Black Panther is one of the most culturally impactful heroes of our generation, representing technological innovation, courageous leadership, and Black excellence — all values that resonate deeply within the Xbox community. To celebrate the November 11 theatrical release of Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Xbox aims to inspire a new generation of heroes to innovate, build, and create a space for themselves in the Gaming and STEM industries.
Xbox is offering interactive experiences inspired by the new film, while amplifying diverse voices in the fields of technology and gaming. In the spirit of Xbox’s brand platform, Power Your Dreams, we are kicking off with a drone presentation high in the night sky narrated by Letitia Wright who plays fan-favorite Shuri — Princess of Wakanda and lead scientist of the Wakandan Design Group — reminding us that we each have the potential to power our dreams. The program will point participants to the official “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”-themed Xbox microsite at xbox.com/wakanda-forever, where consumers can explore more information on the film and exclusive Xbox promotions.
“Collaborating with Xbox is an opportunity to show women the power of growing within our respective crafts, whether you’re a designer, a gamer, or an actor,” said Letitia Wright, lead actor. “In many ways, my character Shuri and I have grown together. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” allowed me to expand as an actor while, Shuri grew into her role as Princess of Wakanda and lead scientist of the Wakandan Design Group. Shuri, along with all Wakandans, will have to endure change and embrace the next chapter in Wakanda.”
The site will feature limited-time only giveaways including film-themed custom Xbox console kits inspired by the iconic “Wakanda Forever” salute and the Black Panther hero suit, custom controller holders, bundled with replica Kimoyo beads and custom sterling charms. Budding innovators will also be able to participate in a brand new MakeCode curriculum inspired by the film, where users can learn how to write code for their own playable “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”-themed activity. These hardware and software exclusives will also be made available to fans and students globally and through Microsoft’s NTA programs that work with 1900+ Black social enterprises and non-profits.
Xbox has brought an all-star roster to their “Wakanda Forever” activations to celebrate the film’s release, including:
- “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” lead actress Letitia Wright, who plays fan-favorite character Shuri — Princess of Wakanda and lead scientist of the Wakandan Design Group — will offer inspiration and encouragement in a series of videos
- On November 7, Professor Jacoby DuBose will deliver the very first Wakanda-inspired HBCU Lecture from Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, where he will expand on the MakeCode curriculum and take part in a panel of Black gaming and STEM innovators with the entire lecture streamed live on the University’s social channels
- Project Amplify, tapping into Black professionals within Xbox and the gaming industry to share their personal origin stories, advice, and teachings for inspiring a more equitable STEM space
Xbox has teamed up with five Creators to buy out theaters across America and host free local screenings of the film beginning November 11. The local screenings will have reserved seats for youth from underserved communities; by bringing this film to the next generation of young heroes, Xbox aims to create more equitable access for diverse students and to empower them, just as “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” will inspire them, on-screen. Attendees will also have the chance to experience an introduction to the MakeCode platform and win Xbox’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”-inspired consoles and accessories.
Together, these activations and digital experiences are designed to empower underrepresented groups to realize the promise of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” by pursuing opportunities in game creation, mathematics, science, engineering, and more.
About Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”
In Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba), fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda. Introducing Tenoch Huerta as Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation, the film also stars Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena, and Alex Livinalli. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore, opens in U.S. theaters November 11, 2022.
