Black Panther was more than just a Marvel superhero movie event back in February 2018. It changed how the world sees blockbusters, proving that they can substantial game changers for cultural significance, superhero storytelling, and audience representation in film.

This was a film that was so much more than just a superhero story (although there's no doubt that it was also a fantastic superhero story). It is amazing how an MCU solo film would touch on so many important topics, and have such an impact across the globe.

UPDATE: 2022/11/29 15:30 EST BY GEORGE CHRYSOSTOMOU

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is storming the box office and impressing global audiences at the cinema. The original Black Panther truly inspired a generation of movie-goers and has made some significant changes to the industry and to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As viewers head back to Wakanda it's a great time to reflect on that topic again.

It Helped To Define The Legacy Of Chadwick Boseman As An Actor

T'Challa sat on the throne in Black Panther

Losing the late Chadwick Boseman was a massive blow to audiences around the world. Boseman was special. He had a factor that couldn't be replicated. While his talent was another level, he continued to get better at his craft every time he appeared on screen.

RELATED: Wakanda Forever's Shuri's 10 Best Quotes From The Comics

In truth, Black Panther changed the world because it added to the legacy of Chadwick Boseman. It's still a symbol of what can be created despite the adversity the actor was facing. It's a gorgeous picture and one that Boseman was always incredibly proud of.

It Showed The Strength Of Supporting Characters

Winston Duke as M'Baku holding his staff in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

When adding to the Marvel Cinematic Universe there are a lot of must-read comics to draw from, and for Wakanda that included plenty of supporting characters. With the loss of Boseman, the sequel, Wakanda Forever, had to pivot around those supporting characters from the original film.

No other franchise had to change direction quite like this, but it changed the industry in showing that even those with a smaller voice still have a massive part to play in the larger scheme. The strength of the supporting cast demonstrated that every role matters and only helps to secure diversity further, while indicating that different archetypes can be leading protagonists.

It Opened MCU Opportunities For New Locations

Tenoch Huerta as Namor in Black Panther Wakanda Forever looking to the right

Black Panther demonstrated that audiences were ready to dive into complex new fantastical worlds that were built from cultures that weren't always seen on screen. Without Wakanda and its incredible portrayal, audiences never would have gotten to witness Namor and his people in Talokan.

That in turn could open up countless more opportunities to explore further diverse locations across the globe; perhaps Latveria will be the next area to dive into. Indeed, the likes of Shang-Chi might have never been able to make the moves that it did without the initial portrayal of the African Nation in Black Panther. That's so important from a representation standpoint again.

It Showcased Biased Global Politics

Martin Freeman as Everett Ross in the MCU

Not every major blockbuster faces biased global politics head-on. But the initial Black Panther and now its sequel, hasn't shied away from the political consequences of the decade-defining decisions that have been made in recent years. From closing down nation's borders to continuing to take advantage of another country's resources.

T'Challa and Shuri's journey to becoming Black Panther mirrored one another because both were with the backdrop of major political events that will shape their future. That extends back to the colonial periods, with the importance of the movie talking about slavery continuing to partially define it.

It Introduced A New Generation To Comics

Shuri in her Black Panther garb in Marvel comics

Every comic book lover wants the industry to grow. There haven't always been easy paths into the industry but for those who watched Black Panther and fell in love with the story, many would have wanted to see themselves reflected on the page too.

RELATED: 10 Best Wakanda Forever Quotes That Prove Nakia Would Be A Great Black Panther

So whether it's based on representation, or because Black Panther is such an epic release, there was a brand-new generation of readers who have decided to enjoy the Marvel Universe in its original form. That's a beautiful thing and can help to shape the next generation of the industry.

It Paved The Way For Lesser-Known Superheroes

A screenshot of Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa preparing his men and other allies for battle against Thanos' army in Avengers: Infinity War

Almost any modern-day superhero movie leave an impression on pop culture. But Black Panther reached unprecedented heights of popularity that elevated him almost to the same level as Iron Man or Spider-Man. It proved that a comic book character doesn't have to be a household name to be a massive success on the big screen.

The 'Wakanda Forever' salute itself which has been defined by the Wakandan characters, is a noticeable trend that many people have started to use in their daily lives. If a superhero that few non-comic-fans had heard of can do that, it creates space for other (more diverse) lesser-known heroes to join the heavy hitters in the MCU.

It Legitimatized Superhero Movies At The Oscars

A screenshot of Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa -- along with Danai Gurira's Okoye, Lupita N'yongo's Nakia and Florence Kasumba's Ayo -- walking to a UN assembly in Black Panther

Superhero movies tended to be given the cold shoulder at awards ceremonies, especially the Academy Awards. The Dark Knight proved that it can be possible to gain such recognition, winning two Oscars (sound editing and a posthumous Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role). However, Black Panther was able to show that even the action-packed, colorful MCU-style superhero movies are awards-worthy.

For the 91st Academy Awards, the film garnered seven nominations and won three Oscars – for Best Costume Design, Best Original Score, and Best Production Design. It seems that with these awards under the MCU's belt, more superhero movies might find their way onto that list.

It Brought Afrofuturism To The Mainstream

A screenshot of the Wakanada's futuristic downtown proper in Black Panther

The 18th film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe was notable for highlighting Afrofuturism to mainstream audiences. To the unfamiliar, Afrofuturism is the cultural movement that integrates the progression of technology with the evolving African diaspora. The entire film is brimmed with depictions of Afrofuturism aesthetics.

