1000 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(02/26/21 8:30pm)
by Mason Kupiainen
With the Infinity Saga wrapped up, it may feel like Marvel doesn’t have any more tricks up their sleeves. Phase Four recently began with the premiere of Wandavision, giving us a brief glimpse into what the next couple of years will look like for Marvel Studios. Wandavision marks the beginning of a story arc that will carry over into Spider-Man: No Way Home and concludes with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. With the introduction of both the multiverse and characters that have been revealed that will be in Spider-Man: No Way Home, it’s looking like we’ll finally be getting a live-action version of the Spider-Verse, with Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield returning as their incarnations of the web-slinger. However, recent comments from Tom Holland have said otherwise. So, is there any factual evidence for the Spider-Verse?
Jamie Foxx and Alfred Molina
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="372"] Image from CinemaBlend[/caption]
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="373"] Image from The Hollywood Reporter[/caption]
The first clue that Spider-Man: No Way Home introduced the Spider-Verse was the announcement of Foxx returning as Electro. This came as shocking news since he previously played the character in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, with his performance not really liked by audiences. It’s still unclear if he’s playing the exact version from that film or an alternate universe version, but Foxx did let it slip that he wouldn’t “be blue this time.” Sometime after this announcement was made, another familiar face joined the cast. Molina was revealed to be returning as Doctor Octopus, the same character he played in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2. His version, on the other hand, is beloved by audiences and continues to show evidence that Maguire and Garfield could be returning.
Doctor Strange and Wanda
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="370"] Image from DroidJournal[/caption]
Another returning character that will be appearing in this film is Doctor Strange. With the Doctor Strange sequel being titled In the Multiverse of Madness, and being the conclusion of the story arc set up in Wandavision and carrying over into Spider-Man: No Way Home, it feels right that the Spidey film will bring in other iterations of the character. Wanda Maximoff, who will be in Multiverse of Madness, has been rumored to be making an appearance in this film as well. If Wandavision does introduce the multiverse in the series finale, maybe Maguire and Garfield will surprise the world with a cameo.
Casting Rumors
Other than Foxx and Molina, there have been many other casting rumors for the third Spidey film. Willem Dafoe as Green Goblin, Thomas Haden Church as Sandman, and Charlie Cox as Daredevil have all been rumored to be making appearances in the film. If Dafoe and Church actually are in the film, then it would be hard to argue that we won’t be seeing the other Spider-Men. If this is true, there is a possibility of the Sinister Six as the main antagonist since we’ll have Green Goblin, Doc Ock, and Sandman all from Maguire’s universe, Elector from Garfield's, and Vulture and Mysterio from Holland’s. Having all three Spider-Men join together in the finale of the film facing off the Sinister Six would be a great way to end this trilogy, as well as keep audiences excited for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Multiple Titles
Although the title has been officially revealed as Spider-Man: No Way Home, there were multiple titles revealed by the cast the day before. Those titles included Phone Home, Home-Wrecker, and Home Slice. Although none of these titles specifically refer to the multiverse, there have been theories about why three fake titles were revealed. One of those theories is that each of the titles refers to the three Spider-Men. The theory claims that Home-Wrecker is referring to Garfield’s Spider-Man destroying the lives of Gwen Stacy’s family, with Home-Slice referring to Maguire’s Spider-Man being a pizza delivery man. Finally, Phone Home refers to Holland’s Spider-Man calling Happy.
Holland’s Response
The main piece of information holding back the idea that Maguire and Garfield could be showing up in this film was a statement from Holland. During an interview, when he was asked about other Spider-Men showing up, he simply replied, “No, no, they will not be appearing in this film.” This should be taken with a grain of salt since he could simply be trying to cover up the secret that the other two Spider-Men will make an appearance. While there hasn’t been an official statement from the studio or those involved with the film that all three Spider-Men will be in the film, there also hasn’t been a statement that they won’t.
Sources: CBR, CinemaBlend, Geekfeed, Heroic Hollywood, Newsweek, The Hollywood Reporter, The Verge
Images: CinemaBlend, Droid Journal, The Hollywood Reporter
Featured Image: Mashable India
(02/27/21 5:00am)
Blake and Graham break down Bethesda's future event to show off upcoming games following their acquisition by Microsoft. Checkpoint is Byte's video news series, reporting on recent events in the world of entertainment, tech, and pop culture. Whether its video games, film, television, or music, we've got you covered!Anchors: Blake Chapman, Graham HardingExecutive Producer: Aaron DwyerVideo Editing: Blake Chapman Audio Editing: Shwetha SundarrajanGraphics: Kellyn HarrisonMusic: Jack McGinnis
(02/26/21 3:27pm)
[embed]https://youtu.be/yHGPntIAu_8[/embed]
Blake and Graham break down Bethesda's future event to show off upcoming games following their acquisition by Microsoft.
