Black Panther stars say film changed perceptions of Africa

Cameras flashed as stars Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’ walked the red carpet at the ‘Wakanda Forever’ premiere in London. Released by Disney-owned Marvel, it was the first superhero film to feature a predominantly Black cast.

For cast members of ‘Wakanda Forever’, the Marvel blockbuster had a positive impact on perceptions of the continent.

“Embracing the diversity that is African culture has resulted in other people embracing their indigenous cultures as well,” said Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o who plays Nakia.

“We are celebrating our culture, we are celebrating where we are from in a way that is extremely inclusive,” she said.

“I would have needed that movie as a child because there are not so many role models,” Florence Kasumba, who stars in the film, said at the premiere on Thursday night.

“You have to understand that it was Africa that impacted Black Panther,” said American-born Zimbabwean actress Danai Gurira, who plays the superhero “Okoye” in both movies.

“The role I play was all about looking at what Africa was and bringing (that) into the world.”