It’s a big deal for us this February because we’re, like most of you are, are incredibly excited for Black Panther! We’ve got the Pride of Wakanda, in not one but three of our crates in February as part of our PROTECT theme! Let’s check out some details about the upcoming film!
1. If you’re thinking “There can’t be that many Marvel movies”, oh but there are; Black Panther is the eighteenth film as of yet released in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Yeah, and there’s far more coming. Soooo, perhaps you’ve got a bit of binge watching to do if you’ve missed a few.
2. At one point John Boyega (of The Last Jedi, The Force Awakens and lesser known Attack the Block fame) was rumored to be considered to play T’Challa. It’s stated he was a bit too young in appearance for what they were leaning into. That and I am sure that Star Wars schedule kept him rather busy.
3. Angela Basset, who plays Queen Ramonda, has been in a comic book movie before. Granted, it was the ill-fated Green Lantern film so we can go ahead and call this a step in the right direction.
(Marvel Studios)
4. If you’re curious about Everett K. Ross and his inspiration, think waaaaay differently than comic books. Think back to Family Ties and Friends. Yes, Everett’s name is based on Alex P. Keaton and Ross Geller. It’s possible I smirked really hard while thinking of the combination of those two.
5. During a jump from aircraft, T’Challa can be heard saying ‘I never freeze’ which is in reference to Tony Stark aka Iron Man freezing during his first suit test flight.
6. The filmmakers actually took inspiration from science fiction futurist films Blade Runner for Wakanda. So, when you see some of that hyper-futuristic built into the landscape, you’ll know where it comes from.
(Marvel Studios)
7. Andy Serkis and Martin Freeman have worked together before but in a realm quite unlike the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Both actors worked in The Hobbit films and even share a pivota scene at a certain point, even if Serkis was in his legendary motion-capture performance as Gollum.
8. If you’re curious what storyline of Black Panther in the comics is providing inspiriation in this film, you can look to the recent Ta-Nehisi Coates run. Trust me, they’re worth a read.
9. Curious where the inspiration behind Killmonger’s tattoo-esque look, they’re based on the scarification markings of the Surma and Mursi tribes.
(Marvel Studios)
10. Back in the 90’s, Wesley Snipes was pushing hard to get to take on Black Panther. When it wasn’t happening, he leaned into Blade and took up that role as well as creating his own series of comic book characters. Can you imagine a crossover though?
