For fans, the loss of Chadwick Boseman after just a handful of Marvel Cinematic Universe appearances as the King of Wakanda was a tough blow. It was undoubtedly much more difficult for those who had to continue to unfold Wakanda’s legacy without him there, and Nakia actress Lupito Nyong’o has now opened up about Boseman and how part of the second film will always remain for him despite have passed before the film is shot.
A new book, Wakanda Forever: The Movie Special features shots from director Ryan Coogler, Shuri actress Letitia Wright, queen Ramonda Force Angela Bassett and more, and we got an exclusive snippet of Lupita Nyong’o’s thoughts on the matter to share with you before we read the new book coming up in the shelves. Halloween and contains a wealth of illustrations, including set images and production art.
Fans of the film and Wakanda in general will want to check out this new special for themselves, but in the meantime, to whet your appetite, we’ve included a few quotes from Lupita herself before you read the book for yourself.
How was the underwater work?
First of all, I have to say that Ryan seems to have a thing for water, because even in the first movie there were fights in the water. So when I read this script I thought, oh, he’s really going into it this time. He really embraces his fascination with water. Now I’ve been swimming mediocrely since I was little. You know, I can float, but I panic when swimming. I swam like a puppy, you know what I mean? Not something anyone wants to film. I had to go to training immediately. I decided to take the extreme route. I did something called XPTLife [Extreme Performance Training]created by [big-wave surfer] Laird Hamilton and [his wife, ex-professional volleyball player], Gabriel Reece. It includes breathing exercises, underwater movement with weights and incredible attention to restorative techniques such as ice baths and saunas. It was great because it really opened up my breathing capacity. I was able to hold my breath for so long that it made taking photos a lot easier. I also had a great swimming coach, Pamela Baldwin. She helped me make friends with the water. It’s so easy to think that water means death. But to interact with the water seamlessly, you have to surrender to it. It’s about allowing the water to receive you, rather than trying to stay upright. It was very fun.
How does this affect performance?
You have to be so present when you’re dealing with water. There is no time for stage fright. You have to work against adrenaline. That is why breathwork is so important. You can’t afford to rush. You actually have to slow down and focus completely, and you have to be able to deal with the changes. And there are machines underneath when you’re shooting, so your mind has to be clear. You must be present. And it was such a great lesson for performance in general. The most rewarding moments on set for me are when I’m not worried about how I look. I don’t worry about how I come across. I just be and receive what comes my way. Underwater there was no other alternative.
How do you feel about being back on set?
It was really moving to return to Wakanda and reunite with the cast. So much has happened in the past six years. We lost our sun – and I mean both that SUN and SON – at Chadwick. When it happened, the world was closed and everyone was isolated in their homes [due to the Covid-19 pandemic]. Some of us were able to go to his memorial service, but it was a time of deep disconnection. So to return to this world that he was such a central part of without him was difficult, painful, but also really therapeutic. We were able to lean on each other and share our stories of sadness between takes. So for us this has been a very moving time to process that loss, but also to do it as so many African peoples do, with a sense of celebration and continuation: a celebration of what Chadwick has been able to achieve. in his very short and meaningful life. I think we all continue to feel that part of this film will always be for him.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is available to watch on Disney+ and Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Movie Special Book will be released on October 31.