Checkpoint is Byte's video news series, reporting on recent events in the world of entertainment, tech, and pop culture. Whether its video games, film, television, or music, we've got you covered!
Anchors: Blake Chapman, Graham Harding
Executive Producer: Aaron Dwyer
Video Editing: Blake Chapman
Audio Editing: Shwetha Sundarrajan
Graphics: Kellyn Harrison
Music: Jack McGinnis
(02/25/21 6:43pm)
Graham and Blake break down Nintendo's latest announcements about the Legend of Zelda series. Checkpoint is Byte's video news series, reporting on recent events in the world of entertainment, tech, and pop culture. Whether its video games, film, television, or music, we've got you covered! Anchors: Graham Harding, Blake ChapmanExecutive Producer: Aaron DwyerVideo Editing: Aaron DwyerAudio Editing: Shwetha SundarrajanGraphics: Taylor SheridanMusic: Jack McGinnis
(02/25/21 5:00pm)
Wrapped Up continues this week with this week’s top stories on the latest Nintendo Direct, Donald Glover’s move to Amazon Prime, and the plethora of new trailers for HBO and Disney.
(02/21/21 1:16am)
The walls of the dimly lit hallway leading to MU 123 are chipped with avocado green paint. The flooring has decades of hope, laughter, love, sweat, tears, and dirt from the bottoms of Ball State alumni’s shoes caked into the tiles’ seams. Despite the age, the second you enter the quaint mirrored room in the Hargreaves Music Building, you are instantly transported into an environment full of dedication, goodwill, and support. Sounds of laughter, singing, chanting, and clapping all filter into the hallway. Even while social distancing, the Ball State University Singers bring students of all majors together to fill the charming room with passion and warmth.
(02/21/21 1:09am)
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
(02/21/21 5:00am)
Blake asks Ball State the Byte-ing Question, Who is your favorite African-American artist?Anchor: Blake ChapmanVideo Editing: Aaron DwyerGraphics: Kellyn Harrison, Evan FischerMusic: Jack McGinnis
(02/20/21 5:40pm)
[embed]https://youtu.be/aTV7v7AES2o[/embed]Blake asks Ball State the Byte-ing Question, Who is your favorite African-American artist? Anchor: Blake ChapmanVideo Editing: Aaron DwyerGraphics: Kellyn Harrison, Evan FischerMusic: Jack McGinnis
(02/20/21 5:00pm)
Ball State Daily · Wrapped Up S1 E3Wrapped Up continues this week with this week's top stories on the latest Nintendo Direct, Donald Glover's move to Amazon Prime, and the plethora of new trailers for HBO and Disney.Host: Blake Chapman
(02/19/21 10:25pm)
Blake and OK break down a lawsuit over major problems with PlayStation's Dualsense controllers.Checkpoint is Byte's video news series, reporting on recent events in the world of entertainment, tech, and pop culture. Whether its video games, film, television, or music, we've got you covered!Anchors: Blake Chapman, OK Schlatter Executive Producer: Aaron DwyerVideo Editing: Blake ChapmanAudio Editing: Shwetha SundarrajanGraphics: Kellyn HarrisonMusic: Jack McGinnis
(02/19/21 10:17pm)
OK and Blake break down Taylor Swift's new recordings of her older hits.
