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Warning: spoilers ahead
After a somewhat mediocre Phase Four, the Marvel Cinematic Universe had lost some steam after exhausting itself through six films, nine television series and a special presentation from Marvel Studios. Heading into the tenth and final film of this phase, Marvel needed a surefire win to fuel the hopeful return to world domination. Director Ryan Coogler returned to Wakanda for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, creating one of the top five Marvel films of all time.
Wakanda Forever picks up after the death of T’Challa the Black Panther, which Marvel wanted to implement following the untimely death of actor Chadwick Boseman. This film focuses on the trauma left behind by Wakanda after T’Challa’s death, specifically his younger sister Shuri and his mother, Queen Ramonda. It also introduces a hidden parallel land, Talocan, ruled by Namor, played by Tenoch Huerta, who also uses Vibranium.
With the Black Panther’s throne left vacant, Namor attacks Wakanda, sending the two countries on a collision course toward all-out war. The vacuum left by the Black Panther’s death reflects the NBA’s current parity. With the defending champions Golden State Warriors off to a slow start, the NBA is open to a new champion. We drew parallels between the heroes and villains of Wakanda Forever and current NBA superstars to create role-playing games that most closely resemble the dynamic characters in the film.
