Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the number one movie at the box office for the fall/winter season. It has been the top film in theaters for three weeks in a row. This brings up the question, what’s making it so popular?

“I feel like Black Panther is one of the best films of our times because it teaches us about loss and coming together,” sophomore Navya Sreeraj wrote to the Talon. “This is a really relevant theme, especially after COVID-19 and it connects to a lot of people who have lost a family member.”  

The movie starts off with the death of King T’Challa, played by the late Chadwick Boseman. He was a central character in the Marvel Universe and an agent of change for many people as well as an honorable fighter who saves the world. Boseman’s death was shocking to many, and the character’s death memorializes him. The nation of Wakanda is in a state of mourning and is perceived as vulnerable without its ruler. Other nations make attempts to steal its most precious resource, vibranium. However, their world is protected by Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) and Princess Shuri (Letitia Wright) who become leaders in the absence of the king. 

The film’s sense of loss is paired with non-stop action scenes featuring the villainous Namor (Tenoch Huerta), trying to take over the kingdom. 

“[Wakanda Forever] properly addresses the loss of Chadwick Boseman,” Sreeraj wrote. “It is a movie that helps a lot of people move on from the actor’s death.”

According to fans who have seen the film, Wakanda Forever has a special message about bringing peace during divisive times. 

“It feels like Black Panther films always drop in the midst of turmoil in this country,” Frantz Jerome wrote in Black Nerd Problems. “Behind and all throughout the project are the hopes and dreams of people longing to see themselves in a future, any future.”

Wakanda Forever is well-received by fans and critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it’s rated “Fresh” at 84% as of November 29, with audience approval score at 94%. 

“The movie was really good and it impacted a lot of the Chadwick Boesman fans,” Sreeraj wrote. “Although it makes us cry, it also brings a sense of peace and moving forward.”