This is seen in the costumes, in T’Challa’s arsenal, and throughout Wakanda itself. Having Wakanda as the primary source for Vibranium provides an outlet for technologically advanced infrastructures to define the African nation hidden from others. Compared to many on-screen depictions of Africa as a poverty-stricken nation, this was an incredible way to show a different (admittedly fictional) kind of Africa - and one that is more accurate to many big cities on this continent (minus the super-tech!).

It Helped To Promote Science And Technology Role Models For Black Youth

A screenshot of Letitia Wright's Shuri showing her brother T'Challa about his upgrades in Black Panther

Thanks to its sleek (though exaggerated) depiction of Afrofuturism, Black Panther became an unsung hero to help boost interest in science and technology among the younger generation, especially for Black American youth. Even the actress who plays Shuri (Letitia Wright) has spoken up to use her platform to encourage young Black women to study STEM subjects.

RELATED: 10 Most Valid Criticisms Of Wakanda Forever, According To Reddit

This film does an amazing job of presenting a positive role model for science and technology through Shuri. Her character alone breaks certain cinematic tropes about scientists and inventors. And her gusto for crafting state-of-the-art arsenal became one of the models for her fans to follow.

It Spoke To The Differences Between Africans And Black Americans

Killmonger squares up to T'Challa in Black Panther

To set the record straight, Africans and African-Americans are not the same - although they may have common ancestors in Africa. Black Panther highlighted this often-overlooked issue and showed that difference by contrasting T’Challa and Killmonger. Though both are natural-born Wakandans of the same royal lineage, they each are raised differently.

Erik “Killmonger” Stevens grew up fatherless in Oakland and faced hardships as a minority. Meanwhile, T’Challa was groomed to take his father’s place as ruler of Wakanda, living under royal privileges. This disparity that drove T’Challa to defy tradition is emblematic of today’s cultural debunking.

It Set The Bar For Supervillains Through Killmonger

A screenshot of Michael B. Jordan's Killmonger being taken to T'Challa in Black Panther

It is thanks to Killmonger that discussions about cultural disparity were brought to the table. Rarely does a villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have such nuance that it set a gold standard for supervillains to follow. Unlike many others who have somewhat ridiculous/formulaic motives, Killmonger's rage over the treatment of his race, appropriation of his culture, and the history of Black Americans is timely and takes the idea of a sympathetic villain to a new level.

With his charismatic and domineering presence, Michael B. Jordan is excellent as the devious Killmonger. His appeal as a villain comes largely from his views about Wakanda’s resources and justifiable philosophy of assisting minorities. He is one of the best supervillains of the last decade.

It Showed The Impact Of Strong Female Characters

Okoye, Nakia and Ayo underneath a waterfall looking concerned in Black Panther

Apart from T’Challa and Killmonger, Black Panther is a celebration of strong female characters, whose personalities at times outshine their male counterparts. The most prominent one is Nakia, T'Challa's former lover and a secret emissary for Wakanda. Her views for a diplomatic Wakanda serves as a foil for T’Challa.

Then, there is Shuri, T’Challa’s teenage sister and primary engineer for Wakanda, who is up-to-date with the world’s technology. Next is Okoye, the head of the Dora Milaje who is a woman of incredible honor (and incredible talent as a fighter).

It Proved That A Predominantly Black Cast Can Draw Huge Audiences

A screenshot of the cast for a promotion shot in Black Panther

While the film’s massive billion-dollar success can be attributed to the Marvel Studios brand, there can no longer be any doubt that a predominantly Black cast helped draw those numbers.

RELATED: Wakanda Forever & 9 Other Comic Book Movies That Deal With Serious Issues

Aside from Jordan, the cast includes award-winning Lupita Nyong'o, The Walking Dead’s Danai Gurira, Get Out’s Daniel Kaluuya, newcomer Letitia Wright, veterans Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa.

It Made Chadwick Boseman A Household Name

Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa during his rescue mission for Nakia in Black Panther

It would be impossible to talk about Black Panther without acknowledging its leading man, Chadwick Boseman. Boseman made his mark by playing iconic Black personalities like Jackie Robinson in 42, James Brown in Get On Up, and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall. And thanks to the MCU, Boseman had a shot at an iconic African superhero.

Chadwick Boseman debuted as T’Challa in Captain America: Civil War. He continued his arc of taking his father’s throne with a renewed philosophy on how to govern Wakanda moving the films further toward the comics. And he truly commanded every scene with gravitas. Rest in power, Chadwick Boseman.

It Became A Rallying Cry For Diversity And Representation In Films

A screenshot behind-the-scenes of director Ryan Coogler showing Danai Gurira her cues as Okoye in Black Panther

Finally, Black Panther became the superhero movie that solidified the argument for more diversity and representation in superhero films. Before this, a predominant minority had yet to command an entire blockbuster. And thanks to Black Panther, minorities were given that golden opportunity.

It is through Black Panther that Marvel Studios greenlit more diverse entries in terms of the representation in the leading cast members from heroes like Shang-Chi to Black Widow.

NEXT: 10 Most Powerful Vibranium Creations In The MCU, Ranked