Black Panther: Wakanda Forever delivers more than superhero thrills. The film threads history, anti-colonial critique, and layered storytelling into a vibrant tapestry that resonates with marginalized communities. During Black History Month, these easter eggs feel even more urgent, grounding Wakanda’s fantasy in real struggles and triumphs.

Chadwick Boseman’s Stand for an Authentic African Accent

When developing Black Panther, Marvel initially wanted the Wakandan characters to speak with either a British or American accent. They believed this would be more palatable for audiences, fearing that an African accent might be “too much” for viewers. However, Chadwick Boseman adamantly opposed this decision, seeing it as a crucial element to the authenticity of the film. Moreover, Boseman argued that choosing a Western accent would imply colonization of Wakanda, stripping its characters and nation of their unique identity and autonomy.

Boseman saw this as a dealbreaker and insisted that the Wakandans speak with an African accent. At first, Marvel showed reluctance, which frustrated Boseman. After all, for him, the decision to use an African accent was not just a matter of preference; it was a stand against erasing the cultural identity of a fictional African nation. Despite initial pushback, he committed to his stance, emphasizing that the studio had to honor the film’s African roots.

Fortunately, he found support in writer and director Ryan Coogler. Together, they chose the Xhosa accent, one of South Africa’s official languages, spoken by millions, particularly in Eastern Cape Province. Interestingly, South African actor John Kani, who plays T’Challa’s father King T’Chaka, suggested Xhosa on the set of Captain America: Civil War. Boseman embraced the suggestion, recognizing its cultural resonance and power. Notably, Xhosa is historically tied to anti-colonial resistance, associated with leaders like Nelson Mandela and Steve Biko. By incorporating this language, Boseman and Coogler connected Wakanda’s story to a broader legacy of Black liberation, adding depth and authenticity to the film’s narrative.

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Griot: The West African Historian and Wakanda’s AI

In West African culture, a griot is a storyteller and historian, responsible for preserving genealogies and oral traditions. For centuries, griots have been revered as keepers of history and wisdom, guiding their communities through storytelling and song. As a result, they ensure that cultural heritage is passed down through generations.

In a modern twist, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever reimagines the role of the griot as an AI system called Griot, voiced by South African comedian Trevor Noah. Created by Shuri, this AI assists her in the lab, serving as a source of knowledge and a key partner in advancing Wakanda’s technology. In this way, Griot mirrors traditional griots by preserving and transmitting essential information. Ultimately, this modern interpretation honors West African storytelling traditions while seamlessly integrating them into Wakanda’s futuristic landscape.

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By naming the AI “Griot” and having Trevor Noah voice the character, the film bridges cultural history with futuristic innovation. Just as traditional griots safeguarded cultural identity, Shuri’s Griot protects Wakanda’s technological heritage. This illustrates how history and progress can coexist in a respectful and meaningful way.

Queen Ramonda and Patrice Lumumba: A Nod to African Resistance

One of the most poignant references in Wakanda Forever is the subtle connection between Queen Ramonda (played by Angela Bassett) and Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Throughout the film, characters refer to Queen Ramonda as the “daughter of Lumumba,” signifying her connection to his legacy.

Patrice Lumumba was a revolutionary leader who sought to free Congo from Belgian colonial rule. However, his assassination in 1961, orchestrated by Belgium and supported by Western powers, marked a dark chapter in African history. By connecting Queen Ramonda to Lumumba, the film honors a leader who fought for his people’s independence and paid the ultimate price. Furthermore, this link hints at Ramonda’s mysterious past, suggesting she may share Congolese roots, deepening the film’s ties to African history.

Additionally, the movie portrays CIA agents receiving confirmation that the U.S. president had initiated plans to destabilize Wakanda, mirroring historical events in Congo. Although they did not directly cause Ramonda’s demise, the film implies that history was repeating itself.

Toussaint Louverture: The Legacy of the Haitian Revolution

At the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Shuri travels to Haiti to perform the Wakandan mourning ceremony. Her mother, Queen Ramonda, had encouraged this ritual after T’Challa’s death. As she sits on the beach, reminiscing about her brother, T’Challa, a poignant mid-credits scene unfolds. Nakia approaches Shuri with her son, introducing him as Toussaint. This name holds great significance, honoring Toussaint Louverture, the leader of the Haitian Revolution, the first successful slave revolt in history.


Toussaint Louverture is often called the “Black Napoleon” for his military brilliance and key role in making Haiti the first free colonial society. His leadership in defeating French forces and his unwavering fight for liberation made him a symbol of Black resilience and anti-colonialism. Naming T’Challa and Nakia’s son after this historic figure connects the film to the broader theme of African and Black diasporic resistance.

The United Nations and Colonial Exploitation: A Reflection of Modern Geopolitics

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever explores resource exploitation, focusing on how global powers, especially France, seek Wakanda’s vibranium. In a key scene, Wakandan forces catch French mercenaries attempting to steal vibranium in Mali. This parallels real-world colonial exploitation of African resources. The depiction caused controversy, with Sébastien Lecornu, France’s Minister of the Armed Forces, condemning the portrayal. He also paid tribute to French soldiers who died in Mali.

