8 Spoiler-Free Reasons BLACK PANTHER Might Be The Most Important Superhero Movie Of This Generation
Much has been said about the cultural impact Black Panther is going to have when it's released later this week but why exactly is that? Here, we delve into what exactly makes Marvel's latest so important.
Black Panther is set to be released on Friday and after glowing reviews, it looks like the movie is going to massively exceed expectations and be a huge box office hit. As I mentioned in my review, it deserves every penny but why is it that Marvel's latest feels so damn important in so many ways?
While Wonder Woman was groundbreaking in the respect that it had a woman leading the charge both behind and in front of the camera, Black Panther feels like a true game changer in Hollywood.
In fact, you could even say that it's going to become the most important superhero movie of this generation even if it isn't necessarily the biggest or most important to the overarching story of Marvel's shared universe. Here, we take a spoiler-free look at what makes Black Panther such a big deal, how it could change the genre, and why you should make it a priority to watch this weekend.
It Will Prove African-American Narratives Can Generate Profits
Just like Hollywood studio execs seem to believe that movies featuring female leads can't succeed, the fact that the same sort of perception for those with black leads exists is hugely problematic.
However, just like Wonder Woman exceeded expectations and proved that it doesn't have to be a man leading a movie's cast, Black Panther makes it clear that man - or woman, for that matter - doesn't have to be white. With the signs all pointing to the Marvel movie being a massive hit at the box office, it's going to prove that stories which take this approach can indeed turn a significant profit.
Bear in mind that it's not like Black Panther is only going to be a hit because African-Americans are flooding into theaters this weekend; it's a story which has generated interest with everyone, proving that it being set in Africa with a black lead doesn't dampen enthusiasm in any way.
It Explores What It Means To Be Black In America, Africa, And The World
Black Panther is obviously set in a fictional African nation but that doesn't mean it can't touch on real-life issues and what it means for a powerful and wealthy country like this to isolate itself from a continent nowhere near as fortunate. Thanks to Michael B. Jordan's Erik Killmonger, we also get to see what it means to be black in America and while his views may be extreme, they're still relatable.
More crucially, Black Panther delves into what it means to be black regardless of where you're from and touches on the impact of colonialism, what that means today and the ongoing impact of racism.
These are all things which have been touched on before but the difference with Black Panther is that it doesn't go out of its way to touch on these problems; instead, it addresses the fact that they're always there and the different ways people deal with them and whether those are right or wrong.
It Will Change The Marvel Cinematic Universe Forever
I've seen a lot of concern that Black Panther is so focused on tackling real-life issues that it might forget to connect to the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe, something which is vitally important with Avengers: Infinity War on the horizon. Well, while the movie isn't crammed with references, cameos, or even Easter Eggs for that matter, make no mistake about it; it definitely delivers.
Not only is this movie going to have a lasting impact on the MCU but T'Challa has now been established a main player and someone we could - and should - see leading The Avengers in the place of Iron Man and Captain America down the line. That's no easy feat but after the character had what was essentially an extended cameo in Captain America: Civil War, it's good to see him developed here.
That was the most important thing Black Panther needed to do and it thankfully succeeds.
It Highlights Those Rarely Represented On Screen...
You don't need me to tell you that there's a problem in Hollywood with diversity and the fact that Black Panther boasts a cast which is nearly entirely black is a very big deal. The fact they almost all speak with relatively heavy accents rather than being American-ized is also significant and it's hard to think of another movie which has featured a cast like this and put the focus on Africa in such a big way.
Marvel deserves to be praised for the fact it never feels forced, gimmicky, or stereotypical, and regardless of where you're from or your cultural beliefs, it's fascinating to watch and a refreshing change of pace for a genre which so often takes place in cities like New York and Los Angeles.
...But Delivers A Story Everyone Can Relate To
Don't go thinking that you won't be able to relate to Black Panther if the colour of your skin differs to that of the titular hero. This is a story for everyone and children of all races should be excited about suiting up as the hero this Halloween. Unfortunately, there are already people on social media saying they won't see the movie this weekend because they don't want to "suck Black joy out of the theater."
That's a disgusting and ignorant attitude which completely misses the point of what Black Panther is trying to achieve. Unless you're the sort of vile racist who wanted to boycott Thor because Marvel cast a black actor as Heimdall, there's no way you won't appreciate this movie and the excellent story Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole have crafted, not to mention the message it gets across.
It's The Movie We Need Right Now
Considering the state of the world these days, it's fair to say that we could all do with some positivity and Black Panther provides that. Breaking down the borders between different races, everyone should be heading to theaters this weekend to enjoy the movie together and it's more important for that to happen now than ever before. After all, unity is no bad thing and if Black Panther can help build even some bridges, it's going to have a positive lasting impact which is extremely significant.
It Provides Strong Roles For Women Too
The role of women in superhero movies has always been a divisive topic, especially as they're so frequently relegated to love interest status. T'Challa may have one of those in Black Panther but every single female character here is well-developed, strong, and vital to the story. That's a rarity and an argument could definitely be made that they actually steal the show from Chadwick Boseman.
He's still excellent and definitely leading man material but it's refreshing for a movie like this to deliver so many memorable roles for women so that little girls can also leave the theater wanting to be smart like Shuri or a baddass like Okoye rather than just the superhero's girlfriend!
It Gives Young People A Role Model No Matter What Race They Are
As I've already mentioned, male, female, black, white, or whatever other race or gender you identify with, there's no reason you shouldn't leave the theater wanting to be a man every bit as good as T'Challa. The fact that young black children now have a role model who looks like them is an obvious bonus but the movie isn't at all exclusive in that respect as T'Challa is just a true superhero.
That's more important than anything and there's no denying that this movie will be a game-changer. The likes of Black Panther don't come around often so here's hoping that now going to change.