1st Look: “Black Panther” Trailer

Marvel Studios has decided to treat us today with the first full trailer for their upcoming African superhero adventure film Black Panther.

We finally get to see the fictional African nation of Wakanda in all its glory in this trailer, while a remix of The Revolution Will Not Be Televised by Gil Scott-Heron plays in the background. This ties in with the theme of this film, with empowering black heroes facing off against the rest of the world. All the while, our protagonist T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) must deal with learning how to be King of Wakanda, following his father’s demise in Captain America: Civil War, and being the protector known as the Black Panther.

The cinematography for this looks amazing. From the wide, breathtaking shots of Wakanda, to the symbolic fire burning behind villain Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) and to the Black Panther in crazy awesome acrobatics and combat against his enemies. Overall, it looks like once again, Marvel is taking us to new environments and places we haven’t seen before on screen.

We also get better looks at the people in the life of T’Challa. There is Everett Ross (Martin Freeman), an international liaison of T’Challa who also first appeared in Civil War. There are also Queen Mother Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Dora Milaje bodyguard Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Dora Milaje leader Okoye (Danai Gurira). Finally, there is the other villain, weapons dealer Ulysses Klaue, who first appeared in The Avengers: Age of Ultron. His arm met an unfortunate end at the hands of the robotic menace Ultron.

Other cast members not prominently featured in the trailer are N’Jobu (Sterling K. Brown), warrior W’Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya), adviser Zuri (Forest Whitaker), T’Challa’s father T’Chaka (John Kani), T’Challa’s sister Shuri (Letitia Wright), villainous warrior M’Baku (Winston Duke) and Dora Milaje bodyguard Ayo (Florence Kasumba).

It should definitely be noted that this is Marvel Studios’ first feature film with a predominately black cast, and takes pride in that fact. In fact, listed cast members Lupita Nyong’o, John Kani and Letitia Wright have all lived in Africa. The entire diverse cast has received much praise from fans, who have long demanded to see more diversity in Marvel movies, and especially for the character of Black Panther.

As well, this is the first live action appearance of Black Panther, who first appeared in the comics in Fantastic Four #52 in 1966. This is especially noteworthy, as this makes Black Panther the first black superhero, who also appeared right around the beginnings of the Civil Rights movement. Since then, he has appeared in multiple animated shows and video games.

Marvel Studios also released this epic Black Panther poster to coincide with the release of the trailer.

Black Panther leaps into theaters February 9, 2018.

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Nick Corbin

Nick Corbin is a filmmaker and writer who hails from Boise, Idaho. When he isn’t busy acting, or writing a screenplay for his own production company, Nick can be found consuming any geek media he can get his hands on. To start a conversation, ask him about the latest cosplay he is working on.