(02/19/21 8:00pm)
by Kellyn HarrisonThe walls of the dimly lit hallway leading to MU 123 are chipped with avocado green paint. The flooring has decades of hope, laughter, love, sweat, tears, and dirt from the bottoms of Ball State alumni's shoes caked into the tiles’ seams. Despite the age, the second you enter the quaint mirrored room in the Hargreaves Music Building, you are instantly transported into an environment full of dedication, goodwill, and support. Sounds of laughter, singing, chanting, and clapping all filter into the hallway. Even while social distancing, the Ball State University Singers bring students of all majors together to fill the charming room with passion and warmth.“You just get this giant family that consists of the current cast, alumni, and the director,” junior assistant company manager Kamryn Yenser said. “We are a very heavily student-run group. I mean our director does a lot of logistical things, but our organization holds its traditions to a high standard and that is what keeps us connected.” Alumna Samantha Ragusin pins freshman vocal music education major Zoe McNulty. Photo by Kellyn HarrisonTraditions include the biannual pinning ceremony. This is where new members receive their name tag and pin from alumni as an official initiation to the group. Tags and pins are to be placed over their hearts at every off-campus function. On Feb. 16, three members—Zoe McNulty, Joe Lowry, and Dana Rodriguez—were pinned by alumna Samantha Ragusin. Ragusin graduated last year after four years of being a University Singer. She led as the group’s dance captain for three years.“Everyone in the group has been overly kind and friendly. That moment [getting pinned] meant the world to me because it showed how much I was truly wanted in the group,” freshman vocal music education major Zoe McNulty said.The pinning ceremony was quickly held before everyone left the room in order to let the air in the room circulate. Despite this, you could still feel and hear the excitement filter in from the hallway.Allowing time for air circulation is just one of the many regulations the singers are required to follow as part of the COVID-19 safety precautions advised by the School of Music. This specific regulation was established following a summer 2020 study meant to test how germs spread while playing instruments and singing. The study suggests performances and rehearsals be held outside, but due to freezing temperatures, the singers are forced to cut rehearsal time by practicing in an enclosed space and following air circulation policies.Rehearsal time isn’t the only aspect cut from the singers’ schedules. According to University Singers' director, Alan Alder, the choir has cut most of their performances within the past year due to COVID-19. The group’s 56th Spectacular was canceled last year, and many out-of-state performances were rescheduled.Ball State University Singers sing "Happy Birthday" to freshman Communications and Spanish major Katy Shaffer and sophomore Digital Video Production major Rudy Ahlersmeyer. Photo by Kellyn HarrisonA large project that has been rescheduled for May 2022 included the singers performing in Carnegie Hall. This was originally scheduled for Memorial Day of this year.“Michael Davis is a former Ball State University Singer and director and is currently the assistant artistic director of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. He’s been invited to do a choral performance in Carnegie Hall,” Alder said. “He wanted the University Singers to come and be part of the core of the chorus. Learning the music was going to be one of the projects we were going to work on this semester.”However, this hasn’t stopped the group from forging ahead and entertaining local audiences. The group was able to perform once on Nov. 1, 2020, in Emens Auditorium. The venue was different from Sursa Hall’s modest atmosphere, but the singers needed a larger space in order to abide by COVID regulations and safely hold their large fanbase.“It just keeps us motivated. It provides a sense of normalcy for the group and the community. They can come and see a live performance all while being safe,” senior company manager Justin McMiller said. “The only challenge is taking an extra intermission at shows, so air can be filtered. So taking extra precautions like that is important, that way everyone is safe.”In doing so, the singers’ title as “Indiana’s Official Goodwill Ambassadors” continues to ring loud throughout the community.The Ball State University Singers plan to perform their 57th Spectacular in Emens Auditorium on April 9 and 10. Tickets will sell through the Emens Auditorium box office, and it is advised to purchase tickets in advance due to limited seating as required by Ball State COVID-19 policies and CDC guidelines.
(02/19/21 6:00pm)
Ball State Daily · The Coven S7E8: Representation matters
Welcome back to another episode of the Coven! On this very special Black History month edition of the Coven, join us as we talk about stereotypes of black women in media, the representation of black women, and what can be done to improve representation for black women. Tune in for all this and more on this week's episode of the Coven!
