Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premiered over the weekend and thousands of fans flocked to theaters to witness another epic blockbuster from the house that brought us top-grossing superhero movies such as Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: No Way Home.
The much-awaited sequel boasts cultural richness, an emotionally-charged storyline, and an outstanding cast. The film, which is made memorable as a tribute to honor the legacy of the late Black Panther himself, Chadwick Boseman, also introduces a new location specifically made for Wakanda Forever.
Black Panther 2’s Talokan Origins And Inspiration
Talokan is based on the mythical Aztec kingdom Tlālōcān where Tenoch Huerta’s Namor resides and rules. The Marvel team decided to change Namor’s kingdom from Atlantis to Talokan, and it is said that those who died from lightning or drowning come to rest here. The place is also inspired by the Aztec culture.
Like Atlantis, Talokan is a highly advanced empire brimming with so much cultural abundance and deeply connected with Aztec mythology. While Atlantis has been depicted numerous times in other movies, such as Atlantis: The Lost Empire and Journey to the Center of the Earth, Talokan is a fresh new concept that allowed Marvel to put their own creative spin.
Fans Criticize Talokan’s Visuals, Calls It “Unfinished CGI”
Of course, people will always have something to compare things with. Some fans trolled Black Panther 2’s Talokan with comments such as “unfinished CGI” due to its dimly lit atmosphere. As a retort, Marvel fans answered in the most fashionable way, backed with facts and science. Check out these tweets:
Let's be honest now.
Atlantis>>>>Talokan. Like 90% of the underwater scenes in Wakanda Forever are black to hide the unfinished cgi. https://t.co/NbYHssACYa pic.twitter.com/lSeztXViaN
— Sharon ⚡️#FlashPack (@Sharito742) November 14, 2022
I agree Atlantis looks more flashy, but Talokan is how an actual underwater civilization would look with only one light source. God, this app has so many worse takes. I know filmmakers use dark to hide CGI flaws (American Godzilla movies I see you) but this isn't the case. 2/2
— Jeet Laha (he/him 🇮🇳 🕉) Wakanda Forever era (@laha_jeet) November 14, 2022
Unfinished CGI?
Talokan was beautiful.
Namor & Talokan DID NOT WANT TO BE DISCOVERED BY HUMANS.
So why would it be all bright and shiny.
Swear y’all don’t pay attention. https://t.co/mAbLyoXSnL
— Jimmy Folino #WhoDey 🐅- BLM, StopAsianHate 🏳️🌈 (@MrNiceGuy513) November 15, 2022
Talokan being mostly dark is realistic to how the deep ocean is pitch black and in the context of the movie they dont want to be found so it makes no sense to be lit up like a Christmas tree lmao
Stupid to say its unfinished CGI https://t.co/gem9IavR48
— The Vishanti (@OwnerOfVishanti) November 15, 2022
Talokan actually looks like a beautiful city on the bottom of the ocean. Atlantis looked like a purely CGI spectacle. Nothing about it felt real or personal. The competition isn't even close https://t.co/HzpfzGS671
— Med School Ash (@Miss_AshG) November 15, 2022
Atlantis, indeed, looks too colorful and flashy for an underwater location. Whatever Aquaman’s CGI editors intended to do with this style must have a specific explanation. In the end, fans just want to enjoy a really good movie paired with realistic visual effects that will not compromise the story.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is now showing in theaters worldwide.
