Disney’s new sequels

Many anticipate the release of ‘Wakanda Forever’ and ‘Disenchanted’

Stella Schneider / Asst. A&C Editor / The USD Vista

This November, two of Disney’s most popular movie franchises are back. The company is set to release “Wakanda Forever” and “Disenchanted” — the next installments in the “Black Panther” and “Enchanted” franchises, respectively. 

“Wakanda Forever” is one of Marvel’s most anticipated films this year, as a sequel to the well-received “Black Panther.” Released in 2018, the first movie grossed over $1 billion. According to Box Office Mojo, “Black Panther” is ranked as the 14th highest-grossing film of all time. The film had a wide impact upon release as it features the first high-profile Black superhero —  the Black Panther.  

Chadwick Boseman, who played T’Challa — the Black Panther in the first film, passed away in August 2020 due to his private battle with cancer. 

Considering his leading role in the first movie, many USD students expressed interest in the sequel, to see how the story of the main character, ‘the Black Panther,’ will change in his absence. In the original movie, it follows T’Challa taking over as king of Wakanda after the death of his father as they face conflicts against their kingdom. 

USD senior Lex Debonis conveyed her excitement in seeing “Wakanda Forever.”

“I can’t wait to see how the story changes without the ‘original’ Black Panther. I’m guessing it will focus more on the younger sister,” said Debonis. “I heard the movie is really focused on grief, which is sad how it parallels the loss of Chadwick as well.” 

The movie was originally planned to follow T’Challa searching for himself after being ‘blipped,’ a major fictional event depicted in two other movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which half of all living things in the universe, chosen at random, disappeared. 

However, facing the loss of Boseman, the script now follows the other lead characters in their fight to protect the Wakanda nation from intervening world powers. 

Releasing Friday, Nov. 11, “Wakanda Forever’’ will be a guaranteed conversation starter as a result of the new lead and plot for the movie. 

Viewers can also watch “Black Panther” on Disney+, where “Wakanda Forever” will be released later. 

The second anticipated sequel being released this fall is Disney’s “Disenchanted.” This film will be released in theaters on Nov. 18. A sequel to the popular 2007 movie, “Enchanted,” the new movie follows the years after Giselle’s happily ever after, when the fictitious world — Andalasia — and the real world are thrown off-balance once again. 

Fifteen years after its initial release, many are still buzzing about the movie, and fans of the original film are looking forward to the sequel. 

USD junior Lily Dempsey talked about her connection with “Enchanted.”

“I remember watching that movie all the time growing up. I basically had it memorized,” Dempsey said. “I’m so excited to see the new movie in theaters; it will be nice nostalgia and a throwback to my love for it as a kid.”

“Disenchanted” will feature Amy Adams’ return to her role as Giselle. Adams is known for her strong performances in film, garnering six Academy Award nominations. 

USD junior Abby Stallard communicated her interest in the new film and reminisces on “Enchanted.”

“I absolutely loved ‘Enchanted,’ especially because I am a musical lover, so the fact that it’s a successful one is really exciting,” said Stallard. “Amy Adams is such a great actress for the ‘princess living in the real world’ role. I’m excited to see her in the same role again.”

“Disenchanted” will be in theaters and on the streaming platform, Disney+, on Nov. 18. The original movie, “Enchanted,” is also available on Disney+. 

This November, fans of Marvel and magic alike can visit the theaters for two highly anticipated film sequels.