Could Black Panther: Wakanda Forever make box office history?

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever trailer debuts at the San Diego Comic-Con, setting the internet on fire. Could Ryan Coogler’s sequel become one of the highest-grossing films of all time?

San Diego Comic-Con was an amazing event full of shocking news, interviews, and trailers. Marvel’s Hall H didn’t disappoint, giving fans a look into the future of everything Kevin Feige has planned. That included the debut trailer of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

From the moment the trailer opened with its theme music, it sent chills up our spines. Ryan Coogler’s follow-up to the box office and critically acclaimed Black Panther, Wakanda Forever promises to deliver everything we loved about the first film and more. This is why it’s not far-fetched to think that Wakanda Forever could sneak into the Top 5 highest-grossing films of all time.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever box office prediction

Avatar continues to hold the top spot followed by Avengers: Endgame, Titanic, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, and Avengers Infinity War rounding out the Top 5. Black Panther:  Wakanda Forever could knock off one movie from this list.

One of the most important factors is timing and history. Black Panther became a cultural phenomenon earning the No. 13 spot of the Highest Grossing Films of all time. People from all aspects of life raved about the film, but it meant something more to people of color — just ask Spike Lee who said the original film changed his life.

"“I’ve seen [Black Panther] four times. And I will say, I look at the world now differently — before Black Panther and after Black Panther. That changed everything, especially for people of color.”"

That type of support isn’t going anywhere and the passing of Chadwick Boseman will only enhance it. Fans of Boseman will flock to theaters to support the fallen actor who passed away from cancer a little under two years.

In fact, the presence of Boseman radiated from the trailer and carried the tone throughout, a narrative that we’ll see in the film. In the trailer, Coogler paid homage to the fallen actor with a memorial. The love for Boseman will play a role in fans wanting to show their love and support by seeing Wakanda Forever.

Intrigue will be another driving force for fans. There’s a bit of mystery surrounding the Black Panther sequel. We don’t know who will take the mantle, but there are theories. Some fans think Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) will return from the dead. Seeing the black and gold armor at the end of the trailer didn’t help. Others expect the movie to follow the comics with Shuri taking the mantle and becoming Black Panther.

Having a villain like Namor also plays a role. He’s a fan favorite amongst comic book readers, which will undoubtedly get them in theaters. There are also rumors about Ironheart, a hero known more to comic book fans than mainstream. With so much intrigue it’s easy to see why fans are eager to see Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

What do you think? Could Black Panther: Wakanda Forever become the MCU’s most successful film and take the top spot of Avengers Endgame?