Hosts: Shwetha Sundarrajan & Tierra Harris
Edited by: Lia Weisbecker-Lotz
Graphic by: Shwetha Sundarrajan
(02/19/21 4:29pm)
Blake and OK break down a lawsuit over major problems with PlayStation's Dualsense controllers. Checkpoint is Byte's video news series, reporting on recent events in the world of entertainment, tech, and pop culture. Whether its video games, film, television, or music, we've got you covered! Anchors: Blake Chapman, OK SchlatterExecutive Producer: Aaron DwyerVideo Editing: Blake ChapmanAudio Editing: Shwetha SundarrajanGraphics: Taylor SheridanMusic: Jack McGinnis
(02/19/21 3:00pm)
by Conner Tighe
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
Louis Lowry, known for books like Number the Stars, The Anastasia Krupnik Series, and The Silent Boy, reached her peak when she wrote 1993’s The Giver. Lowry wrote about 12-year-old Jonas, who was chosen to receive memories of his society’s past from the giver, Jeff Bridges. Although in today’s film industry we’re plagued by dystopia mania within series' like Divergent, The Maze Runner, and The Hunger Games; Lowry’s four-book series was different from all the others. These dystopian films include violence toward the government, including overthrowing leaders, taking over land, and bombing important buildings. She was able to tell a story of a government keeping humanity bottled up in one man, the giver, and how dangerous and cruel this burden can be. I believe the 2014 film’s lack of violence and blockbuster-esque appeal killed the film before it was even released, although it wasn’t the film’s fault that it didn’t continue.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="285"] Image from Amazon[/caption]
Violence is a fantasy many of us crave to live which is why many video games, like The Grand Theft Auto Series, are popular. The Giver Series wasn’t written with violence in mind. I’m sure because the series was made for younger audiences and because of this, it could be one of the reasons why the film suffered at the box office. The Giver barely made back half its budget of $25 million at the box office, with only making a little over $12 million. In other words, this was a major flop with audiences.
At the end of the film, Jonas is seen holding Gabriel in a snowy forest, watching a nearby house decorated with Christmas decorations. For those who haven’t read the series, Jonas comes back into the story with the fourth novel, Son, which focuses on Claire, Gabriel's mother. But much happens in-between books two, Gathering Blue and three, Messenger; the latter I consider to be the best novel of the quartet. Jonas’ town known as “The Community” turns out to be just one of many other communities in the series; with Gathering Blue focusing on Kira, a young girl with an impaired leg and the ability to dye colors into the fabric for her community except for blue.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="306"] Image from The Agony Booth[/caption]
Again, we’re faced with questions the elders and higher-up hierarchy refuse to answer in the series repeatedly. As Kira survives in a community of poverty and is left to die after her mother dies, we realize Lowry is not only talking about conformity by the dangers of independent thought, but also the importance of class hierarchy. In the novels, the character’s worth is measured by where they stand on the class pedestal. It’s possible the quartet can be called “anti-government” propaganda and could be the reason why it’s considered a banned book on many occasions. Lowry portrays the government as controlling and tyrannical. An example is shown in the first novel and film with Jonas’ father injecting “broken” infants with a deadly serum. It’s not uncommon for authors to write with underlying themes and anti-government is one of the oldest tricks in the book. But the author weaves in more than one or two morals. Lowry discusses what it means to be disabled and treated less than, along with being treated as a statistic more than a human being.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="247"] Image from The New York Times[/caption]
After Kira is saved in Messenger by friend Matty, referred to as “Matt” in Gathering Blue, readers can justify the actions of Jonas, Kira, and Matty. We have characters willing to die for their community, even enemies, to learn about life and experiences outside their own. Jonas was the first to attempt this and succeeded after arriving at a mysterious house via sled while carrying Gabriel. Thus, ending the film and leaving the viewers on a cliffhanger. Only this time, we don’t get an ending, not even a sequel. Don’t start something revolutionary if you don’t intend to finish it.
Another reason the series may not have continued was because of a lack of grounding with protagonists. Throughout the novels, readers are introduced to five main protagonists: Jonas, Kira, Matt, Claire, and Gabriel. Unlike the popular series’ that precedes it, like the ones mentioned earlier, Lowry’s quartet wanted readers to learn about the issue of dystopia from all angles: poor, rich, girl, boy, old, and young. The Giver was not about feminism, government exploitation, or even injustice but about what it means to be human. None of the protagonists seek to destroy anyone or challenge foes but to realize who they are under an oppressive environment. Witnessing emotion and learning difficult lessons are the relatable tendencies Lowry uses to empower her readers, and The Giver Series demonstrates this.
(02/18/21 7:36pm)
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
(02/18/21 7:22pm)
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
(02/17/21 9:52pm)
by Conner Tighe
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
One of the best and longest-running video game franchises, Soulcalibur continues to show players what it means to strive toward a goal—and their destiny—through the means of using unique weaponry. No two characters have the same weapon or moveset, so I always experience new ways to combat enemies. With the overall plot taking place in the 1500s, without the use of gunfire and machinery, players fight melee with close-quarter weapons. Overall, the franchise introduces many enjoyable and durable qualities like customizable characters, upgrading weapons, maneuvering your small army, and taking down kings and queens with playable characters like no other. The franchise is currently in its sixth release. The game itself is incredible, and it seemed only appropriate to rank the top 10 best Soulcalibur fighters/characters.
