Black Panther was more than just a Marvel superhero movie event back in February 2018. It changed how the world sees blockbusters, proving that they can substantial game changers for cultural significance, superhero storytelling, and audience representation in film.
This was a film that was so much more than just a superhero story (although there’s no doubt that it was also a fantastic superhero story). It is amazing how an MCU solo film would touch on so many important topics, and have such an impact across the globe.
10 Paved The Way For Lesser-Known Superheroes
Almost any modern-day superhero movie leave an impression on pop culture. But Black Panther reached unprecedented heights of popularity that elevated him almost to the same level as Iron Man or Spider-Man. It proved that a comic book character doesn’t have to be a household name to be a massive success on the big screen.
The ‘Wakanda Forever’ salute itself is a noticeable trend that many people have started to use in their daily lives. If a superhero that few non-comic-fans had heard of can do that, it creates space for other (more diverse) lesser-known heroes to join the heavy hitters in the MCU.
9 It Legitimatized Superhero Movies In The Oscars
Superhero movies tended to be given the cold shoulder at awards ceremonies, especially the Academy Awards. The Dark Knight proved that it can be possible to gain such recognition, winning two Oscars (sound editing and a posthumous Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role). However, Black Panther was able to show that even the action-packed, colorful MCU-style superhero movies are awards-worthy.
For the 91st Academy Awards, the film garnered seven nominations and won three Oscars – for Best Costume Design, Best Original Score, and Best Production Design. It seems that with these awards under the MCU’s belt, more superhero movies might find their way onto that list.
8 It Brought Afrofuturism To The Mainstream
The 18th film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe was notable for highlighting Afrofuturism to mainstream audiences. To the unfamiliar, Afrofuturism is the cultural movement that integrates the progression of technology with the evolving African diaspora. The entire film is brimmed with depictions of Afrofuturism aesthetics.
This is seen in the costumes, in T’Challa’s arsenal, and throughout Wakanda itself. Having Wakanda as the primary source for Vibranium provides an outlet for technologically advanced infrastructures to define the African nation hidden from others. Compared to many on-screen depictions of Africa as a poverty-stricken nation, this was an incredible way to show a different (admittedly fictional) kind of Africa – and one that is more accurate to many big cities on this continent (minus the super-tech!).
7 It Created Science and Technology Role Models For Black Youth
Thanks to its sleek (though exaggerated) depiction of Afrofuturism, Black Panther became an unsung hero to help boost interest in science and technology among the younger generation, especially for Black American youth. Even the actress who plays Shuri (Letitia Wright) has spoken up to use her platform to encourage young Black women to study STEM subjects.
This film does an amazing job of presenting a positive role model for science and technology through Shuri. Her character alone breaks certain cinematic tropes about scientists and inventors. And her gusto for crafting state-of-the-art arsenal became one of the models for her fans to follow.
6 It Spoke To The Differences Between Africans And Black Americans
To set the record straight, Africans and African-Americans are not the same – although they may have common ancestors in Africa. Black Panther highlighted this often-overlooked issue and showed that difference by contrasting T’Challa and Killmonger. Though both are natural-born Wakandans of the same royal lineage, they each are raised differently.
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Erik “Killmonger” Stevens grew up fatherless in Oakland and faced hardships as a minority. Meanwhile, T’Challa was groomed to take his father’s place as ruler of Wakanda, living under royal privileges. This disparity that drove T’Challa to defy tradition is emblematic of today’s cultural debunking.
5 It Set The Bar For Supervillains Through Killmonger
It is thanks to Killmonger that discussions about cultural disparity were brought to the table. Rarely does a villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have such nuance that it set a gold standard for supervillains to follow. Unlike many others who have somewhat ridiculous/formulaic motives, Killmonger’s rage over the treatment of his race, appropriation of his culture, and the history of Black Americans is timely and takes the idea of a sympathetic villain to a new level.
With his charismatic and domineering presence, Michael B. Jordan is excellent as the devious Killmonger. His appeal as a villain comes largely from his views about Wakanda’s resources and justifiable philosophy of assisting minorities. He is one of the best supervillains of the last decade.
4 It Showed The Impact Of Strong Female Characters
Apart from T’Challa and Killmonger, Black Panther is a celebration of strong female characters, whose personalities at times outshine their male counterparts. The most prominent one is Nakia, T’Challa’s former lover and a secret emissary for Wakanda. Her views for a diplomatic Wakanda serves as a foil for T’Challa.
Then, there is Shuri, T’Challa’s teenage sister and primary engineer for Wakanda, who is up-to-date with the world’s technology. Next is Okoye, the head of the Dora Milaje who is a woman of incredible honor (and incredible talent as a fighter).
3 It Proved That A Predominantly Black Cast Can Draw Huge Audiences
While the film’s massive billion-dollar success can be attributed to the Marvel Studios brand, there can no longer be any doubt that a predominantly Black cast helped draw those numbers.
Aside from Jordan, the cast includes award-winning Lupita Nyong’o, The Walking Dead’s Danai Gurira, Get Out’s Daniel Kaluuya, newcomer Letitia Wright, veterans Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa.
2 It Made Chadwick Boseman A Household Name
It would be impossible to talk about Black Panther without acknowledging its leading man, Chadwick Boseman. Boseman made his mark by playing iconic Black personalities like Jackie Robinson in 42, James Brown in Get On Up, and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall. And thanks to the MCU, Boseman had a shot at an iconic African superhero.
Chadwick Boseman debuted as T’Challa in Captain America: Civil War. He continued his arc of taking his father’s throne with a renewed philosophy on how to govern Wakanda. And he truly commanded every scene with gravitas. Rest in power, Chadwick Boseman.
1 It Became A Rallying Cry For Diversity And Representation In Films
Finally, Black Panther became the superhero movie that solidified the argument for more diversity and representation in superhero films. Before this, a predominant minority had yet to command an entire blockbuster. And thanks to Black Panther, minorities were given that golden opportunity.
It is through Black Panther that Marvel Studios greenlit more diverse entries like the upcoming Black Widow and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
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