Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is one emotional ride for fans as the real-life loss of Chadwick Boseman overlaps with the fantasy world of Wakanda grieving the death of their beloved king. Unfortunately, T’Challa is not the only soul they mourned over but Angela Bassett’s Queen Ramonda as well, adding more salt to the wound.
Needless to say, fans were devastated leaving the theaters, a double-edged sword pierced everyone’s hearts as they grappled with the eternal loss of two beloved Marvel characters. Bassett talked about this profound scene and reacted to fans’ outcry over her character’s demise.
Angela Bassett on Queen Ramonda’s Death In Black Panther 2
Angela Bassett returned to the screens as Queen Ramonda, a woman of honor and fierce courage who tried to hold the country of Wakanda together as she dealt with the loss of her son. In her interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the Oscar-nominated actress revealed that she is overwhelmed with the reactions from fans regarding her character’s tragic passing:
“I love that friends, audiences have been so impacted by it. I’ve heard constantly, ‘I’m sad, and I’m mad.’ I was like, ‘Well, that’s how I felt.’ A friend texted me and said, ‘The theater is literally weeping.’ I was like, ‘I wish I were there. That’d be something to see.’ That would really be something to see and hear.”
When asked about her initial reaction upon learning the fate of Queen Ramonda in the movie’s sequel, Bassett shared that she screamed ‘No!’:
“I think I just let out an audible (mouths screaming the word ‘no’). And my husband was like, ‘What’s wrong? You OK?’ Of course, I can’t tell him all what’s going on, can’t spoil the story. Definitely didn’t tell the kids.”
The preparation for Queen Ramonda’s return was also rigorous just like the first time. Bassett shared that after playing role in the first movie, there has already been a template laid for her. But, the actress has to work on the technical aspect, such as training with a dialect coach to make her sound credible now that she took the reins in the movie after T’Challa’s passing.
Was Queen Ramonda’s Death A Good Or Bad Move?
Due to an outpour of emotions from fans, many believed that the decision to kill off Queen Ramonda was not a wise move. But, Ryan Coogler was firm in his intention with the way he wanted to direct the movie.
In her interview with IndieWire, Bassett shared that she talked to Coogler about her character’s death and how it might disappoint the fans. The director told the actress:
“He was like, ‘Angela, I know, I know, but look, to die is not really to die in this world. It doesn’t really have to mean that.”
Whether this means that there is a chance that Queen Ramonda will be resurrected in some way or another, nobody is truly dead in the world of comics. Her death may have tugged a lot of heartstrings, but there is certainly more in store for Black Panther fans.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is playing in theaters worldwide.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter, IndieWire
