Marvel fans everywhere are patiently awaiting the release of Black Panther, the next Marvel Cinematic Universe movie to hit theaters. The early reactions that were released online yesterday have only added to that anticipation, as they were overwhelmingly positive. One reaction that might have been overlooked is the fact that the film is said to take a subtle jab at current President of the United States, Donald Trump.
Also, great speech from T’Challa that talks about building bridges and not walls (or something like that). Subtle jab at Trump #BlackPanther
— GregoryEllwood – 4 Quadrant on iTunes (@TheGregoryE) January 30, 2018
Interesting. Though, it’s not the first time that the movie has been associated with the president. Back in October, actor Chadwick Boseman said that Trump makes it okay for white supremacy to exist:
“I don’t think that you can use our current president as a barometer for where the entire country is. I think what you can do is you can say the country is in a place right now where he is giving voice to white supremacy, he has made it OK for white supremacy to exist because he hasn’t said that it’s wrong.”
He continued:
“He clearly has been in line with some nefarious figures like David Duke (former leader of the Ku Klux Klan) when they have made statements and I’m not trying to be partisan in my response to this, I’m just stating the truth. That is the case and that is the effect of that and you have to look at him making it a point to come after NFL players, come after NBA players.”
He added:
“They didn’t pick a fight with him, to me it’s more of a testament to this administration and the immaturity of it truthfully. Just don’t make statements about things that are not part of your domain. Why are you even talking about this when there is bigger stuff, bigger fish to fry? Why are you picking a fight with these players? Because you are just going to make more people do it now.”
Some of the cast recently spoke about the president’s sh*thole countries remark. Daniel Kaluuya, who plays W’Kabi, said:
“I don’t worry about what he says. My family’s from Uganda. I don’t care what he says about anything. That’s where my family’s from — he can’t hurt me.”
John Kani, who portrays King T’Chaka in the upcoming film, said:
“Africa has survived for centuries; today Africa stands strong. We are not going to spend time discussing it. We are not a sh—hole country — we’re the greatest kingdoms of the world. I am a descendant of great kingdoms. My grandfather and my great-great grandfather were kings and princes. When someone says something that really displays extreme ignorance, it doesn’t warrant my second thinking about it.”
Black Panther hits theaters everywhere on February 16th.
What do you make of all of this? Are you excited for the upcoming MCU film? Be sure to tell us all of your thoughts in the comments!