna is returning to music with ‘Lift Me Up,’ the opening single from Marvel’s blockbuster sequel ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’

    The song is a homage to Chadwick Boseman’s life and legacy. The song will be out on October 28, much before the film releases on November 11.

    Rihanna teased the song’s melodious hum on social media, but little else is known about the song’s style and sound. 

    According to Variety, Tems, who has written the song, said, “After speaking with Ryan and hearing his direction for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I’ve lost in my life. I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them.”

    “Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honour,” he added.

    As per Variety, Rihanna’s Westbury Road label will release ‘Lift Me Up’ in collaboration with Roc Nation, Def Jam Recordings, and Hollywood Records.

    The rest of the soundtrack for the film, which will be released on November 4, is still unknown.

    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ is filmmaker Ryan Coogler’s follow-up to his 2018 film that became a cultural touchstone and earned a best picture nomination at the Oscars.

    He wrote a sequel for ‘Black Panther’ star Chadwick Boseman, but the actor died in 2020 after privately battling colon cancer. So, the filmmaker got to work on how to move forward while honouring Boseman’s legacy.

    The star cast of ‘Wakanda Forever’ includes Lupita Nyong’o, Letitia Wright, and Winston Duke, as well as Marvel newcomer Tenoch Huerta as Namor.

    The film will introduce Riri Williams, the teenage genius who becomes the hero ‘Ironheart’. ‘Wakanda Forever’ is due to hit theatres on November 11 in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

    LOS ANGELES: Good news for Rihanna fans! After a long hiatus from music, Rihanna finally announced her song.

    Rihanna is returning to music with ‘Lift Me Up,’ the opening single from Marvel’s blockbuster sequel ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’

    The song is a homage to Chadwick Boseman’s life and legacy. The song will be out on October 28, much before the film releases on November 11.

    Rihanna teased the song’s melodious hum on social media, but little else is known about the song’s style and sound. 

    According to Variety, Tems, who has written the song, said, “After speaking with Ryan and hearing his direction for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I’ve lost in my life. I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them.”

    “Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honour,” he added.

    As per Variety, Rihanna’s Westbury Road label will release ‘Lift Me Up’ in collaboration with Roc Nation, Def Jam Recordings, and Hollywood Records.

    The rest of the soundtrack for the film, which will be released on November 4, is still unknown.

    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ is filmmaker Ryan Coogler’s follow-up to his 2018 film that became a cultural touchstone and earned a best picture nomination at the Oscars.

    He wrote a sequel for ‘Black Panther’ star Chadwick Boseman, but the actor died in 2020 after privately battling colon cancer. So, the filmmaker got to work on how to move forward while honouring Boseman’s legacy.

    The star cast of ‘Wakanda Forever’ includes Lupita Nyong’o, Letitia Wright, and Winston Duke, as well as Marvel newcomer Tenoch Huerta as Namor.

    The film will introduce Riri Williams, the teenage genius who becomes the hero ‘Ironheart’. ‘Wakanda Forever’ is due to hit theatres on November 11 in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.