There are many enthusiastic and fanatical people anxiously anticipating simply the announcement of the film starring Black Panther. The excitement the film itself will produce will be enormous. That excitement must be met with a film worthy of it and all of the expectations that accompany it. The minds behind the Marvel success are quite capable, as they've proven multiple times, of producing high quality and long lasting pieces of movie history, but, there is only one chance to properly portray a character like the king of
Wakanda on screen. The reason for that truth may be somewhat uncomfortable for some, but, allow me to explain.
The portrayal of an African King from a technologically superior, intellectually advanced, militarily self- sufficient, financially independent, NON-CHRISTIAN country must be as close to being above reproach as possible. Why is that? The reason is that there are direct ties to our psychology and potential biases involved in those characteristics that don't exist in the minds of some for characters like talking trees, animals or billionaire playboys. That is what Marvel meant by saying that the portrayal of Wakanda was "difficult". There is a cultural challenge to viewing Africans that way even in fantasy.
So, the need to make the film have real gravitas is tremendous. The question then becomes- How do you accomplish that?
This is a list of things that must be addressed:
The racist aspect of the antagonists cannot be overlooked-
The primary reasons that the antagonists (more than likely Klaw and outside governments) are against Wakanda are the same reasons Africa is struggling in reality: Colonialism and greed spurred on by the desire to steal resources and racism. To minimize that in an attempt not to offend some people or to try to talk down to some would be disingenuous.
The Panther's abilities must not be lessened-
This character has the intellect of Marvel's lead character (Iron Man), the physical abilities of the peak human specimen(Captain America) a royal title higher than the prince of Asgard and responsibilities over an entire nation. He cannot be portrayed as anything less than regal and brilliant.
There can be NO colonialism-
Wakanda has complete autonomy and was never conquered so the trappings that come from that must not be represented. American or European culture should not be present. I.E.. - fast food, western clothing, slang, mannerisms, or beliefs. This would not be, for example, a capitalist Christian society. It also would not be a Hip-Hop culture or one that would embrace reality TV.
Avoid even unintentionally racist images-
If there is a single person in this modern advanced country carrying a spear, wearing grass clothing, or walking around with nothing but loincloths on then Marvel will have failed. Would modern Japan, Paris, New York or Rome be portrayed in any lesser fashion?
It would be desirable to have a black director-
Although it wouldn't be strictly the only route to authenticity, it would be a great opportunity to add another bit of diversity to the Marvel experience.
The potential for this movie is very high. The desire for a heroic portrayal of a black hero is monumental. The contribution to the Marvel legacy is great. But the possibility of a watered down, toothless movie is also a reality. So, if you're listening Marvel, this can't be just another undertaking because the results reflect on our collective culture.