Behind The Scenes of Marvel Studios' 'Black Pather: Wakanda Forever' with Angela Bassett

In the wake of T’Challa’s death, Wakanda is left without a Black Panther. As vibranium is found in the realm, a new enemy breaches Wakandan borders. Queen Ramonda must join forces with this new threat of potentially put her people at risk. Go behind the scenes of the epic film with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Official Movie Special, available on October 31 at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million or wherever you like to buy books.

In the film, Marvel Studios' Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,  Queen Ramonda, portrayed by Angela Bassett, is joined by Shuri, Okoye, Nakia, M’Baku, and some unexpected allies must overcome the grief of losing one of the world’s greatest Super Heroes to repel this powerful adversary and take their places among the legendary heroes of Wakanda.

The special edition takes you behind the scenes of the new movie to meet the director, producer, writers, and cast, and discover a wealth of incredible on-set photography and production art. Through exclusive interviews you can hear what it was like to bring Ryan Coogler's vision to life.  

You can pre-order Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Official Movie Special at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million or wherever you like to buy books.

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book with Angela Bassett, who was nominated for an Oscar for her role as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

INTERVIEW WITH ANGELA BASSETT

How was it to take on the role in Black Panther?

It was an offer that couldn’t be refused; an opportunity to see women who look like me in their resplendent glory. Those opportunities were few and far between. A role quite like this had never quite been seen before. I have always been interested in African American history, and history in general. We’ve always been told, or we tell our kids, that you could be President or that we are descendants of kings and queens. Now, we have a moment where we can actually see that – it’s make-believe, but audiences have embraced this. Wakanda feels like it actually exists. It’s just been so compelling and meant so very much to so many.

Were you surprised by the global reaction?

I don’t think I was surprised. Our African American culture and black culture has been at the forefront in art, fashion, music… It makes sense to me that this film would resonate in the way that it does. A decade or two ago it may been surprising, but I wasn’t surprised – though I was very, very pleased that it did as well as it did. Ryan has such a big heart and he is such a great storyteller. The actors that he’s brought together, we’re filled with emotion and passion. On set, we adore and appreciate one another. Our story originated in the comics, but the mother and daughter dynamic is real and universal. As artists, as individual actors, we embrace that.

What does it mean to you showing these films to your children?

It certainly has been very special. I was very, very proud to bring them to the premiere because it was a first. To see all this beautiful imagery and black royalty on screen – it was important to them, just like seeing the first African American President. It was a special time and a special film. It shattered so many preconceived notions. Expectations were realized and surpassed. So, I’m excited for them to see this movie as well.

You did some shooting in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico is standing in for Nosy Nato in Madagascar, off the coast of Africa. This is where I meet Namor. I am to bring his shell and summon him, it was my first trip there – it’s beautiful. The people are beautiful. I was really excited to be in this exotic location. I had to take a few swimming lessons. I thought I could swim a little bit, but, no – Olympic swimmers taught us how to breathe and hold our breath for free diving, that sort of thing. A few of us got really good at it. Me not being one of those people, I got good enough to do what I needed to do. I’m proud that I was able to accomplish that.

Order Marvel Studios’ Wakanda Forever: The Official Movie Special to read the full interview with Angela Bassett, meet director Ryan Coogler, actors Letitia Wright (Princess Shuri), Lupita Nyong’o (Nakia) and more, illustrated with a wealth of incredible on-set photography and production art. On sale October 31, 2023.

Pre-order Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Official Movie Special at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million or wherever you like to buy books.