In a new Black Panther featurette that’s been released ahead of the film’s awards season push, fans are treated to additional behind-the-scenes insights from the cast and crew about how Wakanda was created and brought to life. As the highest-grossing MCU film to date domestically, the video provides further context for audiences, and content that continues to build out the universe.

Directed and co-written by Ryan Coogler, Black Panther offered viewers a modern African hero, and a glimpse at what an un-colonized Africa might look like. Starring Chadwick Boseman as Prince T'Challa, heir to the secretly advanced kingdom of Wakanda, the film follows his journey as he attempts to lead his nation toward a new future while confronting the challenges created by the country's past mistakes - including fan-favorite adversary Erik Killmonger, played by Michael B. Jordan. Earning more than $700 million in the U.S. and nearly $1.35 billion worldwide, Black Panther was a historic success that has created steep expectations and pressure for Coogler to deliver a fantastic sequel.

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The Marvel Entertainment featurette, entitled "Welcome to Wakanda," takes another look at the world the film created, and includes fresh interviews with the cast and crew of Black Panther discussing what making it meant to them. In the video, Angela Bassett, who plays T’Challa’s mother Ramonda, touches on the way in which the film “reaches to the heart of the histories we’ve read about our people,” and Coogler is given an opportunity to drive his vision home with this quote:

Wakanda represents for us…Africa. Like a fantasy of what could be if African people had control over their own resources. And the idea was that it was more technologically advanced than anybody could imagine. Going to Africa was extremely important for us because we took direct inspiration from places on the continent.

In addition to commercial success, Black Panther’s ability to highlight socially relevant themes and topics helped it become a cultural movement beyond what is usually seen from a comic book adaptation. The film created a rich narrative and world that was appreciated by fans and critics alike, which continues to receive recognition as awards season rolls around. Already, the film has received nominations from the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Awards, and an Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture bid from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) awards. The film’s success has also allegedly altered the composition of future MCU entries, with reports suggesting that there were Avengers: Endgame reshoots that specifically added more of Black Panther and Wakanda.

With all the hype surrounding Black Panther, it could be difficult for Coogler and the cast to meet fans’ absurd expectations for the sequel. That being said, winning a few awards - and potentially an Oscar - might make it a bit easier for them to take on the challenge.

Next: What Black Panther Needs To Do To Win An Oscar

Source: Marvel Entertainment

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