Press release - Series

November 2, 2022

ABC News Studios and Rock’n Robin Productions Partner To Explore the Origins and Evolution of a Pop Culture Superhero to Global Phenomenon in ‘20/20 Presents Black Panther: In Search of Wakanda’ on Friday, Nov. 4

The Special Features Exclusive Interview With Chadwick Boseman’s Widow, Simone Ledward Boseman

 

Program Also Includes Interviews With Cast and Award-Winning Filmmakers Plus, an Exclusive Sneak Peak of ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

ABC News Studios partners with Rock’n Robin Productions for “20/20 Presents Black Panther: In Search of Wakanda,” the one-hour program hosted by “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts exploring the evolution of Black Panther from the comic emerging in the 1960s to the film the world fell in love with in 2018. Roberts sits down with director Ryan Coogler to discuss the highly anticipated sequel to the Marvel Studios’ phenomenon, “Black Panther,” and how the film honors the legacy of Chadwick Boseman. EGOT winner and moderator of “The View,” Whoopi Goldberg, exclusively interviews Boseman’s widow, Simone Ledward Boseman. In homage to King T’Challa and one week in advance of the film’s premiere, the program features an exclusive sneak peek of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” “20/20 Presents Black Panther: In Search of Wakanda” airs FRIDAY, NOV. 4 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.

With “Black Panther”’s release in 2018, Afrofuturism – the incorporation of black history and culture in science fiction film – was ushered into the cultural spotlight across the world. “Black Panther: In Search of Wakanda” will travel to Africa to see first-hand many of the influences that inspired the  filmmakers when building the world of Wakanda. The hour also takes a  look at the expanding world in the new film with the addition of other cultures.

In the special, Oscar® winner Ruth Carter discusses her process of research, inspiration and execution of her award-winning costume designs, composer Ludwig Göransson talks about the authenticity that inspired his Academy and GRAMMY® Award-winning “Black Panther” score and the cultural impact of the music, and Oscar-winning production designer Hannah Beachler opens up about creating the world of Wakanda. The special also includes interviews with the film’s stars including Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong’o, Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira and Wakanda newcomers Mabel Cadena and Tenoch Huerta Meja.

“20/20 Presents Black Panther: In Search of Wakanda” is a co-production of ABC News Studios and Rock’n Robin Productions. Janice Johnston and Catherine McKenzie serve as executive producers.

About ABC News Studios
ABC News Studios, inspired by ABC News’ trusted reporting, is a premium, narrative non-fiction original production house and commissioning partner of series and specials. ABC News Studios champions untold and authentic stories driving the cultural zeitgeist spanning true-crime, investigations, pop culture, and news-adjacent stories. Its subsidiary, ABC News Films, acquires and produces feature documentary films.

About Rock’n Robin Productions
Headed by Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts, Rock’n Robin Productions is a full service, Emmy Award-winning broadcast and digital production company based in New York City creating new and exciting programming for network, cable, streamers, and online audiences. Projects range from documentaries and talk shows, to news driven specials, scripted dramas, sports programming and short form digital series. Regular clients of RRP include ABC, ESPN, Lifetime, Disney+ & espnW.  For more information, go to www.rocknrobin.tv.

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ABC News Media Relations
Lauri Hogan
Lauri.l.hogan@abc.com
(212) 456-6358

Sydney Tretter
sydney.tretter@abc.com
(407) 473-7132

Brooks Lancaster
brooks.lancaster@abc.com
(646) 512-4196

Rock’n Robin Productions
Bridgette Maney
Bridge PR
bridgette@bridgepr.net

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