“Wakanda Forever!”
Since the release of Black Panther in February, these words have been the top slogan and unofficial greeting amongst groups of friends, colleagues, celebrities, and just about anyone who saw the record-breaking movie.
In the film, the motto of the fictional African country Wakanda is accompanied by an “X” pose across the chest. The cast, specifically Chadwick Boseman, who plays T’Challa/Black Panther in the film, have done this pose at dozens and dozens of times at public events. At first, Boseman seemed excited about yelling out “Wakanda Forever!” and crossing his arms over his chest. Months later? Not so much.
While the love for Black Panther is still real and the movie references are endless, the internet has noticed a slight difference in the Black Panther himself. In each recent media appearance, it seems that all life and enthusiasm have been drained from Boseman’s face and he can no longer stand to do the Wakanda salute. Where is his smile? Where is the joy in his eyes? It seems “Wakanda Forever” has become “Wakinda Forever”.
It wasn’t long before Twitter accounts got hold of pictures from red carpet events and other appearances and added their own captions of what may have been going through Boseman’s mind when he posed. Even when interacting with fans, it seems as though Boseman is silently praying that the encounter will not include an exchange of the famous salute.
https://twitter.com/thispIacehoteI/status/995497539334914050
“Hey Chadwick! Wakanda Forev-“
— YSL IN 7 (@YungJayy_) May 13, 2018
Chadwick: https://t.co/mEyDbyhcnV
chadwick boseman : an evolution pic.twitter.com/8GCyI5Q9Uz
— shanks @ skypiea (@manofbeskar) May 13, 2018
Year: 2046
— shizzy shane (insert blue check here) (@shizzyshane215) May 14, 2018
Us: WAKANDA FOREVER!!
Chadwick Boseman: pic.twitter.com/IZOYBXVaGG
A rare picture of Chadwick Boseman still enjoying Wakanda Forever… Rt for good luck https://t.co/yIeVChc0Vp
— Ashanti Man (@KwekuNana96) May 13, 2018
With a sequel of Black Panther pretty much guaranteed, the Wakandan salute isn’t fading out anytime soon. Let’s hope that Boseman is mentally preparing for doing the pose many, many more times.
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