It’s Official — Rihanna Is Releasing New Music for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Soundtrack This Friday

Get ready! After a four-year wait, fans are headed into the magical world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for another trip to Wakanda. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is officially on the way.

The film's beloved star Chadwick Boseman died after a private battle with pancreatic cancer in August 2020, weeks before he was scheduled to begin pre-production for the sequel. While questions surfaced about how Wakanda Forever would handle his death, the film was hit with another setback when a lead cast member was injured on set in August 2021.

Through all the adversity, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is set to hit theaters this November. Ahead, find everything we know about the upcoming Black Panther sequel so far.

Is there a trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever?

We're less than four months away from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Marvel has officially shared the first look into the long-awaited sequel with a two-minute long teaser. The brief clip follows King T'Challa's family as they unite with all the other nations in Wakanda to fight against Namor and his army of Atlanteans. Throughout the teaser, there are clips of T'Challa's sister, Shuri, and his mother, queen Ramonda, appearing to mourn the loss of their loved one, who fearlessly led their country.

Will T'Challa be recast in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever?

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige revealed Chadwick's role as T'Challa, who was the King of Wakanda and also the Black Panther, would not be recast. According to a statement by Kevin Feige on Twitter, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will "explore the world of Wakanda and the rich characters introduced in the first film."

Which cast members are returning to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever?

Daniel Kaluuya will not reprise his role as W'Kabi, King T'Challa's best friend and head of security, in the forthcoming sequel. According to Variety, Daniel had already committed to star in Jordan Peele's upcoming horror film Nope when he was asked to return to the Marvel and Disney film. The actor's previous work with Peele landed him an Academy Award nomination for his breakout role in 2017's Get Out.

According to People, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Lupita Nyong'o, and Angela Basset are all headed back to the wonderful world of Wakanda.

While Black Panther villain Michael B. Jordan seemingly died in the first installation, the actor says he'd be open to returning to the series if the opportunity arose. "There's always a love I have for those characters, and Erik is definitely one of those that mean a lot to me," he told Entertainment Tonight. "So only if it's the right thing and it's impactful and if I could add something to it. If it means something, then, yeah, I wanna be a part of that journey."

Who will appear on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack?

Black Panther is known for its amazing original music. The lead single from the first installation's soundtrack, "All The Stars," was such a massive success that it was nominated for three Grammy Awards in 2019.

As anticipation continues to build for the newest addition to the superhero franchise, one superstar is confirmed to be on the soundtrack: Rihanna. Yes, that’s right — we are finally getting new music from Rihanna, for the first time in six (!!) years.

On Wednesday, the upcoming Super Bowl halftime performer posted an Instagram Reel, revealing that her new song, "Lift Me Up," debuts Friday, October 28. The video also played a brief clip of the song, and we're already in love.

Music news source Hits Daily Double reported back on October 18 that the Anti singer had reportedly recorded two songs for the highly-anticipated soundtrack. Then on October 25, Marvel uploaded a 15-second clip to Instagram that also seemed to suggest that new Rihanna music is imminent. The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever title fades on-screen, but after a few seconds, the first "R" in Forever is pulled out and "10.28.22" appears underneath. Rihanna commented, "🙅🏾♀️❤️."

BRB, counting down the minutes until Friday.

What will Black Panther: Wakanda Forever be about?

Further details surrounding the film's plot have been kept under wraps, but gossip site We Got This Covered reports that the film will detail a villain's quest to steal Wakanda's precious natural resource vibranium.

When did Black Panther: Wakanda Forever begin filming?

Production for the film is currently underway in Atlanta. According to Deadline, the film took a production hiatus after Letitia Wright, who stars as Shuri, fractured her shoulder and got a concussion during a stunt accident on set in August 2021.

How will Black Panther: Wakanda Forever handle Chadwick Boseman's death?

Details on how the film will incorporate Chadwick following his death haven't been confirmed, but Kevin Feige did allude to the film honoring him in some way. In June 2021, he told Variety, "It’s clearly very emotional without Chad. But everyone is also very excited to bring the world of Wakanda back to the public and back to the fans. We’re going to do it in a way that would make Chad proud."

When will Black Panther: Wakanda Forever be released?

Fans of the franchise won't have to wait too much longer. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters on November 11, 2022.

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