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When Black Panther was released in 2018, it was a groundbreaking moment for the world of Marvel. The film featured the first Black superhero in a starring role, a Black cast, and Ryan Coogler at the helm (making history as the first Black director of a Marvel film). Black Panther reached unprecedented success at the box office and heads to theaters with a sequel — Black Panther: Wakanda Forever — on Nov. 11.
As we prepare to return to Wakanda, we compiled a list of a few superhero films to add to the queue while we wait.
Back in 1997, for example, iconic comedian Damon Wayans played Darryl, an inventor who created a bulletproof suit and began fighting crime as the superhero Blankman to avenge his grandmother’s death – familiar plot anyone? When Blankman achieves some success, his brother Kevin (David Alan Grier) agrees to become Blankman’s sidekick, dubbing himself Other Guy. This movie, beyond just being a comedy, is a true celebration of Black friendship and love.
A few years later, in 2004, Halle Berry made history as the first female Black lead superhero in Catwoman. Berry, who inspired Catwoman costumes for years to come, played Patience, a woman who finds out a dangerous secret about her powerful boss (Sharon Stone) and is killed. After getting revived by a cat, Patience becomes Catwoman, a fearless vigilante who vows to stop her boss from following through on her terrible plans.
Below are 10 movies featuring Black superheroes as the stars, from the Blade trilogy to Steel. We hope you get some popcorn and enjoy!
‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’
Following the untimely death of the first movie’s star, Chadwick Boseman, the long-awaited sequel to Black Panther, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, will see the secondary cast of the first movie take center stage.
Stars of the new movie – which will be available in theaters on Nov 11 and on Disney+ later this month – include Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, and Angela Bassett.
‘Black Panther’
In the first Black Panther movie, released in 2018, Boseman plays T’Challa, the new King of Wakanda who succeeds the throne after the death of his father. Boseman headlines alongside Michael B. Jordan, Winston Duke and many others stars.
‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’
In Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the Spider-Man alter-ego is embodied by Miles Morales for the very first time on the big screen. Voiced by Shameik Moore, the superhero made history by being the first Black actor and character to wear the blue and red suit in a movie. Other stars include Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson and Oscar Isaac.
‘Fast Color’
Gugu Mbatha-Raw shines in her role as Ruth in Fast Color. This 2018 movie, which gives a different interpretation of superhero stories, tells the story of Ruth, a young woman with superpowers on the run from authorities who have figured out her special abilities.
‘Hancock’
In 2008’s Hancock, Will Smith plays the title character, a man whose natural superpowers constantly gets him into trouble. After a streak of criticism, Hancock partners with a public relations firm in an attempt to fix his image.
‘Catwoman’
Halle Berry plays a fearless superhero in 2004’s Catwoman.
‘Blade’ Trilogy
In the Blade trilogy, released from 1998 to 2004, Wesley Snipes plays the superhero Blade, a half-human, half-vampire hero who makes it his mission to eliminate the vampires and save the human race.
‘Spawn’
After being killed, Al Simmons (played by Michael Jai White) becomes a hero named Spawn when given another chance at life by the devil himself. Though he was sent to be evil, Spawn becomes a force of good.
‘Steel’
Did you know the great Shaquille O’Neal once played a superhero? In 1997’s Steel, the former basketball player is John Henry Irons (aka Steel), a former Army scientist who teams up with his coworker to build weaponry and defeat the bad guys.
‘Blankman’
Damon Wayans is endlessly entertaining as Blankman in this 1994 superhero movie.
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