The first Black Panther proved to be one of Marvel Studios' most profitable movies when it hit theaters back in 2018, and Ryan Coogler's sequel looks set to follow in its predecessor's paw-steps next month.
The latest industry tracking points to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever taking in $175 million over the course of its opening weekend, potentially giving it the second highest-grossing debut of the year after fellow MCU adventure, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness ($187.4M).
These aren't quite pre-pandemic blockbuster numbers, but it is a good sign than the box office is at least starting to return to normal.
Fans were initially concerned when it was announced that Marvel Studios planned to move forward with this sequel after the passing of star Chadwick Boseman, but everything we've seen so far points to the movie serving as a fitting tribute to the late actor and his beloved character.
As for who'll be replacing T'Challa as the new Panther, the most recent trailer seemed to confirm that it will be his sister Shuri (Letitia Wright), but those involved with the film aren't quite ready to let the cat out of the bag.
“If I told you that, I might as well just … swim into the ocean and never be seen again,” Lupita Nyong'o told THR when asked if it actually Nakia in the costume.
In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira), and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba), fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda. Introducing Tenoch Huerta as Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation, the film also stars Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena, and Alex Livanalli.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters on November 11.