More than just a movie

The “Black Panther” film has succeeded in many aspects. The soundtrack, cinematography, and representation are only a few reasons why the film is rated as the 14th most-grossed film of all time, racking in an astounding $1,347,597,973 according to Box Office Mojo. It is because of these attributes that the sequel, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” has aptly received high anticipation and praise from movie-goers since the first movie was released.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” premiered on November 11 in theaters worldwide, making history as the second film in the Black Panther series and the 30th film produced by Marvel. The film marks the return of “Black Panther” to theaters since leading actor Chadwick Boseman’s passing.

The film has already sold over $45 million in advanced ticket sales and is expected to gross between $190 and $200 million in box office sales, according to JoBlo. The long-awaited sequel has left fans overwhelmed with excitement and sadness as the film honored Boseman’s impact on audience members worldwide.

“I never really liked Marvel movies because they were always too general, and never saw the hype about them,” second-year NYU student Yousra Ibrahim said. “‘Black Panther’ was the only movie that I could see the hype about if I’m being completely honest because finally there was someone that looked like me.”

The first “Black Panther” film grossed over $202 million in box-office revenue in its opening week, according to CNBC. Since then, “Black Panther” has achieved over a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the highest out of any Marvel film in history. Erin Seepersad, 20, said that “Black Panther” did well because it represented black and African culture as well as its influence on young children.

“I think Black Panther did really well in comparison to other movies because it was demanded, it was needed,” Seepersad said. “It was like so many movies were coming out about the same people, the same plot, the same American type-hero comes and saves the day. Black Panther was actually good and brought lots of diversity to Marvel.”

Characters such as T’Challa, played by Boseman, inspired young audiences in a myriad of ways. Movie-goers such as Erin Seepersad, 20, and her young nephews took inspiration from Boseman’s role as the King of the fictionary land called Wakanda.

“I don’t remember the initial reaction I had to the movie but I do remember everyone like my nephews dressing up to go see it because they wanted to show their support for the actors like Chadwick Boseman,” Seepersad said. “[The movie] being a superhero film for kids of color helps them have a role model to see that they can also be that superhero and have a great impact like ‘Black Panther’ did in the movie as he did something for unity.”
The trailer for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” which dropped in July of this year, portrayed the funeral of King T’Challa, unfortunately acknowledging Boseman’s passing in 2020 due to cancer. Despite the loss of its leading character, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” honored his impact and added a deeper level of representation and unification for the black community.

“Chadwick Boseman means everything to me,” Seepersad said. “Now knowing that he filmed all these movies with his background and with cancer is so moving because although I have first-hand experience with cancer within my family, seeing him continue to fight is so moving. He is the symbol of strength and hope.”

Clubs and organizations within New York University such as the Black Student Union, Black Muslim Initiative, and African Student Union held events for students to watch the screening of the film together during its debut week. Adja Seck, a member of the BMI, said that the need for black students to come together and watch the film is important for bonding.

“I believe it’s important for students to have the opportunity to watch films centered around black and African culture because it highlights our similarities and allows us to bond,” Seck said. “It’s because of movies like ‘Black Panther’ that allowed me to find a community on campus that acknowledges our similarities and builds bonds that last a lifetime.”

According to Scielo, approximately 37% of ticket-buyers for the Black Panther films were African-American in comparison to the 15% average African-American movie theater audience. Alia Masud, 19, said that she watched the film when it debuted and that her expectations were surpassed by the end of the film for its representation and other factors.

“[The movie] was really interesting because I didn’t expect the plot at all,” Masud said. “However, “Black Panther” is really important because it was a sense of comfort for me when I watched it the first time. I didn't expect as much diversity and representation but it really exceeded my expectations.”

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is officially in theaters nationwide and will soon be available through the Disney Plus streaming service.

“I hope I don’t cry when they show the memorial for [T’Challa] because that will obviously be very important and moving for Chadwick and Black Panther fans,” Seepersad said. “The last movie exceeded my expectations and this one will too. I expect greatness and nothing less from the movie.”