Rihanna made her post-baby red carpet return alongside her boyfriend A$AP Rocky at the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever world premiere. See their coupledom shots, plus how the Black Panther family paid tribute to their forever king, the late Chadwick Boseman, inside…
The stars aligned (and were shining bright as ever) for the long-awaited world premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, held at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood last night.
The Black Panther family, filmmakers, actors, actresses, entertainers, and anyone who could get their hands on an invite came out to support the world premiere of the Black Panther sequel, which is set to hit theaters on November 11th.
As we previously told you – Rihanna is BACK.
After announcing new music, new mom Rihanna made her post-baby red carpet return alongside her boyfriend, A$AP Rocky. For her glorious return, the 34-year-old Fenty honcho slipped into a gray strapless Rick Owens sequin gown from the designer’s Fall 2022 collection for her first red carpet since welcoming her son back in May. She accessorized her look with matching pointed mule sandals from Giuseppe Zanotti and a pair of beige opera gloves.
The “D.M.B.” rapper color-coordinated his streetwear ‘fit that featured a train.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky at the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premiere pic.twitter.com/VT6UtpCNIZ
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) October 27, 2022
The Savage X Fenty founder is set to release a new song tomorrow (Oct. 28th) titled “Lift Me Up,” which is the lead single from the upcoming Black Panther: Wakanda Forever original soundtrack. “Lift Me Up” was written as a tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Chadwick Boseman by Tems, Oscar winner Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna, and Ryan Coogler.
Word on the curb is that Rihanna will actually release TWO new songs for Wakanda Forever. The second track is titled “Born Again.” Both tracks play during the film’s credits:
Rihanna fans, rejoice! You’re getting TWO new songs with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. They’re called Lift Me Up and Born Again and they both play during the credits.
— Lando (@orlandoenelcine) October 27, 2022
We can’t wait to hear them both.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever takes place after the death of Chadwick Boseman’s character King T’Challa where the people of Wakanda grieve the loss of their king. In 2020, Chadwick passed away at the age of 43 following a private four-year battle with colon cancer.
Chadwick’s absence was definitely felt, however, the cast and crew served up thoughtful tributes to their forever king.
Ryan Coogler rocking a Chadwick Boseman chain at the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premiere pic.twitter.com/DRbYWhIRZw
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) October 27, 2022
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever director Ryan Coogler wore a gold chain that featured a picture of Chadwick Boseman. He spoke to Deadline about honoring Chadwick’s legacy, which you can check out below:
“We tried to honor him with this one”: Ryan Coogler on welcoming a new Black Panther after Chadwick’s passing #WakandaForever pic.twitter.com/780rlq7civ
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) October 27, 2022
Ryan Coogler also dished deets about working on “Lift Me Up” globally.
“It has elements from his time in Senegal, several years ago, it has elements from — obviously I recorded here in the states, recorded in the U.K., also recorded in Mexico. And then Tems and I and Ludwig sat down in Nigeria, and put some real work in on it, a few months back,” he told Entertainment Tonight.
Former NBA star-turned-CBS analyst Rip Hamilton popped up at the premiere to surprise Ryan:
Great moment as @RipHamilton32 surprised Director Ryan Coogler at the world premiere of @marvelstudios’ Black Panther: #WakandaForever! #NBAForever pic.twitter.com/jvkxSW9P3X
— NBA (@NBA) October 27, 2022
As for another tribute…
Letitia Wright, lighting up the red carpet. #WakandaForever pic.twitter.com/mRBkVAJrcF
— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) October 27, 2022
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star Letitia Wright kept her late co-star in her thoughts. She wore an ensemble that was a touching tribute to Chadwick Boseman, who played her on-screen brother, King T’Challa, in the Marvel franchise.
Letitia Wright seemingly wears an homage to Chadwick Boseman on the Black Panther: #WakandaForever carpet pic.twitter.com/gp6bHIRBEd
— Black Panther 2 News (@bpanthernews) October 27, 2022
Making her way down the carpet, Letitia wore a sleek black suit from Alexander McQueen’s pre-collection for spring summer 2023, with a cutaway waist and back crystal harness reminiscent of the Givenchy Couture suit Boseman wore to the 2018 Academy Awards, which featured silver embroidered details along the lapel.
Rihanna & Simone Boseman at our #BlackPanther: #WakandaForever World Premiere pic.twitter.com/OeVat2xLXE
— Asad Ayaz (@asadayaz) October 27, 2022
Rihanna snapped a photo with Chadwick’s widow, Simone Boseman.
