Marvel's "Black Panther" Will Join Other Superhero Movies
On November 3, 2017, Marvel Studios will release a Black Panther movie, based on the famous black comic book characters which were created in the 1960s by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. T'Challa (the Black Panther and king of the fictional African nation of Wakanda) was a superhero with powers, plot lines, and a background story that would successfully and positively change Marvel for years to come.
When the movie comes out in 2017, "The Black Panther will represent the first time Marvel Studios — the most prolific comic book movie producer in the U.S. — has released a live-action theatrical feature starring a black hero." (Cheney-Rice). T'Challa, a.k.a The Black Panther, will be played by Chadwick Boseman, who is best known for playing Jackie Robinson in 42 and James Brown in Get On Up. This beloved actor playing the part of a non-white main character/superhero represents a positive change from the typical white, male main character. This is especially important because the industry must remember to take into account its' multiracial audience. Finally, after years of comic book characters having their own movies- Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, Iron Man , Avengers- The Black Panther is earning his deserved spot in the movie industry amongst the rest of these iconic characters. Plus, this depiction of a colored superhero makes the Black Panther extra super.
Because Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), also produced by Marvel Studios, received such positive reviews from viewers and critics, I feel more confident in Marvel's ability to turn The Black Panther into a movie. However, unlike the setting seen in Guardians of the Galaxy, the African nation of Wakanda is within a familiar (although fictionalized) world of Africa. The portrayal of Wakanda will be a significant aspect of the movie because it will sway from the stereotypical portrayal of African-nations being war-torn and impoverished. Instead of these frequent, negative depictions, Marvel portrays Wakanda as a prosperous, futuristic African nation, which has never been affected by colonialism.
I know that the movie will not be in theaters for a few more years, but I look forward to the release in the meantime. I think that it is important for movies, and especially superhero movies, to appeal to the broadest audiences possible. The Black Panther is known to be the first black superhero in mainstream comics, and it is time for Marvel to remind audiences of the epic adventures of this comic book hero.
Cheney-Rice, Zak. "What Marvel's 'Black Panther' Superhero Movie Really Says About America." Identities.Mic. 4 Nov. 2014. Web. 16 Nov. 2014. <http://mic.com/articles/103392/7-reasons-why-the-black-panther-superhero-movie-is-marvel-s-best-idea-in-years>.
I think that the evolution of American movies over the past 100 years is interesting. When "The Black Panther" is released, it will be over 100 years since the release of "Birth of a Nation". So, in a little over a century, the United States has transcended from mainstream white supremacy views to illustrating black society as successful and untarnished by white terror. I think it is important to understand Marvel's agenda. By appealing to the masses, ideally the masses trek down to their local theater and take in the release of "The Black Panther". Financial success is huge, because by portraying Africa as unblemished by colonialism, it provokes a certain feel good vibe within the theater. I think a big part of how this movie engages the world outside of how well Boseman acts as the lead hero will be interesting to observe come 2017.
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