Arts & Culture
Maya Macatumpag (front row, far left) and other Dora Milaje from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. “
Photo courtesy Maya Macatumpag
McNair alumna lands role in Marvel film
By Samuel Cheng
Published 11:39 PST, Fri December 23, 2022
Last Updated: 2:57 PST, Mon January 9, 2023
—
Maya Macatumpag, born and raised in Richmond and a McNair Secondary School graduate, has a role in the latest Marvel film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
“It was an affirmation of the power of speaking things into existence for me. I went to watch the first Black Panther (movie) in theatres as a fan. After watching the movie, I remember saying to myself and the rest of my family that if they ever did a second film I would want to be a part of it and to play a Dora Milaje (warrior) for the entire run of the movie,” says Macatumpag. “So when I was cast as a Dora Milaje and brought on as a member of the stunt team, it showed me the power of my words and being intentional throughout my career with what I want to get out of it.”
The story of the Black Panther is about a king named T’Challa in the fictional African nation of Wakanda. The ancient kingdom possesses highly advanced technologies to enhance and boost the power of its military and innate prowess. King T’Challa fights and battles his rivals and doubters, and ultimately reunites the people of his nation.
Black Panther is the first African superhero in the U.S. comic industry. The film series, directed by Ryan Coogler, is based on comics created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
“Working on a Marvel production is very different than other productions, because off the bat you already understand the magnitude and the impact that whichever film you are working on is going to have to the masses,” says Macatumpag. “More specifically for the Black Panther franchise, stepping onto my first day on set the feeling was palpable, and everybody understood that what we were creating was bigger than just a movie; it was a legacy we were carrying on that was started by a world-changing individual in (late star) Chadwick Boseman.”
When Black Panther, the first film in the franchise, was released in 2018, it broke several records and was the first Marvel film ever to have a Black director and a predominately Black cast. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards and 12 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards and won three of each.
“Do not put limitations on yourself, and do not let other people’s ideas of what you are limit you. Only you can fully understand and unlock your full potential, so guard your ambition, protect that ambition, and nurture it,” says Macatumpag.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was released last month and is playing at theatres across Canada.
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
2 Hours of free financial consulting
Jai Xin Planning Ltd.
C$120.00 C$0.00
Use any of our home staging service and get a second month rental for free!
MiiX Interiors
C$500.00 C$0.00
Get 10% off any order
Phantom Screens Lower Mainland
C$200.00 C$180.00
