Black Panther: Wakanda Forever might just be the film that puts an end to the ‘Marvel Fatigue’ that fans seemed to have recoiled from after several failed Phase 4 attempts. When it comes to some of the major endeavors under the current phase, especially Sam Raimi’s Multiverse of Madness and Taika Waititi’s Thor: Love and Thunder, audience anticipation was off the charts. People believed that these two projects would rise well beyond the MCU standard.
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Alas, the situation ended up being vastly different from what we all expected. The Benedict Cumberbatch starrer and the Chris Hemsworth-led premise both fell flat in the face of many long-time fans. On a positive note, out of all the Phase 4 films, Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings was a narratively fruitful, action-packed, and genuinely impressive effort.
However, with only two or three good attempts to account for in an ever-encompassing and expansive cinematic phase, a franchise as big as the MCU not only needs a great box-office hit, but also a story that keeps the fans in it for the long run. If not, mindless entertainment is what the renowned industry stalwart will be known for – if it hasn’t already garnered such a tainted reputation.
MCU’s Phase 4 Let-downs
Credits where it’s due: while most of Phase 4 was categorized with what many deem a classic example of quantity over quality, some of the series and films did suffice in the hearts of the fans (and on the commercial front), to say the least. Loki, Moon Knight, WandaVision, Spiderman: No Way Home, and to an ambitious extent, Ms. Marvel. These are several endeavors that are not free of flaws but they at least tried to bring something new to the table.
Alas, with several constraints such as the much-abhorred 6-Episode structure, extremely convoluted plot points, narrative flaws, lack of congruency, CGI quality, the problem with villains, etc., the aforementioned premises too have indirectly or directly aided in building up the fatigue people are experiencing. Things still seemed manageable, somewhat salvageable. With speculatively potent releases like Thor: Love and Thunder and Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness, people were waiting to see the MCU fully reinvigorated.
Sadly, what was supposed to become some of MCU’s biggest films ended up being a disaster. While they did perform well at the box office, it was nothing in comparison to what some of the earlier phases were pulling. Additionally, the narrative, for both films, was lackluster and all over over the place. While the Taika Waititi-directed film was disapproved for its uber-obnoxious themes, Sam Raimi‘s Multiverse of Madness had too much going on. The latter was also criticized for its unstable pacing, the lack of a proper character arc for Doctor Strange, and of course, the “cameo problem.”
With such elements to account for, fans have been desperately waiting for a miracle, something that transcends beyond a mere cash-grab film. Since Black Panther: Wakanda Forever serves as our only remaining hope, the audiences have turned to eye Ryan Coogler expectantly.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Is MCU’s Saving Grace
One may ask — how exactly will the upcoming film, which is set to end MCU’s Phase 4, manage to reverse the harm that has been caused by the other attempts? Besides, many fans of the community were (some still are) sticking to their suspicions; extremely skeptical whether or not the film would be able to carry on the legacy left behind by Chadwick Boseman.
However, as attested by several media critics and passionate Marvel connoisseurs, the unveiling of the recent teasers and trailers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is promising an emotionally heartfelt, compact, and serious story. It is honoring the past while embracing the changes of the present and the future.
While Letitia Wright’s involvement in the film has been making people wary, especially after the past two years of controversies she found herself entangled in, audiences have enormous faith in director Ryan Coogler, who left an ambitious mark in the minds of the people with the first Black Panther film.
Furthermore, the endeavor feels more than a “cash grab” as claimed by notable content creator TheCubanCrusher. It serves as the kind of movie that Marvel Studios desperately requires right now to cement itself as a franchise that prioritizes quality over quantity. With its somber, earnest, yet energetic, action-packed tone, fans are convinced that Wakanda Forever will act like a breath of fresh air, a cherished gem amongst the mountain pile of mediocrity.
From Namor’s intriguing yet much-awaited inclusion, to elaborate, well-curated set designs, to Shuri’s detailed, sleek Black Panther suit — the movie seems to offer greatness and an unmatched level of authenticity. Just like the first film changed the standards of MCU narrative, the Letitia Wright-led attempt will hopefully strive to do the same.
Fingers crossed.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premieres on 11 November 2022.
