Stars of the highly-anticipated Black Panther: Wakanda Forever graced the red carpet at the London premiere on November 3, celebrating the film’s portrayal of African culture and its impact on global perceptions. The sequel to the 2018 blockbuster, Black Panther, has been praised for its representation of Africa and its predominantly Black cast, marking a milestone in Hollywood’s diversity.

Lupita Nyong’o, who reprises her role as Nakia, highlighted the film’s influence on embracing African culture. “We are celebrating our culture, we are celebrating where we are from in a way that is extremely inclusive,” said Nyong’o. The original Black Panther became a cultural phenomenon, grossing US$1.3 billion worldwide and opening doors for more conversations about Africa’s rich heritage.

Florence Kasumba, who also stars in the film, noted the importance of such representation for younger generations. “I would have needed that movie as a child because there are not so many role models,” she said at the premiere.

The film’s significance extends beyond the entertainment industry. Nigerian lecturer Ayodeji Aiyesimoju remarked that the movie “marked a turning point in Black history” and sparked global curiosity about Africa. However, he also expressed a desire for African film industries to capitalize on this momentum by creating more partnerships with major Hollywood studios.

While some critics view Black Panther as an exploitation of African culture, actress Danai Gurira defended the film, emphasizing Africa’s profound influence on the movie’s narrative. “The role I play was all about looking at what Africa was and bringing that into the world,” she said.

As Wakanda Forever continues to receive global attention, its cultural impact highlights both the celebration of African heritage and the ongoing discussions about authentic representation in Hollywood.