Tag: Letitia Wright

  • I had to go to therapy to process Chadwick Boseman’s death: Letitia Wright

    By Express News Service

    Actor Letitia Wright, who stars in the Black Panther series, divulged that she sought therapy after the untimely demise of her co-star Chadwick Boseman.

    In an interview with the Guardian, Letitia Wright said, “I was devastated, as you can imagine. I’ve had to process it through therapy. It’s not like I had a two-year break to process it and then came back into the film (Wakanda Forever). We had to start six months after Chad died.” In fact, the star reveals that her entire outlook on life changed with Chadwick’s death.

    “You don’t know until something happens how it will affect you. You think you have time, and that’s the thing I’ve learned. These things make you realise it’s important to reach out to people you love. The amount of times I text my cast members to tell them I love them, especially Danai (Gurira). I’m always texting Ryan (Coogler, the director of the Black Panther films) that I love him, and asking him how he is.” She added, “I’m not going to delay that anymore because tomorrow’s not promised. Since Chad died, I’m so afraid to lose people.”

    Taking inspiration from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Notes on Grief, Letitia said, “She describes how when you go through grief, nothing soothes the pain. You’re just furious you’ve lost this person. All you want is them back. Grief comes like a thief in the night, and it just stays there. And you have to deal with it. You can’t kid yourself that you’re OK today.”

    Actor Letitia Wright, who stars in the Black Panther series, divulged that she sought therapy after the untimely demise of her co-star Chadwick Boseman.

    In an interview with the Guardian, Letitia Wright said, “I was devastated, as you can imagine. I’ve had to process it through therapy. It’s not like I had a two-year break to process it and then came back into the film (Wakanda Forever). We had to start six months after Chad died.” In fact, the star reveals that her entire outlook on life changed with Chadwick’s death.

    “You don’t know until something happens how it will affect you. You think you have time, and that’s the thing I’ve learned. These things make you realise it’s important to reach out to people you love. The amount of times I text my cast members to tell them I love them, especially Danai (Gurira). I’m always texting Ryan (Coogler, the director of the Black Panther films) that I love him, and asking him how he is.” She added, “I’m not going to delay that anymore because tomorrow’s not promised. Since Chad died, I’m so afraid to lose people.”

    Taking inspiration from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Notes on Grief, Letitia said, “She describes how when you go through grief, nothing soothes the pain. You’re just furious you’ve lost this person. All you want is them back. Grief comes like a thief in the night, and it just stays there. And you have to deal with it. You can’t kid yourself that you’re OK today.”

  • 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.

  • Letitia Wright injured on ‘Black Panther 2’ set, released from hospital after undergoing surgery

    By PTI

    LOS ANGELES: Actor Letitia Wright suffered minor injuries due to an incident with a stunt rig on the Boston set of Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and was admitted to a local hospital for treatment.

    “Letitia Wright sustained minor injuries today while filming a stunt for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. She is currently receiving care in a local hospital and is expected to be released soon,” reported Deadline quoting a spokesperson for Marvel.

    The 27-year-old star has since been discharged, sources told the publication on Wednesday. The incident will not have an impact on the film’s shooting schedule, they added. The primary shoot of the much-awaited “Black Panther” sequel has been underway in Atlanta since the end of June.

    In the upcoming superhero film, Wright is reprising her role as the brilliant tech wiz and Wakanda princess Shuri. Original cast members Danai Gurira, Daniel Kaluuya, Winston Duke, Lupita Nyong’o, Florence Kasumba and Angela Bassett along with director Ryan Coogler are also returning.

    “Wakanda Forever” is the sequel to the 2018 global hit “Black Panther”, headlined by Hollywood star Chadwick Boseman who passed away on August 28, 2020 following a private, four year-long battle with colon cancer.

    The part two is slated to be released on July 8, 2022.