10. Seong Mi-na
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="287"] Image from Wccftech[/caption]
To me, Mi-na is the female counterpart to Kilik with skills in long-ranged attacks, keeping enemies at arm’s length. Depending on which title you play in the franchise, this fighter can maneuver quick, devastating blows by swinging her halberd-like weapon—basically Kilik’s weapon but with a blade at the end. She’s determined, willful, and fights alongside love interest and friend Yun-seong, a man armed with a machete-like Chinese sword.
9. Chai Xianghua
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="286"] Image from Shoryuken[/caption]
Best friend of Kilik and a skilled swordswoman, Xianghua is one of the most graceful and kind-hearted characters of the Soulcalibur franchise. Armed with a traditional Chinese sword, the young woman is capable of doing serious damage to her opponents.
8. Ivy Valentine
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="289"] Image from YouTube[/caption]
A sophisticated scientist from London, Ivy Valentine remains one of the most classic characters from the franchise. She created her snake sword, which is capable of annihilating opponents with ease if one knows the right combos. Her father, the ghost pirate Cervantes de León, remains her primary opponent throughout the franchise as they battle with opposing views on Soul Edge.
7. Grøh
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="286"] Image from VG247[/caption]
Nicknamed “The Agent in Black,” this Norwegian soldier first appeared in the latest Soulcalibur installment, Soulcalibur VI. He’s a member of the Aval Organization, an ancient group with the mission to rid the world of what they call “Outsiders,” or those connected to Soul Edge. After failing to defeat Soul Edge’s wielder Nightmare, Grøh maintains a rocky relationship with the Aval Organization, hoping to redeem himself. He fights with a double saber, which can be used as two separate swords if needed.
6. Maxi
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="285"] Image from Wccftech[/caption]
Armed with a nunchaku, Maxi’s fast flips, kicks, and strikes are a homage to the late Bruce Lee. He befriends Kilik and Xianghua along their journey to destroy Soul Edge. Unlike other characters in the franchise, the fighter comments on his attire and good looks often when victorious against opponents, providing some comedy after destroying them.
5. Setsuka
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="285"] Image from Reddit[/caption]
This kimono-wearing assassin first appeared in Soulcaliber III, seeking revenge against swordsman Heishiro Mitsurugi. Setsuka is believed to be of European descent—specifically Portugal or England—but was raised in Japan. Concealed in the handle is her blade, which she seeks to use after her master, Shugen Kokonoe, is killed by Mitsurugi. Setsuka always sports her heeled geta shoes, which makes one wonder how she dives, slices, and performs devastating blows on opponents. She’s considered one of the fastest fighters in the franchise and sports brunette hair only in Soulcalibur III; in all other titles, she has blonde hair.
4. Taki
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="286"] Image from YouTube[/caption]
Sporting her demon protective armor and twin blades, Mekki-Maru and Rekki-Maru, Taki was one of the few mainstay female fighters of the series and a force to be reckoned with. She’s referred to as the “Shadow Huntress of Demons,” often referencing the evil energy and overbearing weight Soul Edge has on the world. Always seeking to destroy the evil sword, Taki uses quick strikes and kicking attacks, often leaving her opponents efficiently dealt with.
3. Heishiro Mitsurugi
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="290"] Image from DeviantArt [/caption]
Tradition sets apart this swordsman from all other fighters in the franchise as he battles his opponents on honorable terms. He’s continually seeking the strongest of the strong—never satisfied with being average in skill. Although he seems hard-headed at times, he shows mercy and believes strength comes not from one’s weapon, but their heart. Mitsurugi is also one of the few characters not seeking either Soul Calibur or Soul Edge, but experience handling a blade.
2. Siegfried Schtauffen
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="284"] Image from YouTube[/caption]
Considered the central protagonist of the franchise and sporting a large, flattened blade, the German-born soldier seeks to destroy Soul Edge. This is after being cursed by the sword with an evil seed in his body taking the form of his alter ego, Nightmare. Throughout the series, Schtauffen talks about honor and seeking the light of the world after accidentally killing his father in battle. Although he’s slow and methodical in his stance and fighting style, he’s one of the strongest characters, capable of defeating the giant Astaroth, an ax-wielding maniac created by the God Ares.
