In addition to its many box office accolades and superlative achievements, Black Panther also succeeded in introducing a new phrase into the lexicon: 'Wakanda Forever.' That is no small feat, but in the months since its release the words and accompanying gesture have become a mainstay in pop culture. Perhaps the phrase has become a bit too popular, at least for the star of the film. At the MTV Movie & TV Awards, while accepting the Best Villain trophy for his role as Killmonger in Black Panther, Michael B. Jordan made a plea to the fans on behalf of co-star Chadwick Boseman, saying:
One more thing. Chadwick Boseman, he personally asked me to ask y'all to stop asking him to say 'Wakanda Forever' out on the streets. Y'all taking the forever thing a little too seriously.
You've got to love how Michael B. Jordan took it upon himself here to make the plea on Chadwick Boseman's behalf, letting fans know that the forever wasn't meant to be taken literally. He played it as a joke, partially to entertain his onscreen rival, who won the award for Best Hero at the show. It's funny because Chadwick Boseman probably wouldn't say it, so Michael B. Jordan gets to be just a tiny bit of a villain, hitting fans with a hard truth to save T'Challa from a life of Wakanda Forever-ing.
Black Panther is insanely popular, so much so that even Avengers: Infinity War probably won't pass its box office domestically. Wakanda, T'Challa and the world of Black Panther have launched into the zeitgeist like few things before it. So, as with anything that popular, it can get overdone, especially for one of the stars of the film. Fans of course mean no harm by it, it probably just seems like the natural thing to do when seeing Chadwick Boseman on the street, using a movie reference as a way to say that you're a fan or that you respect his work, especially in Black Panther.
Even so, I imagine that it does sometimes get tiring having every fan who recognizes you on the street asking you to do the same thing over and over. That's the price of fame of course, and Black Panther has rocketed Chadwick Boseman into the stratosphere, yet we know he gets constant requests regarding the symbol. Perhaps instead of shouting "Wakanda Forever,' fans could instead comment that they liked his work in Marshall or that he was great as Jackie Robinson in 42 or even just discuss Black Panther without asking for the salute. So maybe Michael B. Jordan's request will help. You can see the actor's full acceptance speech and request to fans in the YouTube video below.
Given the popularity of the character, there is little doubt that Black Panther will play a major role in the MCU as it enters Phase 4 and beyond, so Chadwick Boseman and the stars of the film probably won't stop hearing requests to say 'Wakanda Forever' anytime soon. Keep an eye on our guide for everything from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and for all of your movie news, stay tuned to CinemaBlend. Oh and Wakanda Forever.
