It’s no secret that Letitia Wright’s actions over the past two years have caused a stir among fans and followers of the superhero franchise. The problem with big franchises in Hollywood is the growing influence of social media where everyone has a platform and a loud enough microphone to make their voice heard. Letitia Wright’s strong and confident stance on several increasingly contentious issues has made her a dangerous liability for a juggernaut and global platform like Marvel.
Also Read: ‘It Was a Pain for Marvel Studios’: Black Panther 2 Production Stalled for Months as Letitia Wright Almost Becomes MCU’s Ezra Miller Who Nearly Destroyed the Movie
Letitia Wright Controversies Are Raising Concerns At Marvel
In 2016, Chadwick Boseman was introduced to the mainstream cinematic universe in an ability shrouded in mysterious looks. The story developed further in the years to come, turning the actor into a legend, while the MCU deepened the cultural ethos of Wakanda and its royal family. The stellar cast including the likes of Angela Bassett, Daniel Kaluuya and Michael B. Jordan also featured a young Letitia Wright, who portrayed the playful and intelligent Shuri, the nation’s princess blessed by the panther goddess.
To read also: “When a woman raises her voice, we all flourish”: Black Panther Star Mabel Cadena says Wakanda doesn’t underestimate women like the real world says we could all learn from it
However, in 2020, the structure came crashing down when actor-turned-legend Chadwick Boseman died, far too soon and tragically for anyone’s liking. Letitia Wright, who was close to the actor, as were most actors, expressed her aggrieved opinion by liking and retweeting a post that advocated the cancellation of the Black Panther after. To make matters worse, Wright was a vocal anti-vaxxer who helped spread a post featuring similar sentiments that also included transphobic comments.
Read also : “We lost our brother”: Letitia Wright details the heartbreaking journey of creation wakanda forever Without Chadwick Boseman
For an actress who has been part of the studio and one of its most successful films since 2016, it then becomes detrimental to retain the actor, especially after the overwhelming activity on social media. But Marvel has discovered that silence erases controversies when people don’t get enough ammunition to get angry. Letitia Wright’s sudden silence then worked in her favor when she surfaced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever spiritually healed from the grief and trauma of losing her co-star.
Justin Kroll microanalyzes the Letitia Wright controversy
Deadline Senior Reporter Justin Kroll has shared his expert and comprehensive input on the controversy that has put a stain on Marvel Studios’ spotless record. According to his opinion,
“It comes down to the vaccination stuff. There are plenty of people in this town who are not vaccinated, who have chosen not to. But they were also silent about it. There were rumors about some movie stars but they never said one way or the other. With [Letitia Wright], his videos were a bit disruptive… And people are talking in this town. They’re at the various restaurants, they talk about it, and all I know is once she started talking, you didn’t hear her name for stuff.
And that’s the thing – you can do certain things in this town, you can be crazy and dumb in this town and still have names but when you start doing things where it’s public and the public is wary of you, that’s where studio executives look out for you. And the vaccination thing was very tricky… When you’re a young star, you want to make sure you get dates, and when you lose dates, that doesn’t help your trajectory. It doesn’t mean after Black Panther [Wakanda Forever, it won’t change…”
Also read: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Star Calls Letitia Wright Becoming New Black Panther Mere ‘Speculation’, Hints Someone Else Could Be Behind the Mask
Matthew Belloni, the host of the Spotify original podcast, The Town, added to that saying,
“The Black Panther sequel production was absolutely disrupted by some of the stuff that she did. She went to the UK, and there were questions about whether she could come back. So, it was a pain for Marvel, I know that.”
Whether the controversies follow the Black Panther cast home to Marvel or if the film’s success can override the negativity remains to be tested by Ryan Coogler’s mastery of storytelling.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premieres on 11 November 2022.
Source: The Town