1. Kilik
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="286"] Image from Gamereactor[/caption]
A peaceful young man, Kilik was trained by an older gentleman, who is known only as Edge Master, after he set fire to Kilik’s temple following a brutal massacre. Trained in the Ling-Sheng Su martial arts and armed with a rod called Kali-Yuga, Kilik, alongside his friend/love-interest Xianghua, seek to destroy Soul Edge, after he was possessed by its evil energy to kill many of his temple friends. After his sister Xianglian saves him by putting a mirror-like necklace known as the Dvapara-Yuga around his neck, she becomes possessed, forcing Kilik to murder her. His fighting style allows ring outs—or when characters can easily be knocked off stage with ease—and keeps enemies at bay, so long as he keeps swinging the Kali-Yuga.
Sources: Masterpiece's of Japanese Culture, Soulcalibur Fandom, Steam, YouTube, Writeups
Images: DeviantArt, Gamereactor, Reddit, Shoryuken, VG247, Wccftech, YouTube
Featured Image: Taylor Sheridan
(02/17/21 10:30am)
by Mason Kupiainen
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
On August 28, 2020, Chadwick Boseman tragically died from colon cancer, which he had been struggling with without letting it be known publicly. From starring in films like 42, Marshall, Get On Up, and 21 Bridges, Boseman brought to life many exemplary characters through incredible performances. However, arguably his most significant role is Black Panther, a character and film that have both become culturally iconic. After his death, Marvel remained silent with their plans on how they were going to move forward with the sequel and character until the Disney investors' meeting in December 2020. During the Marvel Studios presentation, Marvel President Kevin Feige revealed that they weren’t going to recast the role, nor use CGI to bring the character back. Instead, the Black Panther sequel will be focusing on the other characters from the first film, and further develop the world of Wakanda. While it’s understandable that Marvel wants to respect Boseman as much as they can, not recasting the role is a major mistake.
Cultural significance
As mentioned before, Black Panther has left its mark on our culture. Although he wasn’t the first black superhero to have a standalone film, his was the most successful one. In its full theatrical run, the film made over one billion dollars, becoming the 12th highest-grossing film of all time. One of the best aspects of the film was how it diverged from common stereotypes. In most films revolving around Africa, they portray it as a savage land that’s filled with horrors. Wakanda flips this stereotype on its head by showing the highly advanced land that’s vibrant and colorful, all the while still incorporating African culture into the mix. While this can still be achieved without T’Challa, the perspective through which we experience this world will be lost.
A fresh, new superhero
After 18 films, Marvel introduced a different type of character than we’d ever seen before. Although having a king of a mystical land as a superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe wasn’t new thanks to Thor, the perspective to the duty of royalty was new to T’Challa. His journey of becoming king of Wakanda and having to handle all the casualties that follow it made his character unique. He tried juggling many responsibilities and stumbled along the way. He’s also challenged in many ways that force him to stand up and do what’s right. This character became important for so many people, giving them a new superhero to be inspired by.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="404"] Image from The Saxon[/caption]
Along with this, T’Challa is one of the best characters within the Marvel Universe and had many future possibilities as to where to take his story. While Marvel hasn’t announced if they’re going to write T’Challa out of the story or kill him off, letting him go without a proper conclusion feels wrong. While there are probably many people who agree with Marvel’s decision and want to honor Boseman’s legacy by not carrying on Black Panther, I see it differently. It feels like the opposite and is a dishonor to him and his portrayal of T’Challa by not carrying on the legacy he created. By bringing in a new actor to replace Boseman, Marvel would be finishing what Boseman started and continuing to inspire people with the character. Sure, they can pass the baton of Black Panther to a character like Shuri or M’Baku, but Black Panther 2 will probably feel strange if they simply wrote T’Challa out of it. The ending of the first film teases much more to come from him, so leaving all this behind would be disheartening to those who became invested in the character.
World of Wakanda
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="395"] Image from Barnes & Noble[/caption]
This might sound weird, but exploring the world of Wakanda in the sequel sounds like a bad idea, considering a similar type of series was just announced. Adding to their already stuffed plate of Marvel shows to come, Disney just announced another show in the works, a series focusing strictly on Wakanda and being developed by Ryan Coogler, writer and director of Black Panther. Having the sequel and a new series exploring Wakanda sounds redundant and runs the risk of diluting the specialty of the world. Although Wakanda is vast, rich, and filled with endless possibilities, it’s not very exciting to hear that Disney is trying to milk the property for all its worth.
Sources: BBC, Box Office Mojo, Deadline, Marvel, The New York Times, Variety, Vox
Images: Barnes & Noble, The Saxon
Featured Image: Quartz