: Actress Janeshia Adams-Ginyard attends the premiere of Marvel’s ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ with a portrait of late actor Chadwick Boseman painted on her back. https://t.co/1W1HLVXm7a pic.twitter.com/0vYPqjQk80
— ABC News (@ABC) October 27, 2022
Wakanda Forever actress/stuntwoman Janeshia Adams-Ginyard covered her body in paint, paying tribute to late costar Chadwick Boseman with a portrait of his face on her back.
Red carpet killer Angela Bassett – who is part of the Black Panther family – NEVER disappoints and last night was no different. Queen Ramonda rocked a gorgeous purple peplum Moschino dress and Le Silla shoes.
Royalty has arrived
Angela Bassett is here at the Black Panther: #WakandaForever world premiere. pic.twitter.com/1ntNHdEZlc
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) October 27, 2022
Sheesh! Just absolutely gorgeous.
Our Nakia, Lupita Nyong’o joins us on the purple carpet. pic.twitter.com/B6exlm1Zgz
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) October 27, 2022
Wakanda Forever star Lupita Nyong’o stunned in a knotted white one-shoulder dress by Balmain.
On the carpet, Lupita talked about sisterhood being in the “DNA” of Black Panther:
Lupita Nyong’o reflects on the sisterhood of the #WakandaForever women. https://t.co/B1NRkHWzXk pic.twitter.com/hNT0JkKwMi
— Variety (@Variety) October 27, 2022
Loves it.
The General, Danai Gurira commands the carpet at Black Panther: #WakandaForever world premiere. pic.twitter.com/jp8KtjbddB
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) October 27, 2022
Talk about a show stopper! Wakanda Forever star Danai Gurira looked like art in motion in this purple Robert Wun number.
“black-ish” actress Marsai Martin ATE in Azzi & Osta! Perfection.
Sisters/singers Chloe x Halle rolled up to the event together.
wakanda forever pic.twitter.com/F3hy8fNrDd
— Chlöe (@ChloeBailey) October 27, 2022
Chloe Bailey shimmered in a black floor-length sequin dress by fashion designer Sherma Joh, that featured a plunging neckline and double thigh slits.
wakanda forever pic.twitter.com/6iXxnZx7cW
— Halle (@HalleBailey) October 27, 2022
Come through with the Black mermaid vibes! Little Mermaid actress Halle Bailey rocked a black floor-length gown that featured a structured corset by Australian designer Maticevski.
EMMY winner Quinta Brunson looked regal as she made her way down the carpet.
EMMY winner Sheryl Lee Ralph – who is modeling in Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Show next month – had a blast with her son, Etienne Maurice, at the event.
“Baby! My son and I had a time last night!,” Sheryl captioned a collage of photos and videos. “When I tell you Muva was tired, BUT I still looked fabulous AND I made it to my 8am call time for work the next morning HALLELUJAH! Ryan Coogler, Chadwick Boseman would be so proud of this film and how you told this story…OUR STORY. Forever our King T’Challa. Wakanda Forever! PERIODT!”
“Claws” actress Karrueche looked beautiful in a gold one-shoulder dress.
Tyler Perry praises Ryan Coogler at the #WakandaForever premiere: “It’s my hope that his career follows the path of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, because he’s that level of brilliant…This level of creativity needs its own lane.” https://t.co/B1NRkHWzXk pic.twitter.com/uNtUXzBztM
— Variety (@Variety) October 27, 2022
Filmmaker Tyler Perry talked about Ryan Coogler’s genius level of creativity and how he’s optimistic that his career will soar. Peep the clip above.
On his way to the premiere, Tyler posted a thank-you message to Ryan Coogler for filming Black Panther: Wakanda Forever at his film production studio:
“On my way to the Black Panther premiere. Just want to say thank you to Ryan Coogler, Ruth Carter, @marvel and everyone else who wanted to shoot this incredible sequel at Tyler Perry Studios,” Tyler wrote. “It was our honor to host this next bit of history. Wishing you all the best as Wakanda Reigns forever !”
That’s a wrap on the World Premiere!
Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: #WakandaForever arrives in theaters November 11. pic.twitter.com/GtrM48EgS2
— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) October 27, 2022
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters November 11th. Better cop those tix as quickly as possible as it will for sure sell out.
Also, check out a brand new look at Wakanda Forever that was just released below:
For Wakanda, forever
Get tickets now for Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: #WakandaForever. Only in theaters November 11. https://t.co/EFulswO6Mh pic.twitter.com/Zp6AEEEmcw
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) October 27, 2022
We are SO ready.
Photos: Getty/Wire