The African premiere of Marvel’s highly anticipated “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” took place in Lagos, Nigeria, on Sunday, 6th November 2022, in a historic event which the director of the film, Ryan Coogler, described as “it’s as significant as it gets".
The sequel to 2018’s groundbreaking “Black Panther” returns with a world-renowned female cast, including Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright and Michaela Cole.
The beloved King T'Challa dies at the opening of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," a script change made after actor Chadwick Boseman passed away from cancer in 2020 just before the sequel was due to start filming.
"T'Challa surrounded himself with powerful women," actor Letitia Wright said in an interview ahead of the movie's global rollout that starts on Wednesday, 9th November 2022. "We see these women in this film step into another level of leadership, together."
Actor Lupita Nyong’o added: "I think it is a good example for us in the world we live in, that it shouldn't be remarkable for women to be in charge. They are very capable."
At the Lagos premiere, Nyong’o said: “This continent inspired this film. And so the fact that we’re bringing it here to celebrate with the people who very much inspired it, is monumental”.
The premiere was held in association with the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) and FilmOne Entertainment. Chioma Ude, Founder of AFRIFF, said: “We are excited and proud to be a part of the premiere of this milestone film here in Africa. This is huge for the continent of Africa as it symbolizes to us further bridging of the gaps between the global film industries.”