‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’: Best Moments From The Purple Carpet
Although most of us have to wait until Nov. 11 to see the highly anticipated Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Hollywood showed out last night at the premiere. Marvel has been…

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 26: Danai Gurira attends the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever World Premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California on October 26, 2022.
(Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)Although most of us have to wait until Nov. 11 to see the highly anticipated Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Hollywood showed out last night at the premiere. Marvel has been teasing several trailers for the film and yesterday (Oct. 26) they confirmed that Rihanna return to music will be part of the film. Rihanna's "Lift Me Up" which is due to drop tomorrow, has led to even more excitement.
"Lift Me Up" was written by Tems, Oscar winner Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna, and Panther director Ryan Coogler. The track is RiRi's first solo single since 2016’s "Love on the Brain." The song is a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman who played T'Challa in the first film.
"After speaking with Ryan and hearing his direction for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I’ve lost in my life. I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them,” said Tems in a statement, per The Hollywood Reporter. "Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor."
Marvel first teased Rihanna's potential involvement on their Instagram Wednesday (Oct. 26). In the clip, Wakanda Forever's "Forever" begins to fade into the background with the "R" remaining alongside the date "10-28-22" plastered below. Rihanna commented under the cryptic post with a heart emoji and the cross-arm emoji symbolizing Wakanda's greeting.
Rihanna later confirmed her involvement by reposting the video. "Lift Me Up" will be out Friday (Oct. 28).
As for the film, the latest trailer released shows Namor of the Talocan kingdom making his Marvel Cinematic debut and what fans presume to be Shuri taking on the mantle of her late brother.
Here are some moments captured on social media from the premiere's "purple carpet":
Director Ryan Coogler
The man who made it all happen. Ryan Coogler who wrote directed both Black Panther and the sequel poses for a photo on the red carpet.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky color coordinating on the carpet in gorgeous stone ensambles.
Cast of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
The cast of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever shares a behind-the-scenes shot of them all together.
Angela Bassett / Queen Ramonda
The Queen arrived. Bassett stunned in a purple gown noting that she and the rest of the cast put their all into the making of this film.
Danai Gurira / Okoye
Gurira looks beautiful in a deep purple gown.
Rihanna
Solo shots of Rihanna's red carpet look. The singer will be a part of the film's soundtrack with the song "Lift Me Up" dedicated to the late Chadwick Boseman.
Lupita Nyong'o
Lupita Nyong'o talks the role of womanhood and sisterhood in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Dominique Thorne
Dominique Thorne talks Rihanna's "Lift Me Up."
Letitia Wright
Letitia Wright talks about her hopes and dreams for viewers of the film.
Kevin Feige on Chadwick Boseman
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige discusses Chadwick Boseman's legacy.