Assembled: The Making of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Honoring the past and barreling into the future. Helming a nation, while coming to blows with another. Stepping into the shoes of a king and hero gone too soon. These are the tasks that Shuri has been charged with following the passing of T’Challa in Marvel Studios’ "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever". Through a unique behind-the-scenes lens, we gain full access to the production as they create the next chapter in our hero’s journey. The nation of Wakanda is enriched through the exploration of The Golden City and the frozen, southern peaks that are home to M’Baku and the Jabari. Our understanding of characters like Okoye and Nakia is deepened through beautifully designed costumes that further draw on inspiration from many rich cultures of Africa. We’ll see the repercussions of T’Challa’s decisions through the introduction of Dominque Thorne’s Riri Williams and her very own mechanical super suit. But perhaps most importantly, we’ll travel to the depths of the ocean with our cast and crew to meet Namor and the nation of Talokan. After months of choreography and learning to free-dive, the Talokanil and Wakandans, along with Namor and Shuri will face off in a battle for the future of both of their nations and their most valuable asset, vibranium. Shuri has been broken, but to be the Black Panther she must lead with her heart, not her fists. To honor her brother, she must dampen her thirst for vengeance, but Namor’s cunning, ruthlessness and brute strength will push her to the edge. This episode of Assembled brings audiences to the most intimate parts of production and allows us to witness director Ryan Coogler as he stewards this ship in masterful fashion. This may not have been the story that was always planned, but it’s the one that has to be told, and in the wake of immense loss, the cast and crew of the first "Black Panther" adventure come together once again to craft a beautiful story of grief, community and love.