Last Night in New York, the Cast and Crew Celebrated at a Screening of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is more than just a sequel; it is a 2-hour and 41-minute—Marvel’s second-longest movie to date—tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman. Last night, director Ryan Coogler and the cast honored their dear friend alongside industry notables during the New York Screening hosted by The Cinema Society. 

The evening began with a red carpet within an AMC theater that sort of doubled as a makeshift fashion runway. Danai Gurira’s dress sparkled against the flashing lights while Tenoch Huerta’s embroidered floral jacket drew in the many eyes watching. Jon Batiste sparked wonder with his striped suit by young designer Stepehen Mikhail, while playwright Jeremy O. Harris towered elegantly among guests. But, the fashion certainly wasn’t only about beauty. It was also about culture; traditional garments such as the Filipino Barong and Indian facial accessories were also spotted amongst the crowd. It was a visual feast that foreshadowed what audiences would soon be treated to in the actual movie. 

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever starts on a heavy note by addressing Boseman’s passing straight on. Spoiler alert: the opening scene depicts the Black Panther’s funeral service in Wakanda. Princess Shuri finds it difficult to hold back her tears, while Queen Ramonda does her best to stay strong for not only her and her daughter but also the country that she leads. Following are the opening credits which, in Marvel movies, are usually filled with punchy, superhero-booming music. This time, 30-seconds of complete silence took place.

The movie ultimately answers: What does the next chapter of Wakanda look like without their Black Panther? There were laughs in the crowd from the script’s wit, jumps in chairs during the action-packed scenes, and extra tears during the moments of both trials and triumphs. For those planning to watch, stay a little longer during the closing credits for a heartwarming cliffhanger.

To celebrate, folks headed to the futuristic Hudson Yards, where they ascended 101 floors up to the Peak Restaurant and Bar. There, they were met with tunes that made guests dance with one another, “Panther Potion” and “Wakanda Forever” cocktails and succulent hors d’oeuvres. The movie’s cast mingled with others while celebrating the next chapter of the Black Panther series with an honorary cake cutting. It was a marriage of an upbeat party in an intimate setting filled with those dear to the cast—perhaps the ideal situation to continue Boseman’s legacy as the first Black Panther.