In reality, France’s intervention in Mali through Operation Barkhane aimed to combat jihadist insurgents but ultimately failed after a decade. Rising violence was not the only cause for the mission’s end. Diplomatic relations between Paris and Bamako worsened after the May 2021 coup and the junta’s resistance to democratic elections in January 2022. French President Emmanuel Macron blamed the junta for failing to resolve security issues. The junta, in turn, accused France of breaking its promises.

France’s involvement in Mali has become increasingly unpopular both in Mali and across the Sahel. Many in France view Françafrique—the country’s political and economic influence in former colonies—as a relic of the past. However, many Malians still feel its negative impacts. Over the years, anti-French sentiment has grown, sparking protests and demonstrations. This sentiment also played a role in the junta’s 2020 coup. In a 2022 UN General Assembly speech, Mali’s interim Prime Minister, Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, criticized France’s “neocolonialist” policies. Wakanda Forever echoes this tension, highlighting the legacy of colonialism and its modern-day consequences in African nations.

Mesoamerican Language Barriers

In the film, Namor’s story reflects the historical miscommunications and impositions caused by language barriers during the Spanish conquest of Mesoamerica. One example is the Spaniards’ misunderstanding of the Mayan language, which led to the naming of regions like Yucatán and Catoche. These naming errors highlight the broader cultural impositions and misunderstandings that occurred throughout the Spanish conquest. These linguistic errors reflect the larger issues of cultural misinterpretation and colonial imposition.

Namor’s name in the film is also born from a moment of misunderstanding. He adopts his name from the derogatory phrase “Niño sin amor” (child without love), spoken by a Christian priest. This phrase is a nod to the oppressive consequences of language differences, showcasing how colonial powers imposed their worldview on Indigenous peoples.

The rebranding of Namor’s kingdom as Talokan is another important cultural adaptation in the film. Talokan likely derives from Tlālōcān, the Aztec paradise ruled by the rain god Tlāloc. Professor Gerardo Aldana, a consultant for the film, explains that when adapted to the Mayan language, the word transforms into Talokan. This linguistic fusion of Aztec and Mayan cultures deepens the film’s connection to Mesoamerican history. The introduction of Talokan, an underwater civilization, brings Indigenous Mesoamerican culture into the forefront of the Marvel universe. Namor and his people speak Yucatec Mayan, a real Indigenous language still spoken by over 800,000 people across Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. This is a significant step toward representing Indigenous cultures in mainstream media.

Mesoamerican Cultural Influence

Director Ryan Coogler and the filmmakers took special care to honor the legacy of the Mayan and Aztec civilizations through the use of color, cultural practices, deities, and historical references. One notable example is the use of Mayan Blue, known as “yax” in most Mayan languages, which played a significant role in Mayan art and culture. The color symbolized the Mayan empire’s wealth and power and was frequently used in their murals and artwork. Coogler integrated this color into the Talokanil’s culture, seeing it as a natural fit that represents the enduring legacy of the Mayan people.

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Another key cultural reference is the Mesoamerican Ballgame, a ceremonial ritual that symbolized the battle between night and day. In the film, the Talokanil play the game underwater, beside a stone ring typical of traditional ballgame courts. This cultural nod even extends to the character Attuma, whose fighting style during combat, particularly when throwing a hydro bomb, mirrors the hip movements used in the ballgame.

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Mesoamerican deities are also referenced in the film. Namor speaks of the shaman seeking guidance from Chaac, the Mayan god of rain, thunder, and lightning. Additionally, Namor’s moniker, K’uk’ulkan—also known as Quetzalcoatl in Aztec mythology—honors the feathered serpent god revered in both Mayan and Aztec traditions.

Final Reflections on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is more than just a superhero film; it’s a cinematic tapestry that weaves together history, culture, and resistance. Through its characters and narratives, the film honors significant figures like Patrice Lumumba and Toussaint Louverture, connecting their legacies of anti-colonial struggle to the fictional world of Wakanda. By choosing authentic African elements, such as the Xhosa accent, and incorporating real Mesoamerican influences in the portrayal of Talokan, the filmmakers create a world that respects and reflects the histories of marginalized communities.

Chadwick Boseman’s fight for an authentic African accent, as well as the decision to include Indigenous languages like Yucatec Mayan, shows a commitment to representing cultures accurately and respectfully. These choices add depth to the film’s narrative and challenge Hollywood’s broader norms, advocating for diverse and genuine storytelling.

As we reflect on these historical and cultural elements, it’s clear that Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever are a tributes to the strength of oppressed peoples. It transcends its genre to become a powerful statement on the importance of cultural heritage and resistance against colonialism. By blending myth, history, and superhero narrative, the film offers audiences a deeper understanding of the past while inspiring pride and empowerment in the present.

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